Mr Smith Goes to Washington Review

Number 107 on the top 1000 films of all time is Frank Capra's political comedy drama Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939.)

James Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, the young, naive head of the Boy Rangers, is chosen to be a U.S Senator  He is chosen by State Governor Huburt "Happy" Hopper (Guy Kiblee) as he believes that he will be easy to manipulate.  Smith proposes a bill to purchase land to create a National Boy's camp.  However, when this land is revealed to be part of a proposed campsite, Smith finds himself fighting corrupt politicians to ensure he gets his voice heard.

The conflict of the film lies with Jefferson Smith and his struggle with overcoming his own naivety.  James Stewart did well to make the character sympathetic and likeable.  And he did this through how he portrayed Smith, as the only honest man in a house full of crooks.  The themes of political corruption, in this film, are as relevant now as they ever have been, and Jefferson is the underdog to root for.  When Smith is framed for trying to profit of his bill, he fights tooth and nail to prove his innocence.  The last act of the film sees a raggard Smith appeal to the hearts and minds of the people who rally to his defence.  The film ends on a happy note, as Smith proves his innocence.  Smith's transformation from a naive young man into an impassioned U.S senator was great to watch.

What was also interesting to see is what Jefferson Ford wasn't the only victims of corruption.  The governor who selected him was actually under pressure from his own boss to pick somebody else, but opted for Smith.  Smith's mentor is Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains) who whilst crooked himself is under pressure from his boss to frame Jefferson Smith.  It was interesting seeing how corruption can affect those at different levels.  For example, at the film's conclusion, Paine comes clean in his attempt to devalue Smith, which is what leads to his exoneration.

I understand that most of this film is set in Washington D.C, in particular the senate, so there would be patriotic imagery used.  But I think they seriously overdid it.  There was montage after montage of the Stars and Stripes, Uncle Sam, eagles, white picket fences and other American symbols, and it got a bit tiresome after a while.  In fact, I think it even diluted the message it was trying to convey.

Nonetheless, Mr Smith Goes to Washington is an interesting film that has a lot of to say about political corruption.