Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

What’s the Story?

Naive Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) is sent to Washington to serve the remaining term of a Senator who has died. At first, Smith is such a hopeless rube that he is an embarrassment. But a visit to the Lincoln memorial reminds him of what he hopes to accomplish, and he returns to the Senate to promote his dream, a national camp for boys. Smith winds up in a battle with corrupt senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), who sets out to destroy the young idealist and his dreams. Smith's friend Saunders (Jean Arthur) tells him to filibuster -- take the floor of the Senate and keep speaking -- while his mother and friends get out the real story. While Smith holds the floor, his Boy Rangers print up and try to distribute their own newspaper. But Taylor's henchmen stop them. After speaking for 23 hours, Smith sees that all of the letters and telegrams are against him. After an impassioned speech pointed at Paine, he vows to go on, but collapses from fatigue. Paine, overwhelmed with shame, runs into the cloakroom and tries to kill himself, confessing that he was the one who was corrupt.

Is It Any Good?

Frank Capra was to movies what Norman Rockwell was to illustration; he gave us a vision of our national identity that never ignored the challenges we face, although it was idealistic about our ability to meet them. This movie, made on the brink of World War II, was criticized for its portrayal of dishonesty and cynicism in Washington. But ultimately, it was recognized for the very patriotic and loyal statement that it is.

It is hard to imagine a time when Jimmy Stewart was not a major star, but this is the movie that made him one. He was a perfect choice for the shy young idealist. Capra selected cowboy actor Harry Carey to play the Vice President, who presides over the Senate during Smith's filibuster. His look of weatherbeaten integrity perfectly suited the part, and contrasted well with Rains' suave urbanity.