Common Sense Media Review
Classic pits Jimmy Stewart against government corruption.
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say that the film features a strong performance by Jimmy Stewart and carries powerful messages about patriotism, political corruption, and standing up for what is right, although younger audiences may struggle to engage with its themes and pacing. Many reviews highlight the movie's educational value regarding government processes and its positive role models, making it suitable for older children and adults, despite the presence of some dated elements like smoking and drinking.
- powerful performance
- positive messages
- educational value
- suitable for older kids
- engagement issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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 weather-beaten integrity perfectly suits the part, and contrasts well with Rains' suave urbanity.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between compromise and corruption. Do politicians have to do some bad things to make other good things happen? Is Mr. Smith a realistic character?
Families can also talk about the difference between being honest and being smart -- and what's more important to them. Saunders says that "all the good that ever came from this world came from fools." What does this mean?
Jeff gets slammed by the unscrupulous press and fights back -- with his fist. Would the media treat him the same today? How is the press the same? How is it different now? How would CSPAN and the Internet have helped Jeff Smith's cause?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 19, 1939
- On DVD or streaming : February 2, 2000
- Cast : Claude Rains , James Stewart , Jean Arthur
- Director : Frank Capra
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Friendship , History
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 27, 2025
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