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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- Review Date: January 10, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Drama
- 1939
Common Sense Media says
Classic pits Jimmy Stewart against government corruption.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic gem from 1939 includes lots of smoking (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) consistent with the era and some drunkenness. Even though much of the movie takes place in Senate chambers, there are still a few violent moments including a gun shot, paper boys punched and nearly run down by goons, and the main character punching crooked reporters. Punching aside, the titular Mr. Smith is an otherwise great role model, holding onto his strong convictions even when it seems like everyone is against him. Kids will not only get to see the Lincoln Memorial but learn a bit about how the Senate operates and see a filibuster in action.
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 weather-beaten integrity perfectly suits the part, and contrasts well with Rains' suave urbanity.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Adult
July 4, 2009
AGE
Absolutely amazing film that still delivers even though it is 70 years old.
This is one of the movies in my top 10 list. It is a fantastic example of what HollyWood can produce. This movie excels at story telling, strong character development, and near perfect acting. This movie is incredibly educational for teaching kids/adults on the iner-workings of the United States Senate. There is one moment of suspense when one Smith's fellow Senator tries to kill himself so that he can avoid taking the rap for framing Smith. Over all, this is a perfect film for educators to show to their students who are learning about the U.S. Government. 5 out of 5
What other families should know:
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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Utterly timeless
James Stewart is incomparable in the quintessential "Gee, shucks" role, as a sweet but oblivious man unknowingly placed in the Senate simply to let other politicians continue doing their dirty work without distraction. However, when Stewart inevitably realizes this, he has to make a dangerous choice: does he turn a blind eye to the corruption of Washington or does he maintain his ideals to the end?
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Teen, 14 years old
January 16, 2011
AGE
When my eighth grade civics class viewed this, every one sighed because of the fact it was in black and white. I, however, love classic movies and found this one very well written and acted. I was first turned on by the fact that the main character was the guy from It's a Wonderful Life, who I came to later know as James Stewart. The filibuster scenes were my favorite part. The end was kind of abrupt, but a good movie nevertheless. No need to worry about language, violence, sex, etc. A little playful drinking, but pretty much everyone has seen worse. A great movie that may bore the kids, but others will thoroughly enjoy it.
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Teen, 15 years old
January 28, 2009
AGE
I recommend it to teachers or parent who want to teach children more about politics and the US government.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 10, 2009
AGE
Ugh
So boring but i saw it when i was 8 but so boring
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Teen, 16 years old
March 10, 2011
AGE
perfect for kids and adults 10 and up :)
The actors were exelent,and even though the movie is rather old it is something to wach with the hole family!!! the moive also acurataly discribes political prosseses verry well such as mr. smith's secritary telling how a bill becomes a law, which makes the movie have verry educatinal content! also mr smith shows strong chariter by standing up for what is right no matter what the coasts or how hard it is, which is a great lesson for people of all ages!! the only thing is kids under 8 would probably have a harder time fallowing what is going on, but there realy isnt anything inapropriate about the movie at all!!
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Teen, 13 years old
January 30, 2013
AGE
Educational
This was a good movie with a positive message about America. It might be hard for littler kids to understand what's going on. Good movie!
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Kid, 12 years old
January 23, 2013
AGE
Mr. Smith goes to Washington
In this movie there is a man named Jefferson Smith he has a boys camp and the congressmen of washington want him to senate their state. They want him so badly ecause he is a big airhead and they are doing something very secret that is not good, they think he won't notice. Mr. Smith is a big patriot and loves Abraham Lincoln the secretary is in on the big secret and makes Mr. Smith look bad. When the repoters rot him out he is about to run away but Sanders the secretary feels bad and helps him get back up on his feet again. At the big meeting he finally proves himself, right and has a boys camp for boys all over the country.
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| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Frank Capra |
| Cast: | Claude Rains, James Stewart, Jean Arthur |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 129 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 19, 1939 |
| DVD release date: | February 2, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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