inventiondigest: [New post] ‘mr. Smith Goes to Washington’

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'mr. Smith Goes to Washington'

by jimbuie

This classic 1939 film by director Frank Capra starring Jimmy Stewart is worthy of reflection, especially at a time when the Senate is considering eliminating the filibuster. It suggests Washington is corrupt, in the hands of special interests. Summary: "A naïve man is appointed to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. His plans promptly collide with political corruption, but he doesn't back down." Watch now. Original Trailer.

"This film caused quite a stir in this town in 1939," wrote Matt Slovick in The Washington Post. "The Washington Press Club sponsored a premiere at Constitution Hall that was attended by congressmen, Senators and Supreme Court justices. About halfway through the film, people started walking out. At another dinner, Capra was criticized for showing graft in the Senate. The Washington press corps, who didn't like the way reporters were portrayed, joined in the attacks against Capra. But average Americans filled the theaters to see the film that helped make Stewart a star. The movie earned 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture (it lost to "Gone With the Wind")."

American Rhetoric: Classic Speech

Memorable Lines:
"Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say, 'I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't. I can. And my children will' ": Smith to Saunders when they begin drafting the bill for the national camp for boys.

"Maybe we can clear out of this town (Washington) ... get to feel like people": a drunken Saunders to her friend, Diz Moore.

"Well, I'm gettin' out of this town so fast, away from all the words and all the momuments and the whole rotten show": Smith to Saunders after Paine and others lied about him to a special committee.