Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) both follow a man who defend themselves against overwhelming odds. Director Frank Capra’s films, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It’s a Wonderful Life do a wonderful job of establishing the main character’s struggles using many different camera techniques and fast-paced editing. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington follows Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) as he becomes newly assigned to the United States Senate and fights against a corrupt political system. Jim Taylor (Edward Arnold) demands Governor Hubert Hopper (Guy Kibbee) to pick someone who would be easy to manipulate to get what they want, leading Hopper to choose Smith. A corrupt senator, Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), mentors…

featured in the patriotic movie, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. This movie was released in 1939 and was directed by Frank Capra. Jimmy Stewart starred as the title character, Jefferson Smith and Jean Arthur played Smith’s sarcastic, but kind-hearted secretary, Clarissa Sanders. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” uses filmic devices and a thoughtful script to showcase the concept of civic religion by illustrating the gods, scripture, and places of worship of American civic religion. The gods of…

The film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington directed and produced by Frank Capra is about a naive, honest young man named Jefferson Smith who was selected to replace a departed Senator. He was chosen in hopes to be easily manipulated to help the corrupt political boss Jim Taylor. While Mr. Smith is in Washington, he is learning and mentored by his father’s friend, Senator Joseph Paine. Senator Paine suggests to Mr. Smith that he should create a bill to keep him occupied. As Mr. Smith creates his bill…

“Half of official Washington is here to see democracy's finest show, the filibuster, the right to talk your head off, the American privilege of free speech in its most dramatic form. The least man in that chamber, once he gets and holds that floor by the rules, can hold it and talk as long as he can stand on his feet … In the diplomatic gallery are the envoys of two dictator powers. They have come here to see what they can't see at home. DEMOCRACY IN ACTION.” In Mr. Smith Goes To Washington,…

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was written by Frank Capra in 1939. The film conveys a classic political message about the corruption of politics during the gilded age. A young Midwestern man named Smith is voted into a Senate seat where he tried to pass a bill for a boy’s camp. Incidentally the location of the camp was in the same location the other Senator from his state, Senator Paine, wanted to build a dam. The issue over the land caused an argument to ensue between the two Senators. The…

Many, when they heard of the corrupts of this movie, believed that is was dumb, made no sense and should not of been produced. This movie is known as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. When reading the title one can understand what the critics were saying. What kind of film writer would give a movie a title like this? But as the saying goes you can’t judge a book by its cover. Once you sit down and actually watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington for no apparent reason you will find yourself enjoying it.…

During the screening of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, many ideas were presented that are vital to present day America. One idea that is particularly relevant to both the movement of the plot and modern day America is whistleblowing. Whistleblowing, or the disclosure of information by a person or agency that may be illegal, corrupt, or tarnish reputations, is directly related to democracy and freedom of speech (Whistleblowing). Additionally, whistleblowing plays a critical role in the film as…

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington; a film by Frank Capra, this is a film about a man who has never served or been in political office in his life, comes to Washington D.C. to serve out the term for a Senator, who died. However; the men who appointed him, wanted someone they could have control over, and have him vote for their interests. Jefferson Smith is a man who very idealistic about what the government should stand for and do for its people. He also has his secretary Ms. Saunders to learn about…

In the movie, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, it talks about the pros and cons of the government. Some pros that were stated in the movie was the idea that the leaders elected represent the public’s opinion and interest. Also, the idea of popular sovereignty was presented in the film as well. The principle of popular sovereignty is represented on how Mr. Smith is viewed by his voting precinct, which is the people who voted for him to be the Senator. They voted for him because they trust him and…

Overall, Jefferson Smith today would not think that the Constitution has been able to protect the Lockean principles of our nation in regards to the Immigration Reform, but democracy is working in 2015. As a liberal Democrat, he believes in the rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status, which is also implied in the film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. However, those who do not admit their fault and pay taxes will still have rights, but will also be held responsible for their…