# Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

> 1939 film by Frank Capra

**Wikidata**: [Q866120](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q866120)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Smith_Goes_to_Washington)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mr-smith-goes-to-washington

## Summary
*Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* is a 1939 American political comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart as an idealistic young senator who exposes corruption in Washington, D.C. The film is a classic of the political film genre and a landmark in American cinema, known for its patriotic themes and Stewart's iconic performance.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*
- **Release Date**: October 19, 1939 (Washington, D.C. premiere); October 21, 1939 (general release)
- **Director**: Frank Capra
- **Starring**: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains
- **Genre**: Political film, comedy film, drama film
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 129 minutes
- **Budget**: $1.5 million
- **Box Office**: $3.3 million (domestic)
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Story (nominated), National Board of Review: Top Ten Films (1939)
- **Preservation**: Selected for the National Film Registry in 1989
- **IMDb Rating**: 8.2/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 97%
- **Metacritic Score**: 73/100
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0031679
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0gt14
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: no2011082380
- **Sitelink Count**: 43 Wikipedia language editions

## FAQs
**What is *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* about?**
The film follows Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), a naive and idealistic young man appointed to the U.S. Senate, who discovers political corruption and fights to expose it through a dramatic filibuster.

**Who directed *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*?**
The film was directed by Frank Capra, known for his patriotic and idealistic films like *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Meet John Doe*.

**What awards did *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* win?**
The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (James Stewart). It won the Academy Award for Best Story.

**Is *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* based on a true story?**
No, the film is a fictional story, though it reflects themes of political idealism and corruption that resonate with real-world politics.

**What is the significance of the filibuster in the film?**
The filibuster scene, where Jefferson Smith speaks for hours to delay a vote, is one of the most iconic moments in the film and a powerful depiction of democratic resistance.

**How was *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* received upon release?**
The film was controversial upon release, with some critics and politicians accusing it of being anti-American or naive. However, it has since been recognized as a classic and was added to the National Film Registry in 1989.

**What is the legacy of *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*?**
The film is considered one of the greatest American films of all time, influencing political dramas and inspiring generations with its message of idealism and integrity in government.

## Why It Matters
*Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* is a seminal work in American cinema that explores themes of democracy, corruption, and individual integrity. Its portrayal of an idealistic outsider challenging a corrupt political system resonates with audiences worldwide, making it a timeless commentary on the power of individual action. The film's influence extends beyond entertainment, shaping public perceptions of politics and inspiring real-world activism. Its preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical significance.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Performance**: James Stewart's portrayal of Jefferson Smith is one of his most memorable roles, earning him an Academy Award nomination.
- **Political Themes**: The film is a landmark in the political film genre, addressing themes of corruption and idealism in government.
- **Filibuster Scene**: The climactic filibuster is one of the most famous scenes in cinema history.
- **Academy Recognition**: Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
- **National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation in the U.S. Library of Congress in 1989.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film has inspired numerous political dramas and remains a touchstone for discussions about democracy and integrity.
- **Controversial Reception**: Initially criticized for its portrayal of political corruption, the film has since been celebrated for its idealism.
- **Frank Capra's Signature Style**: The film exemplifies Capra's directorial style, blending humor, drama, and patriotic themes.

## Body
### Overview
*Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* is a 1939 American political comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Claude Rains. The film tells the story of Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic young man appointed to the U.S. Senate, who discovers political corruption and fights to expose it through a dramatic filibuster.

### Production and Release
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures
- **Director**: Frank Capra
- **Screenplay**: Sidney Buchman
- **Release Dates**: October 19, 1939 (Washington, D.C. premiere); October 21, 1939 (general release)
- **Budget**: $1.5 million
- **Box Office**: $3.3 million (domestic)

### Cast and Characters
- **James Stewart** as Jefferson Smith: An idealistic young man appointed to the U.S. Senate.
- **Jean Arthur** as Clarissa Saunders: A cynical secretary who helps Smith navigate Washington politics.
- **Claude Rains** as Senator Joseph Paine: A corrupt senator who initially supports Smith but later opposes him.
- **Edward Arnold** as Jim Taylor: A powerful political boss who controls the Senate.
- **Guy Kibbee** as Governor Hubert "Happy" Hopper: The governor who appoints Smith to the Senate.

### Plot Summary
Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor Hopper, who is controlled by political boss Jim Taylor. Smith is intended to be a puppet senator, but he quickly becomes disillusioned with the corruption he sees in Washington. With the help of his secretary, Clarissa Saunders, Smith decides to fight back by proposing a bill to create a national boys' camp. When Taylor and Senator Paine try to block the bill, Smith stages a dramatic filibuster to expose their corruption and rally public support.

### Themes and Style
- **Political Idealism**: The film explores the power of individual integrity and idealism in the face of political corruption.
- **Democracy and Resistance**: The filibuster scene is a powerful depiction of democratic resistance and the importance of free speech.
- **Patriotism**: The film reflects Capra's patriotic themes, celebrating American democratic values.
- **Humor and Drama**: The film blends comedy and drama, using humor to highlight the absurdity of political corruption.

### Reception and Legacy
- **Initial Reception**: The film was controversial upon release, with some critics and politicians accusing it of being anti-American or naive. However, it was also praised for its idealism and Stewart's performance.
- **Academy Awards**: The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (James Stewart). It won the Academy Award for Best Story.
- **National Film Registry**: In 1989, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
- **Cultural Impact**: The film has had a lasting influence on political dramas and remains a touchstone for discussions about democracy and integrity in government.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Academy Awards**: Nominated for 11 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (James Stewart). Won Best Story.
- **National Board of Review**: Named one of the Top Ten Films of 1939.
- **National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation in 1989.

### Related Works
- **Frank Capra's Filmography**: *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* is part of Capra's body of work, which includes other classics like *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946) and *Meet John Doe* (1941).
- **James Stewart's Career**: The film is one of Stewart's most iconic roles, alongside *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946), *Vertigo* (1958), and *Rear Window* (1954).
- **Political Films**: The film is a landmark in the political film genre, influencing later works like *All the President's Men* (1976) and *The Ides of March* (2011).

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 129 minutes
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.37:1
- **Sound Mix**: Mono
- **Color**: Black and White
- **Language**: English

### Cultural References
- **The Simpsons**: The film has been referenced in episodes like *Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington* (S14 E14) and *Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington* (S3 E2).
- **Parodies and Homages**: The film's themes and scenes have been parodied and homaged in various media, reflecting its enduring cultural relevance.

### Preservation and Availability
- **National Film Registry**: The film is preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress.
- **Home Media**: Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms.
- **Streaming**: The film is available on various streaming services, ensuring its accessibility to modern audiences.

### Critical Analysis
- **Political Commentary**: The film is often analyzed for its commentary on American politics and democracy.
- **Idealism vs. Cynicism**: The film's portrayal of idealism versus cynicism in politics remains relevant in contemporary discussions.
- **Filibuster as Symbol**: The filibuster scene is frequently cited as a powerful symbol of democratic resistance and the importance of free speech.

### Influence on Pop Culture
- **Film and Television**: The film has influenced numerous political dramas and comedies, shaping the genre's conventions.
- **Literature and Theater**: The film's themes have been adapted and referenced in various literary and theatrical works.
- **Public Discourse**: The film's message of idealism and integrity continues to resonate in public discussions about politics and governance.

### Conclusion
*Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* is a timeless classic that explores the power of individual integrity and idealism in the face of political corruption. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its cultural and historical significance, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in American cinema and political drama.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1940)
3. The Movie Database
4. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
5. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Rotten Tomatoes
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031679/releaseinfo)
7. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031679/releaseinfo/)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031679/technical/)
11. Kinopoisk
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/3178)
14. Online-Filmdatenbank
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/C4F3-46E9-3407-9357-950E-U)
18. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/79564)
19. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Mr._Smith_Goes_to_Washington-DZYMY)
20. Trakt.tv
21. FilmVandaag.nl