Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Cast

James Stewart
as Jefferson Smith
Thomas Mitchell
as Diz Moore
Claude Rains
as Senator Joseph Paine
Jean Arthur
as Saunders

Get more information about Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) on IMDb

Genres & Description

Comedy Drama

8.2 / 10

Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.

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Comments on this trailer
Comments may include spoiler!

Scott Johanson

Did I hear right? This guy compared Mr. Smith to Sara fucking Palin???? - @Monday, May 4, 2015 10:30 PM

Allie Mae

Thank you for your liberal remarks Mr. Lehmann. It's very clear to me that your so far in the dark about Government and politics during the 30s. That's its funny to hear you babble on as if you really knew anything about the it and the time. I also find not surprising that you say twice during your babbling that your afraid of the movie. Most liberals are afraid of pretty much anything around they don't understand nor comprehend. You yell from the shadows when something that requires you to do a little thinking about before you open your mouths because you don't understand it! I call you for what you really are sir. A blind coward of a man. Blind to see the truth about are government. And coward because your not able to stand on your own two feet out in the open away from the dark to face it! - @Thursday, March 19, 2015 2:51 PM

Jack Grattan

This movie was conceived in the FDR post-depression (not by much), pre-WWII days, and should be forgiven its naïve, optimistic outlook. Though not a big fan of this movie, I disapprove of Politically Correct Historical Revisionism, which is what Mr. Lehmann is indulging in here. Personally, I prefer Capra's earlier movies, the ones made BEFORE his name was put above the title. - @Saturday, January 10, 2015 11:23 PM

Michael Lehmann

Omg, me and this dude have the same name. Is it weird that I'm going into film too? - @Thursday, June 19, 2014 5:14 AM

Bethmann Alexander

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MISTER SMITH PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSEE GGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOO and destroy lehmann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - @Monday, March 17, 2014 11:08 PM

Vlad

How is Stewart's character "powerless"? The filibuster would block Senator Paine's legislation from taking effect, which is why Jim Taylor was so desperate to stop it. Honestly, I feel like a lot of these criticisms come from people that are actively ignoring what happens in movie, or haven't even watched it at all. Smith is naive? No kidding, the film acknowledges and even mocks this multiple times. (See above) - @Wednesday, July 17, 2013 9:52 AM

Vlad

Keep in mind the film was set in the 1930s, and even then, all the other characters are astounded by how idealistic and pure Stewart's character (a Boy Scout leader, just to drive the point home!) is . Moreover, he wises up very quickly when he goes to Washington. His idealism is the perfect contrast to the cynicism and corruption of Sen. Paine and political boss Jim Taylor. And how can you not like Stewart?! His biggest strength as an actor was how likable he was! - @Wednesday, July 17, 2013 4:45 AM

Vlad

Also, Michael Lehmann's commentary is the typical reaction of a deranged liberal to this picture. For starters, it's completely apolitical, so calling it "dangerous" is hilarious to begin with. Secondly, at no point does it state that all of our government is evil and corrupt. That is something Lehmann made up. ON THE CONTRARY, they show many goodhearted, sympathetic senators, and even note that the ONE corrupt senator started out as a decent man, but was seduced by a political boss. - @Monday, July 15, 2013 10:25 PM

Vlad

I disagree. Have you seen all of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"? The reason that Stewart's character is picked by the corrupt political bosses to replace the dead senator was BECAUSE he was so incredibly naive and ignorant of politics. That's the whole point, dude. Anyways, the film is a masterpiece, and the final act is surprisingly dark and gritty in its realism. Kids being beaten up by journalists who want to control the mass media, and thus brainwash the populace? Not naive at all. - @Monday, July 15, 2013 10:21 PM

diddymuck

famous due to 2 words...Frank Kapra - @Wednesday, July 3, 2013 10:14 AM

mrlusty100

This film is more relevant today then it was in 1939, Mr. Smith would be a member of the Tea Party today! - @Tuesday, July 2, 2013 9:07 PM