The only reason this isn't a 10/10 in my book is that I wish there had been more closure; Smith finding out about his victory, meeting with Saunders, Taylor's downfall, etc. But overall... Every time Capra and Stewart get together, it's magic (even more so when Jean Arthur is the leading lady). And this is no exception! Even nearly 80 years later, the story is a breath of fresh air, and incredibly gripping. I couldn't look away for a moment when it came down to the courtroom scenes at the end. It's a tremendous movie - it truly deserves its high rating. If you get a chance to see it, don't miss it!

Well, this is like any other political film oozing patriotism, where the small guy gets the big guy. The underdog wins. All American. Better yet, it is Frank Capra, with James Stewart. Can we get any more cliché? Oh, wait. The main character is a Jefferson Smith. Bribery, corruption, conspiracy, lies and deceit. It is all here. Shady deals, ulterior motives. In other words, politics. In case it was not already obvious, I am not very political. But guess what? In all the above ways, yes, this is like all those other films. But it the most important ways, it is not. What makes it different? In one word, Stewart. Sure, the clever writing, the directing, the supporting cast are all assets to the film. But he makes this film. His character's name is in the title, after all. Through his heartfelt performance as Jefferson Smith, the audience is inspired; even the most cynical of us might find ourselves beginning to really like this country, appreciate what we have today that our ancestors did not, and maybe even believe that we can make a difference by getting involved in politics. His naiveté is practically excruciating at times. His first glance at the White House can be compared to a little kid in a candy store. His first evening exploring all the monuments along and around the National Mall is shown in montage form with patriotic backgrounds music. Cheesy, yes. But somehow it was not as bad as it sounds. As he, an everyday man, tries to acclimate himself in the world of politics, each blunder brings new laughs. His awkwardness in palpable and his character lovable. Eventually, of course, he must learn the truth- that it does not really exist in the government. We all cheer for this everyday Smith as he tries to pave the way for all the little guys. As far as high school or even grade school education goes, this should be on a list of required viewings. Along with School House Rock's classic "How a Bill Becomes a Law", of course. I would have loved to learn about government, the Senate, bills, and filibusters this way. **** Spoilers **** Sadly, it was the ending that brought the greatest disappointment. It was extremely sudden and cheap. After all that determination and rallying from Smith; after how far Paine was willing to go to condemn the man he supposedly felt was "like a son" to him, after all his stubbornness to do the right thing, he gives up and confesses everything on the Senate floor? Highly unlikely. Even worse, it cheapens all that Smith has done.

Director Frank Capra presents the story of small-town boy scout initiative Jefferson Smith conquering the corrupted political world of Washington D.C. to restore order in the spectator's mind that life can be beautiful in certain moments.In this sense the director had been a master of manipulating the audience into empathy for on-screen characters, taking journey with their struggles and come out clean with life resolved to happiness - arguably this approach of filtering screenplays to a director's vision found its peak seven years later with "It's a wonderful life (1946)", in which actor James Stewart reprising his well-earned beat repertoire to the ultimate fairy tale of finding redemption in life. In that sense "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" feels like a star-forging vehicle for James Stewart, where the director Frank Capra steps back behind his leading man to let him explore his capabilities as an growing actor.Cinematography and Production Design are reduced to the essentials with no splendor nor extravaganza filling the framing. Amazingly the director had such a tight grip on his picture that he even got away with an 100 seconds Two-Shot of dialogue between Jean Arthur & James Stewart between pricked concrete walls. By just inter-cutting one b-roll pick-up shot at Lincoln Memorial, Capra was able to create the illusion of being at the Washington sight, giving the scene just enough depth to drag the protagonist out of his misery to confront his last fight at the capitol with Senator Joseph Paine, solidly performed by Claude Rains, who already build connections to his future character of Mr. Dreyden in "Lawrence of Arabia (1962)". Nevertheless Hollywood's golden 1930s has been a perfect example of showing how disputes between depolarizing characters shift into physical confrontations since the action decade of the 1980s, which the Director elegantly avoids and still achieves the same emotional impact with the audience - a rare state of cinema of 2010s desiring to be experienced again.© 2017 Felix Alexander Dausend

The film is based on an unpublished story. This is another Capra's "gentleman" who travels to the big city. Mr. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON is the affirmation of idealism ordinary "small" man, benevolent and noble individuals whose actions can and manages to change the world. Director's style is excellent. Mr. Deeds has already won the audience. Mr. Smith is another part of similar stories and themes. Coincidentally, "man of the people" becomes essential. By chance he comes in the opportunity to learn about the disease of society and to a painful, romantic, compelling and always humor bathed in a way defending real human values. Comedy upgraded socio - political ideological segments. American society, like any other is perishable. It is unlikely that this one little man can change. The culmination of this film returns us faith in the true value.James Stewart (Jefferson "Jeff" Smith) is idealistic and honest man who will soon disappoint the world of high politics. Fantastic performance was launched in the stars. His performance was fantastic.Jean Arthur (Clarissa Saunders) is quiet in search of human warmth. The search for something that would change her monotonous everyday life is at times accompanied by sarcasm. I must admit that I really like her acting. Her experience is growing in the climax of the film. It is again a "trigger" of the main character.The story is a playful and dynamic, perhaps a little more symbolic. The picture is excellent. The dialogues in the troubles are good. Romance is definitely late, but the intimate moments of the main characters are very well designed. It's a strange feeling. Almost all my works great, and I'm still not satisfied. Certainly this movie will not be called controversial. Honesty, love and kindness in times of corruption.