Here’s the thing: If Jimmy Stewart’s or Harry Carey’s characters in the movie Mr. Smith Goes To Washington were real people, none of us would ever have to worry about who to vote for again. We just wouldn’t. Forget political parties and government shut-downs. We’d totally become a hopeful nation where things like honesty and integrity replaced apathy and skepticism.
Okay, while I’m not quite as jaded as that last sentence might make me sound—I interviewed enough politicians when reporting to believe there are still some great people out there in leadership—I can’t deny watching this movie makes me long for a much different political landscape than we’ve got going on currently. Maybe everything would go a little better if lawmakers took recess to watch a little Mr. Smith…
After all, doesn’t ALL of life go a bit better when we watch good movies? 🙂
Politics aside, though, this movie includes SUCH a masterful performance from Jimmy Stewart. I’m talking “can’t take your eyes off the screen” when he’s standing his ground at the end. And Jean Arthur…she’s one of my absolute faves. Plus, Stewart and Arthur aren’t the only two big names in this one. As Clay and I discuss in this week’s Gush, it’s packed with familiar faces from the 30s and 40s—and it’s funny and inspiring and hopeful! It’s also considered one of Frank Capra’s most controversial films. Why? Watch the vlog to find out…
Have you seen this Frank Capra film? Would you vote for Jefferson Smith? What’s your favorite “political” movie?
p.s. As always, feel free to throw out suggestions for future flick picks. Miss a past Gush? Just take a little jaunt on over to our YouTube channel…
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Okay, another one I haven’t seen!! I actually rented it from the library since I know you love it, but forgot about it and then it was due back! LOL. Sounds like I’ll need to do a re-check…
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You need to rent it again! Or, actually, I think it was free on amazon prime even…so if you’ve got that, there you go. No excuses!!
We should’ve watched more movies when you were here in Iowa. 🙂
I love all things Jimmy Stewart including this movie. I watch political movies with my husband and generally I like them, but they’re not my go-to movie.
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I’m trying to remember what you movie favorites are, Jess. I know you like Jaws, but that’s all I can remember…
Either way, I’m glad you like Jimmy Stewart movies.
I love Mr. Smith Goes to Washington! Excellent performances and sublime script! (You know how I feel about Jimmy Stewart!) I loved your thoughts in this post, Melissa! (Especially your suggestion that maybe today’s politicians need to watch this movie!)
I had to go to my phone to watch the vlog (computer too slow this morning), but I liked your take on the movie. I knew it was considered controversial at the time, but I didn’t realize the extent.
I’m beyond thrilled that you appreciate the classics! 🙂
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Haha, “appreciate” might be a little of an understatement.
Yay, glad you like this movie…as for my suggestions that politicians watch this, I almost have to wonder how many politicians out there have seen it. I read somewhere that Frank Capra claimed to have received hundreds of letters from people telling him this movie inspired them to go into politics. I realize the running of a government can’t always be as black-and-white idealistic as this this movie makes it out to be—but still… 🙂
Yes, I love this movie. And it’s probably my favorite political movie. Great pick.
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Woohoo, glad you like it, Sandra.
Just saw this 2 yrs ago. Great, eye-opening inspiring movie! I’m no political movie buff but this is probably one of my favorites if not the best. Great seeing how Jefferson Smith really plans to make a difference, w/ no plans to make any enemies. Yes, it would be easy to vote him into office!!! (:^D
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Yay, glad you stopped by, Randall. It IS a good one. I think one of the things I love most about it is that it avoids the whole partisan rigamarole.
I really can’t think of a lot of political movies per se that I know real well either. But awhile back I got super into the show West Wing…watched a ton of it on Netflix and even though I often disagreed with the politics of the show, I loved that it showed characters in BOTH parties who actually did have noble purposes, while also painting a realistic picture of the give and take of government.
Yes, I’ve seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington many times!! I love Jean Arthur and Jimmy Stewart. This movie inspires me to live what I believe, and fight for what I know is right. You don’t sound jaded above–you sound like an American who has lost hope with politics, but is still deeply hopeful about America.
By the way, if you haven’t seen Goodbye, Mr. Chips, starring Robert Donat, you HAVE to see it!! It’s an excellent movie. 🙂 I’m not surprised he won the best actor award for this movie.
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Oh good, glad I don’t sound too jaded…and that you love Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. Have you seen You Can’t Take it With You? If you like them together in Mr. Smith, you’d love them in that one. You know, I really think I’ve seen Goodbye, Mr. Chips, but I can only vaguely picture it in my head. I remember it as being somewhat of a tear-jerker…I think…but yeah, I barely remember it all.
This is one of my favorite Jimmy Stewart movies. I actually like it better than It’s a Wonderful Life…gasp! I know!:) I remember being on vacation and watching this with my grandparents. Great memories and a great movie pick!
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Gasp! Better than IAWL? I love Mr Smith…but I can’t say I love it more than IAWL. (But honestly, I don’t think I can say I love any movie more than IAWL.) I’m happy it brought back good memories for ya. 🙂
Mr. Smith is a great movie. So much Hollywood excellence mentioned in this episode: Jean Arthur, Jimmy Stewart, Frank Capra, You Can’t Take it with You! Love!
And did I hear you say that you’ll be “Gushing” about It’s a Wonderful Life soon? That is on my All-Time Favorites list!
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Oh yes, It’s a Wonderful Life is definitely up on deck for December! Best movie ever. 🙂
Another movie I haven’t seen-sadly! We’ve had the DVD for awhile but I kinda always thought it was this boring political movie and had no desire to watch it but now I’m definitely intrigued and will have to check it out soon!
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Oh it’s so good, Abbi. And hopeful. And inspiring. And Jimmy Stewart does some of his best acting. 🙂
I really love Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. It has so much going for it: mainly Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur (so underrated! She’s probably my favorite classic movie actress). Plus, I love Capra-corn. =) I remember the first time or two I watched this movie, I was a bit overwhelmed and confused with all of the corruption and backstabbing going on, but it soon because a favorite. I think they did an amazing job of making it both cynical and hopeful…it’s so patriotic, but at the same time it’s exposing the worst side of politics. And Jimmy Stewart’s performance at the very end is so amazing that I always feel drained after watching it, as if I were right up there with him. =) I really need to watch this movie again soon!
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Oh man, I completely agree with you on Jean Arthur. I don’t understand why she’s so often left off lists when people talk about the great classic actresses. And you’re so right–it’s this interesting mix of cynical and hopeful. And you know, I love that it doesn’t give Jimmy Stewart’s character an easy out. How easy would it have been to have all those letters at the end be in support of him instead of against him? And that could’ve turned the tide and ended the move…instead they were against him and it made his next words about this being a lost cause all the more powerful. So good!
FINALLY had an evening to get caught up on the gushes! So much fun! I love Jimmy Stewart and being married to a political junkie, this was one the first old movies we watched together. Might be time for a re-watch!
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Aww fun, I like that it’s one of the first movies you watched together. 🙂