Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

The Story of Integrity, Bravery, and the Greater Good

James Stewart portrays Jefferson Smith, an idealistic, honest, and somewhat naive youth group leader suddenly appointed as a U.S. Senator. He is supposed to be a figurehead and is chosen by corrupt political machine bosses to make an empty gesture. The machine bosses expect him to be inexperienced enough not to stir up opposition—namely, a pork-barrel dam scheme, a boondoggle that would line rich backers’ coffers at others’ expense.

For they have misunderstood the power of principle.

Smith makes his way to Washington, D.C., struck by the majesty of the Capitol and American democratic ideals. What begins as admiration is gradually replaced by a building sense of outrage when Smith begins to understand that the dam would obliterate the land on which he wants to open a boys’ camp for needy youngsters. In an effort to reveal the truth, the corrupt machine labels him as a villain.

Back against the wall, Smith is left with only one thing to do to delay the bill and vindicate his name—he filibusters. In one of the most memorable moments in film history, Stewart’s weary but resolute figure gives a rhetorical speech in front of the Senate chamber, battling not only for his name, but for the soul of American democracy.

Why This Movie Remains Relevant in 2025

Despite having been made in 1939, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington seems remarkably contemporary. Its examination of corruption in politics, manipulation by the press, and the ethical price of power still resonates within our polarized political environment. But above all, it’s a reminder that idealism is not dead—and that one single person can have an impact when they stand on principle and do not compromise.

Capra’s trademark style—promptly dismissed by some as “Capra-corn”—is an amalgam of sentiment, populism, and a pinch of humor. It’s old-fashioned by today’s standards of cynicism and grit, and that’s where its charm lies. This movie has the courage to believe in goodness, decency, and honor.

Notable Performances: James Stewart and Jean Arthur

The performance by James Stewart as Jefferson Smith is widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s finest. He plays every aspect of Smith’s development from wide-eyed neophyte to impassioned patriot with sincerity and charm. Stewart’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and catapulted him into stardom.

Just as key is Jean Arthur as Clarissa Saunders, Smith’s wise-cracking, no-nonsense assistant who has long since despaired that politics can ever be anything other than corrupt. But watching Smith stand up for what is right, she recaptures her sense of mission. This accomplished performance adds depth, wit, and warmth, making her a source of emotional ballast in this film.

Claude Rains gives a rich and poignant depiction as Senator Joseph Paine—the kind of man whose ideals once shone brightly, only to eventually be sacrificed on the altar of power. Rains skillfully offsets ambition and remorse and in doing so creates a character both evil and tragic.

A Movie that Spans Generations

You may ask yourself: Can a 1930s black-and-white film still enthrall audiences today? Yes, it can.

There’s an unforgettable real-life testament to this. In the early 1980s, there was a political science teacher in Chicago who screened Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to his class at an inner-city high school. The students, all 15 years old, had never seen a classic movie before—mostly inner-city kids, they were resistant at first—restless and uninterested. But by day three and last day, they were absolutely immersed. The message, humanity, and universality of this film had penetrated every cultural, racial, and generational divide. That is what great storytelling will do.

A Work of American Film Art

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington received 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Stewart), Best Supporting Actor (Rains), Best Director (Capra), and Best Writing – Story. It received an Academy Award for Best Story and has also been added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as a film that is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

It is not an overstatement to describe this movie as a national treasure.

Why You Should Watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Today

• To reclaim the strength of moral conviction.
  
• To have James Stewart’s most iconic role.
  
• To consider politics, ethics, and civic duty.
  
• To watch a movie filled with heart, humor, and heroism.

No matter if you’re a film buff or merely interested in old Hollywood, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a must-see.

• Watch it now on Amazon Prime

Final Thoughts

Yes, it is sentimental. Yes, it is outmoded. In a cynical world, though, this is precisely the kind of tale we require. Capra’s movie reminds us that democracy is imperfect, yes, but it still has potential to be great—and only if decent people have the courage to defend it. Don’t let this classic pass you by. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is more than a movie. It’s a call to courage.