I have always been fascinated by politics. For me, it is exciting how a democracy passes bills that eventually become laws and will, in time, affect every citizen of the United States. I am not a fan of conflicts or holding innocent people hostage to the whims of the privileged few. Disagreeing with one another is natural. One party cannot always come out on top or win every time. Open, honest discussions must be the key to our continued survival as a free people. The minute we start lying or bullying others will be the beginning of the end. I fear what is happening in our nation’s capital today. Everyone is shouting and spouting angry and hate-filled remarks, thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. No one is listening. No one is taking the time to remember what our country stands for anymore. Both sides are clamoring to be right. And there is a price to pay for “being right” every second. Who are we, and where are we headed if we don’t agree with the rule of law anymore? The politicians in Washington, D.C., work for the people. They are not in charge. They must take their cues from their constituents and what our nation wants as a whole entity.
I have been to D.C. several times throughout my life. It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly beautiful and powerful our institutions, statues, plaques, cemeteries, monuments, and museums are. It boggles my mind how our Founding Fathers were brave, forthright, and brilliant. Staring up into Lincoln’s eyes brings tears to mine. Standing in front of the Washington Monument and the reflecting pond humbles me. And climbing our nation’s Capital steps makes me feel pride and awe. I get it. I feel it in every bone in my body, just as Jeff Smith (James Stewart) did when he became a Senator in the stunning film…MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON.
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON only won one Oscar for Best Writing, even though it was nominated in nine other categories, including Best Picture. Those were turbulent times in 1939 when Frank Capra (Director) premiered his controversial film. Politicians were angry as to how they were portrayed. The Associated Press was also furious at their image, mainly because they appeared to be “drunks.” Some countries refused to show it. Others tried to buy the studio off and prevent anyone from seeing it. Some of America’s highest-ranking people in charge thought it showed our country in a “not-so-favorable light.” But Capra held his ground. Thank goodness.
There is no doubt that the strength of this film rests on Jimmy Stewart’s shoulders. His incomparable performance of innocence, naïveté, tenacity, and joy was an actor’s dream class. Stewart’s tone, facial expressions, and body language say it all. Watching him is like holding a mirror up to our inner emotional souls. When audiences add the riveting, totally believable filibuster scene, we watch sheer genius. Stewart withheld water for hours while filming to make his voice sound so worn out. I loved the rise and fall of his pitch as he would dig deep and gather strength. Every time I see this scene, I wish our current Congressmen would have the chutzpah to do the same. Our country could use some courageous comments within those sacred Halls. If they did, I would respond with Jeff Smith’s charming comeback, “Gee whiz.”
Another sweet, shy moment in MSGTW was the bit with the hat whenever Jeff talked to Susan (the daughter of another Senator). He is so smitten with her breathtaking beauty that he becomes awkward just holding his Fedora. The creative cleverness of this scene is that we only hear Susan and Jeff talking. Visually, we are treated to the spinning’s acrobatics of trying not to drop this costume piece. He fails three times. Funny, humorous seconds that “say” so much more. Kudos, Mr. Capra. Well thought out
James Stewart is surrounded by an extraordinary ensemble that includes Jean Arthur as Saunders, Claude Raines, Edward Arnold, Thomas Mitchell, Astrid Alwyn, and Beulah Bondi. All of these consummate actors maintain the highest caliber of entertainment and authenticity.
The entire Capital Senate Chamber was recreated through three sound stages. It was said to be a logistical nightmare filming on different levels while dealing with lighting and hundreds of extras. None of the National Parks or Institutions would grant their permission to film within those hallowed grounds. This raised their budget by over $200,000, and took an extra eight days to film. That’s okay since the movie went on to gross close to ten million when it finally was in its full release.
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON is a timeless classic from over eighty years ago. It is witty, charming, satirical, and full of the necessary clout we wish still existed today. When Stewart shouts at the press “to tell the truth and do your job,” it truly hits home within today’s climate of sensationalistic sound bits. It is a passionate film that honors patriotic idealism. Wish we still had more of that in our gut. Our country could use some of Capra’s magical touch within the Golden Dome. Maybe if we shared these cinematic moments, our country could come together once again. I am forever hopeful. Lincoln is watching.
It is available to stream on TCM.