Mr Smith Goes To Washington Reviews

brilliant!

I've just gotten home from seeing the premiere of a new print of 'Mr Smith Goes To Washington' at the London Film Festival.. so in truth, i'm reviewing a brand new restoration of the picture and not the disc you'll be renting. Having said that- the film is still the film, so it's gonna be worth renting.

Anyway, the restored version looked amazing.. unbelievable to think it comes from 1939. By the way, they will be releasing a DVD version of the new print so for a better experience you may want to wait for that. Anyway!..

The film itself. Well, what can I say. Truly brilliant on so many levels.

I never tire of James Stewart; he is iconic of brilliance of cinema, everything there is to love about film can be captured in Jimmy Stewart's performances.. you can't help but be moved by him and the films he is in to the point of wanting to change your life.

Frank Capra is often cited as a king of corniness and cheese, but I certainly don't feel that with this film. Films are here to entertain and to inform, and 'mr smith' certainly does both. It's a good example of how democracy in America works, and it's political content and subtle humour is just as relative and funny today as it was in '39.

When watching films like 'Mr Smith' and 'It's a Wonderful' life we really get a sense of what cinema is about.. many of us renters are searching everywhere for hidden gems, but tend to look around hoping for some modern rarity to fill the void in our desires for a superior cinematic experience. However I feel we are more likely to get that from digging into the archives. James Stewart films in particular.

Yes, his films are uplifting, yes they're cheesy.. but they are EVERYTHING we should want from a film, that offer a fantasical, emotionally and thoroughly heart-warming experience that makes you glad you have ears and eyes.

In summary, a brilliant film.. a certain must-see. And while you're at it, if you haven't already.. make sure you rent out 'It's A Wonderful Life' and 'Harvey' as well. And if you've already rented them, rent them again.. or buy them. They just get better and better.

5 out of 5. Brilliant.

dj152@aol.com

Best advert for America.

This film is the best advert that the USA could ever produce for itself and ye old faithful democracy. Although the film is 65 years old, it is still fresh and still inspirational to the current generation.

The lead and supporting actors are all superb. The film moves at a brisk pace and every scene & every line is important -nothing is wasted.

Watch it and enjoy the magic of an era gone by.

Satire at it's best

I suppose my heading says it all. We echo positive comments from other reviewers. Shame there are, seemingly, no Mr Smiths left in the great(?) US. Absolutely amazing and so perceptive film given its age.

Best advert for America.

This film is the best advert that the USA could ever produce for itself and ye old faithful democracy. Although the film is 65 years old, it is still fresh and inspirational to the current generation.

The lead and supporting actors are all superb. The film moves at a brisk pace and every scene & every line is important -nothing is wasted.

Watch it and enjoy the magic of an era gone by.

Trucker Caps and Hot-Dogs

James Stewart at his loveable nieve country boy best, a Frank Capra feel good feast. Whats not to like?

On the surface the film seems to fly the Stars and Stripes a little too high for British eyes. However, dig a little deeper and we see the sinister side of American politics: back handers, cover-ups, lies and media control.

Highlights the errors in the alleged best democracy in the world yet manages to hold it so high my nose is still bleeding.

I bet Michael Moore loves it.

mr smith

sentimental but excellent with a outstanding performane by a young james stewart as the naive hero

Class Stewart and Capra

If you really need a film to watch and you can't face 'It's a Wonderful Life' again this is my favourite second best. Another nice story of good triumphing over evil. I remember this film especially fondly because of the Due South episode 'A Few Good Men' which borrowed the story.

This is one of my favourite films, Frank, Jimmy, Jean, Claude, Beulah & Harry I salute you. Everything in this film from low venal politicians to low venal journalists rings true today (what about it Tony & Piers?) 'Someone will listen to me'? In reall life they would all be too busy buying up land in the development zone themselves but who cares. What a classic. Harry Carey should have won an oscar.

A little dated but good Sunday watching

A little bit topical as it reviews a naive American who ends up becoming a US Senator and then finds himself immersed in corruption. Uses the fillibuster (hence the topicality) to save the day. Simple plot. Of its age.

Outstanding

Whack the kettle on, grab a bar of Dairy Milk and settle down for a little bit of film history. I love this man.