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Mr Smith Goes To Washington on DVD (1939)

Mr Smith Goes To Washington cover art
Play Mr Smith Goes To Washington trailer
Average rating: (77%)
1111171120511
3.5
 
Starring: Jean Arthur | James Stewart | Claude Rains | Edward Arnold | Beulah Bondi | Thomas Mitchell | Guy Kibbee
Director: Frank Capra
Studio: SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time: 125 mins
Certificate: U
User collections: Mike's List | Superb Films of the 1930's | Oldies but Goodies | Ten Ten out of Tens | Pure Genius Brilliant Films | Beep the beeping man
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Dubbed: French, German, Italian, Spanish
Subtitles: Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
Released: 26/02/2001

Brief synopsis of Mr Smith Goes To Washington

Two slimy fat-cat legislators recruit Jefferson Smith, an innocent and staunchly principled Montana scout leader, as the state's new Senator, hoping to exploit his naviete and community pride to bring home pork-barrel funds. Once he ascends to Capitol Hill, however, Mr. Smith finds nothing but deep-rooted corruption in Washington, D.C., and, absolutely refusing to submit to cynicism, he tirelessly takes the message of the American people right to their out-of-touch representatives. Based on Lewis R. Foster's novel "The Gentleman From Montana." Academy Award Nominations: 11, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (James Stewart), Best Supporting Actor (Harry Carey). Academy Awards: Best Original Story (Lewis R. Foster).

Related

Critics Reviews

Rating of 5 stars out of 5 Radio Times

This superb discourse on corruption in American politics is one of Hollywood's finest achievements. Director Frank Capra resolutely (and remarkably, for him) keeps sentimentality at bay in this film of Lewis R Foster's Oscar-winning original story (adapted by Sidney Buchman) about an idealistic young senator who finally realises that he is not his own man. Washington hated this movie, but the public flocked to see James Stewart in, arguably, his finest hour. Stewart lost out as best actor to Robert Donat in Goodbye, Mr Chips, but was rewarded with an Oscar the following year, ostensibly for The Philadelphia Story. Few movies are as well cast — the bell-voiced Jean Arthur is wonderful as a super-cynical secretary, and veteran western star Harry Carey provides one of the greatest supporting roles in all cinema as the vice president, his magnificent performance alone a reason for viewing.

Rating of 4 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

Archetypal high-flying Capra vehicle, with the little man coming out top as he seldom does in life. Supreme gloss hides the corn, helter-skelter direction keeps one watching, and all concerned give memorable performances. A cinema classic.

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsbrilliant!

Daniel Johnson from london. , 25/10/2004

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

  7 out of 8 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsBest advert for America.

Dali from London , 18/03/2004

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.

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsSatire at it's best

A customer from Wales , 29/10/2005

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.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsBest advert for America.

Dali from London , 18/03/2004

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.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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