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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
1939 130 min United States of America 12+
★8.4
Comedy, Drama
Director: Frank Capra
Trailers
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Description
After the death of a United States Senator, idealistic Jefferson Smith is appointed as his replacement in Washington. Soon, the naive and earnest new senator has to battle political corruption.
Budget:
$1.5M
US Gross:
$144,738
Worldwide:
$9.6M
Starring
James Stewart
Actor
Jean Arthur
Actor
Claude Rains
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Plot
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Production Design
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Sound
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1940
— Best Director
Key opinion
Frank Capra’s classic film is widely celebrated for James Stewart’s career-defining performance as a naive idealist confronting systemic political corruption. While some viewers find its optimistic, fairy-tale resolution dated or overly sentimental, most regard the film as a powerful, timeless examination of individual integrity against institutional power.
| Acting | James Stewart’s sincere and authentic performance serves as the emotional anchor that successfully sells the film's idealism. | |
| Direction | Frank Capra’s direction effectively humanizes political themes, balancing gritty realism with a sense of hopeful inspiration. | |
| Screenplay | The script manages to tackle complex issues of political corruption and media manipulation through an accessible, engaging narrative. | |
| Ending | The film's optimistic, fairy-tale ending provides a satisfying emotional conclusion for some, while others view it as naive and disconnected from the harsh realities of politics. | |
| Pacing | The pacing can feel contemplative and occasionally dull to modern viewers, though many find the dramatic tension of the Senate scenes compelling. |