Opened: October 17, 1939

Directed by: Frank Capra

Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell, Eugene Pallette, Beulah Bondi, H. B. Warner, Harry Carey, Astrid Allwyn, Ruth Donnelly, Grant Mitchell, Porter Hall, Pierre Watkin, Charles Lane, William Demarest, Dick Elliott, Billy Watson, Delmar Watson, John Russell, Harry Watson, Gary Watson, Larry Simms, H. V. Kaltenborn & Dick Jones

In a fantastically written story that holds true today maybe even more so than it did then, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic with a powerful performance from James Stewart that demands to be seen.

Governor Happy Hopper (Guy Kibbee) elects Jefferson Smith (Stewart) to take an open seat in Congress thinking that he will be easy to control. The other senator from the state – Joe Paine (Claude Rains) – is manipulated heavily by corrupt boss Jim Taylor (Edward Arnold).

Stewart perfectly portrays Jefferson. He embodies his greenness and makes him a hero against the corruption of D.C. With Jean Arthur’s brilliant Clarissa Saunders by his side, they’re an unstoppable force.

The filibuster in the final act is expertly written, shot and acted – making it stand amongst the greatest scenes on film.

Final say: Mr. Smith has my vote. ★★★★★