Rating: 
Summary: BRILLIANTLY CLEAR DVD
Review: Members of the U.S. senate were so outraged about this picture in 1939 (for all the wrong reasons) that there was actually talk of a retaliatory bill against the movie interests; the storm blew over after it became apparent that the public loved the film. Washington's youngest senator exposes corruption in high places, almost at the cost of his own career. Classic Capra with the little man coming out on top as he seldom does in life. Jimmy's sterling performance (probably his finest) is bolstered by Arthur and her excellent hard-boiled dame characterization. Jean Arthur, of the teasing voice, is the knowing secretary who is at first horrified by his simplicity. When the young Senator's illusions are shattered, he stages a filibuster, defeats the villains, and re-establishes the whole government on a firm and honorable basis. No one else could balance the ups and downs of wistful sentiment and corny homour the way Capra could - but if anyone else should learn to - kill him! Carey is magnificent as the Vice-President, and Guy Kibbee does well as the venal governor. Supreme gloss covers the corn and quirky direction keeps one watching; it's a treat listening to Stewart's voice go hoarse! The brilliant script was written by Sidney Buchman.
Rating:
Summary: Passion, patriotism and persistence
Review: In my opinion "Mr Smith goes to Washington" is one of Frank Capra'a greatest directing efforts. Staring James Stewart and Jean Arthur it reminds me strongly of "Mr Deeds goes to Town" another one of Capra's films, made three years prior in 1936. One of the main reasons may be that Jean Arthur seems to play the same character in both movies, with different names of course. While Deeds was a fine film I think of it as a dry run for Smith. Much of the best parts of the prior film were revisited and a lot more was added to the mix.
Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, the leader of an organization called the boys rangers which seems to be something like the boy scouts. When a mid term senate vacancy appears in Smith's state the beleaguered Governor selects him to fill the job. Why? Because he couldn't name the candidate that his unofficial minder had nominated without being crucified by the press and yet the new senator could not represent a danger to the powers that be. Jefferson, being young, inexperienced and popular with kids, turned out to be a perfect choice.
We are introduced to most of the main characters in the early part of the film and straight away it is obviously a David vs Goliath story. Pitted against Jefferson are a toadying Governor whose strings are pulled by Jim Taylor, a sleazy big businessman in cahoots with the State's other sitting Senator, Joseph Paine. Senator Paine is not only corruptly dealing with Taylor in a plan to skim real estate funds from the public purse but is also a childhood hero to Smith, because of his early years working as a partner with Jefferson's Father.
The bad guys are quietly confident that they can hoodwink the young Smith but of course the viewer knows that they may not have it quite so easy. When Jefferson arrives in Washington, after he finishes an impromptu tour of the city's historical sites, he meets his personal assistant, known only as Saunders, played aptly be Jean Arthur. Saunders is a cynical political player who has only stayed in the job this long because of threats and outright bribery from Senator Paine. As a result she is not above sabotaging Smith's position through the press. But this doesn't last long.
Jefferson quickly proves to Saunders that his integrity and drive is not artifice as he dives into a project to organize a national boys camp. Unfortunately the land that he intends to use has been ear marked by Paine and Taylor for their scheme. This leads to some interesting insights into the American political system and the eventual head to head confrontation between Smith and everyone else.
In the first battle Jefferson loses dramatically. Paine trumped up some very thorough corruption charges against Smith and he can not prove his innocence. Completely disheartened, Smith decides to give up the fight at least until Saunders comes to bat and reinvigorates him. Together they stage a fight back on the floor of the senate. And let me tell you, it is a very powerful finish, one that shouldn't be missed.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie
Review: This is one of Jimmy Stewart's best performances. Jimmy Stewart plays Jefferson Smith, a leader of a boys' group who is quickly and without warning named senator of his state. While serving he discovers that his state is being run by corrupt men and will stop at nothing to return things to the way they should be. In all aspects, this movie shines. A captivating plot, a talented cast, and a solid message. What more could you ask for in a film?
Rating:
Summary: Should Be Required In U.S. Jr. Highschools
Review: This film is Capra's best civic lesson and best film, and should be required viewing for every junior high student in America. When your're fighting for your ideals, you're always alone, but a person with moral courage is a majority of one.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE FAMILY CLASSIC
Review: Jimmy Stewart is absolutely fabulous in this Capra Masterpiece. The movie left both my wife and I speechless and wanting to get more of the classics in our DVD Library. This is a must have. Great transfer for such an old movie; incredible acting and a just a totally entertaining as well as educational movie. We were absolutely amazed at the quality of production that Hollywood used to make before resorting to senseless violence and explicit sex. It's wonderful to find films that a whole family can watch together.
Rating:
Summary: Capra+Stewart=Magic!
Review: Wow. All I can say is...wow. This movie left me absolutely speechless. I hate to sound like a cliche, but I laughed and cried right along with the movie. Stewart and Arthur have wonderful chemistry, and Frank Capra is nothing short of a genius. Once again, wow.
Rating: 
Summary: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Review: Wow! "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is just amazing. Jimmy Stewart is a wonderful actor and in this movie he plays a simple, loyal, kind-hearted American, who believes in Freedom and our great country. It literally brought tears to my eyes. It makes you feel something inside; a feeling of pride for the princibles on which this country was founded. It's not just a "Good guy wins" movie; it's inspirational and quite frankly one of the best movies I have seen this year.
Rating:
Summary: A Political Fable For All Time
Review: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" depicts the lies and corruption that engulf politics whether yesterday or today. The reporters as a Greek chorus remind me of the average contemporary American. We are wiser to the corruption if at a loss as to how to effectively address it. Admittedly the film goes over the top at the end, but that's why I label it a fable. Stewart and Claude Rains are superb as is the uncanny Jean Arthur. Of his performance, Rains last moments in the film make me wish he subscribed to the less-is-more dictum, but perhaps that was how Frank Capra wanted it. James Stewart has the capacity to physically change according to his character's mood. When he's all corny and "gosh-oh'gee," he looks gangly, like a contemporary Ichabod Crane. When a dramatic moment occurs, and he gets that dark look in his eye, his bumpkin features become urbane like the protaganist of his later Hitchcock films. I know of no other actor to which this happenes. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is entertaining but can be troublesome in that it reminds us of the real-life Jim Taylors who exist and who continue to find ways to take more than their fair share at the expense of so many honest, hardworking citizens.
Rating:
Summary: A great movie for 1939
Review: For its time, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was a great movie. It lost the Best Picture Oscar to Gone With the Wind. Not everyone will like it, but for 1939 it was good. It has the memerable scene when Mr. Smith talks to the Abe Lincoln's statue.
Rating:
Summary: Senator Everyman takes on corruption
Review: Jimmy Stewart plays the "everyman" character quite convincingly, as he did in all of his movies. His empassioned filibuster is the highlight of the movie. Would that we could have someone with the integrity of Jeff Smith today, instead of what we've got! If you like this movie, then get that other favorite Capra movie ("It's a Wonderful Life").
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