Rating: 
Summary: "Well, I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr. Paine.."
Review: It is hard to believe that Jean Arthur gets top billing in this classic Capracorn film, given Jimmy Stewart's unforgettable performance in the final act of this film. But then it is equally hard to believe a film that spends several minutes explaining how a bill becomes law without resorting to animation and a catchy song. Still, the fact that Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart teamed up at all to make this movie is pretty remarkable. Capra wanted to film the Lewis R. Foster story "The Gentleman From Montana," but learned Rouben Mamoulian had already agreed to make the film. So Capra traded "Golden Boy" for the film so he could use Gary Cooper for a "Mr. Deeds goes to Washington" film. But Cooper was unavailable, so Capra turned to Stewart, whom he had used in "You Can't Take It With You." The rest is cinematic history.I think Stewart's performance grows over the course of the film, as does his character. The climatic filibuster scene is a great example of acting, both by the lead actor and the wonderful ensemble cast. The performance I really love in this film is by Harry Carey as the President of the Senate, a marvelous bit of getting the most out of a small part. Claude Raines as Senator Joseph Paine embodies a civilized gentleman throughout the film, until the exciting climax. Both actors were nominated for Supporting Actor Oscars. Jean Arthur as Saunders is also in fine form (by 1939 standards she deserved top billing), but then it is impossible to find a part that does not click in this film. Edward Arnold gets to play the bad guy, Beulah Bondi is mom, Guy Kibbee the blustering politician, and Thomas Mitchell the sarcastic journalist, and so the Capra players are very much in evidence. I always have trouble deciding if it is "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" or "Meet John Doe" that is the most idealistic of the Capracorn films. My answer is usually whichever film I saw last. But "Mr. Smith" is clearly aimed at politicians while "John Doe" speaks more to the people, so that would probably be the deciding factor. I was fortunate that the first time I saw this film it was in what was called an "art theater" in those dark days before home video when such things were a staple near college campuses, and I can still remember being just riveted to the final act and totally convinced, like Saunders, that Jefferson Smith was toast. Kudos to Sidney Buchman for the script. Some people might find the Americana to be a bit much, but I have managed to remain inspired by the symbols of our country while having pretty much total disdain for the people who are elected to office. But then you have to admit, Jimmy Stewart's character makes them all look like hacks, even across the chasm of over half-a-century.
Rating: 
Summary: Quite the movie
Review: I don't really get into the patriotic, political stuff... but this movie wasn't bad in spite of that. It's been a while since I've seen it but I felt it was well-done and interesting, although I didn't care too much for Jean Arthur. Kinda has a strange voice... which you kind of get accustomed to after a while I guess. I can recommend this movie even though it didn't leave me saying, "Hey, I have to get that movie!" I have to believe that anyone with a bit of patriotism (I don't possess much of it) would find this much more stimulating than I do. Not really a lot to say about it otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: Jimmy Stewart for Governor!
Review: When Jack Warner heard that Reagan was running for Gov. He said, "No, Jimmy Stewart for governor; Ronald Reagan for best friend." Jimmy Stewart of course was a class A actor who made it to the class A movies. This is his second time working with Frank Capra.
I make a point to watch this movie every 4th of July. It brings out both cynic and the romantic in me. With strong acting, it makes it a us versus them situation. You find yourself rooting for Jefferson. The final part is worth every nickel. No, it wasn't good acting that made that hoarse voice, Jimmy went to a doctor who put some mercury in his throat!
Not a whole lot of extra features. Its a shame that Jimmy Stewart couldn't have lived a few more years to give a audio commentary. Nethertheless, Frank Capra Jr, gives some insights.
Watch for "It's A Wonderful Life" character: Mr. Gower as the Maj. Leader, Uncle Billy as a reporter, and Ma Baily as Ma Jefferson! Claude Rains play the perfect noble villian, an idealist who lost his ideas. Did you know that this film infuriated Congress and the Press, and that companies tried to buy the rights to destroy this classic? Find out why and watch it.
Rating:
Summary: Jimmy Stewart lights up the screen
Review: We have seen Jimmy Stewart play all kinds of roles: A man who comes to appreciate his family and life (It's A Wonderful Life), a man who spies on his neighbors (Rear Window), and even a man who wants to win the heart of the beautiful Katherine Hepburn (The Philadelphia Story). Now we see Stewart as a patriotic American man who goes to the Senate to represent his state. This movie reminds me of a modern day Tom cruise movie; the government trying to bash the integrity of a citizen. I enjoyed it very much, and found myself being drawn into the movie; Reacting to the injustices that I found were being dolled out to Stewart. I thought that it was a wonderful movie and would recommend it to any James Stewart fan, or anyone who appreciates a good, classic movie!
Rating:
Summary: The lost causes are the best ones
Review: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is among the best movies made in the 1930's and one of the all time best. Featuring the first legendary performance of actor James Stewart, as well as memorable roles from Jean Arthur and Claude Rains. It is also a great study of the power and manipulation of the mass media. Most importantly however, as in many Frank Capra films, it is about a struggle between the good and the bad guys. The end result shows that nice guys always win, though never easily.
Rating:
Summary: 3rd favorite movie
Review: Yeah, well, this is my third favorite movie and it's really cool. There's this Smith guy, and he goes to Washington. He's crazy over all the sights and everything. Then he wants to make a national boys camp, but the land is already spoken for. He's got to make a fight for it, but in the end, he pulls through, even if he is unconscious
Rating:
Summary: American Romantic
Review: A masterpiece. A cure for the cynical age we live in. May God bless the great spirit of Frank Capra. May God find a Boy Scout master in some small town in America out there, somewhere to save America from the vultures of Wall Street, Hollywood, Harvard, Yale, Washington DC. Never give up up on America. One simple American man with high idealism will save us. God bless America.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificant Performance by Stewart
Review: This is one of the greatest movies of all time. Jimmy Stewart's performance is not only heartwarming, it is encouraging. Jefferson Smith's character reminds us all of our once-idealistic view of the city of Washington DC and when (and by whom) that view was shattered. If only we all thought as Jefferson Smith and were as pure and innocent. I recommend this movie to anybody.
Rating: 
Summary: A tale for our times
Review: Frank Capra's 1939 drama "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is one of those true classics that is every bit as relevant today as it was in its time. Perhaps it is even more relevant today! Jimmy Stewart, as Mr. Smith, is a respected national scout leader who is chosen to fill a vacancy in the senate. The crooks in congress believe that Smith can be manipulated, but his idealism allows him to resist their pressure. Eventually Smith is duped into asking for land to build a boys' camp that is really land for the oil interests in congress. This all builds up to a heroic climax that has become part of film history. Jimmy Stewart does a convincing job portraying Smith as the idealistic and gullible Smith. His honesy and genuine concern are Capra's idea of an ideal government. Capra's congress of 1939 is very much like the congress of 2001, dominated by the financial interests of the career politicians. I felt that the movie dragged in places, and it was hard to keep interest in parts. But it's still a good piece of filmmaking for the area. No true fan of film should go without seeing "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." It truly stands the test of time.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful dream
Review: This is without a doubt the best picture of Jimmy Stewart--this beat both Gone With the Wind and Wizard of Oz for best picture and is an inspiration for cynics everywhere. Ironically, Senators walked out of the movie, exclaiming that no one in the senate could be corrupt. Ha. It is my favorite movie and a beautiful treatise on "Lost Causes"
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