Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Starring:Jean Arthur, James Stewart, 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 (II), Delmar Watson
Director: Frank Capra
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Political heavyweights decide that Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), an obscure scoutmaster in a small town, would be the perfect dupe to fill a vacant U.S. Senate chair. Surely this naive bumpkin can be easily controlled by the senior senator (Claude Rains) from his state, a respectable and corrupted career politician. Director Frank Capra fills the movie with Smith's wide-eyed wonder at the glories of Washington, all of which ring false for his cynical secretary (Jean Arthur), who doesn't believe for a minute this rube could be for real. But he is. Capra was repeating the formula of a previous film, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, but this one is even sharper; Stewart and Arthur are brilliant, and the former cowboy star Harry Carey lends a warm presence to the role of the vice president. Bright, funny, and beautifully paced, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is Capra's ode to the power of innocence--an idea so potent that present-day audiences may find themselves wishing for a new Mr. Smith in Congress. The 1939 Congress was none too thrilled about the film's depiction of their august body, denouncing it as a caricature; but even today, Capra's jibes about vested interests and political machines look as accurate as ever. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Great Political Appreciation Movie!.......2007-05-06

Jimmy Stewart is fabulous in this movie! His wonderment of everything in D.C. is enough to inspire anyone about our great nation. As a novice of all things political, he comes to Washington as a new senator, determined to build a boys camp where they can have more opportunities to learn and grow. With growing opposition from other senators, even one that he once trusted, Jefferson Smith (Stewart) he rallies against impossible odds to not only get the bill passed, but to gain respect from the other senators and show that good things still happen in American Governement, if we only believe and never give up. Very inspirational!

The Lincoln Memorial.......2007-04-24

The following review contains SPOILERS regarding the film's ending:

This spring I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. for the first time. Of the entire trip, my most special moment was when I saw where my favorite President, Abraham Lincoln, and my favorite patriotic
film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, met: the Lincoln Memorial.

There are a few choice films that every American should see as a reminder of the great freedoms God has bestowed upon our country. Rarely does a film urge us to give our all - sweat, toil, grit, and guts - to
defend such freedoms. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of them. The Frank Capra directed film made its debut in 1939 just prior to World War II and James Stewart's real life military service. Although it was
criticized by many politicians and newsmen of its day, it has gone down as one of America's most patriotic and stirring films.
The classic struggle of one man - betrayed, slandered, and prepared to quit - who yet stays to fight til the bitter end, is one that stirs mankind and transcends generations. During one of the most stirring
sequences of the film, Miss Saunders (Jean Arthur) challenges Smith to stay. She asks him, "Jeff, what did you do, quit? Didn't you do something about it? . . . You can't quit now, not you. . . . You didn't just have faith in Paine or any other living men - you had faith in something bigger than that." Such a desire to persevere in the face of great opposition has been engraved on our souls by the Almighty God of creation. And - it is only by the grace of God that anything can be accomplished through us.

The first time I watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, I was upset that the American political system had failed. If Senator Paine had not finally succumb, our system would not have protected us. However, I later realized Frank Capra's greater message in the film: the system will not work unless we have men who demonstrate moral values upholding it. This lesson is rarely taught in classrooms today - where all social problems are deemed solvable through the eyepiece of bureaucratic government. There is a great need to be reminded of the truth so eloquently stated by President John Adams: "We have no
government armed with power capable of contending with emotions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
This message is constantly reverberated throughout the film. During Smith's filibuster he tells his fellow Senators, "I wouldn't give you two cents for all your fancy rules, if behind them they didn't have a
little bit of plain, ordinary, everyday kindness - and a little looking out for the other fellow."

Another powerful message is represented by Jean Arthur. She is the one who encourages him fight that last bloody battle. There is something so beautiful about a woman who desires to stand behind her man, and the necessity of her encouragement to help him persevere. If more women realized their potential as exhorters of man, would there be more "Mr. Smiths"?

Great Movie!!!.......2007-04-16

I first saw this movie during summer school of my government class just to get it out of the way for senior year and i am so happy i did because if i didnt i never would have found out about this movie. although it is in black and white and it's from "back in the day" it is such a powerful movie.

it tells alot about what might go on in the senate, and to have james stewart pull off such a typical nice guy who can rant like there is now tomorrow was just powerful. And to see him and jean arthur together again was just great.

if your lookin for a classic to bring you into classic movies this one would be it!!!

A Lesson on How Government Works.......2007-04-04

A United States Senator has died and the Governor must appoint a replacement to get the approval of a dam in the state. [Water supplies, or power, are very important in western states.] Politicians have been buying up the lands near the proposed dam. ["Honest graft" said George Washington Plunkett.] The film shows the back-room deals of the political bosses. But the Governor's children clamor for Jefferson Smith (showing the effects of the media on impressionable minds). Candidate selection by luck? The Governor explains his logic: a young fresh face will impress the voters [and the machine will do the job of getting him elected]. Smith is a fast learner, he knows how to flatter the powerful Senator Paine. Smith's father was murdered by a mining corporation (but they couldn't prove it). Arriving in Washington he is greeted by lovely young women ("groupies", a hint of scandal). Smith visits the Federal monuments and buildings. Smith is so naive you know it is just an act. His pet idea is a "Boy's Camp" for city boys. The film shows how the media can play the news in its photographs of Senator Smith.

The Senate commences with a prayer for wisdom. [Have they ever prayed for honesty and common sense?] Smith punches out the newspaper men who offended him [but they were just doing their job, following orders]. These journalists tell Smith how they see things. Senator Price explains how the laws are made; even a lawyer can't understand them. Secretary Saunders explains how bills are made into laws. [This is a tutorial for the people who forgot their civics courses.] Smith's camp would be located by Willett Creek (where the dam would be built). Smith's speech is played for laughs, but the visitors cheer and clap for this well-meaning plan. Senator Paine's daughter Susan will divert Smith away from the Senate when the bill for the Willett Creek dam is introduced. [Could Smith be working for the interests of Big Coal who don't want competition from hydroelectric power?] A tipsy Clarissa Saunders explains how the trick was done. Could the Senate introduce a bill that benefits one rich man? [This film shows how political bosses control the politicians.]

Jim Taylor advises Senator Smith to do what is best for his state, where Taylor owns many businesses and newspapers. Senator Paine explains the need for "compromise", playing ball. The next day Senator Paine brings up the facts about Senator Smith: ownership of the Willett Creek lands! Expert witnesses testify as to the validity of Smith's signature. Shall government "of the people, by the people, for the people" perish from this earth? Clarissa Saunders returns to advise Jefferson Smith on how to fight his expulsion. Smith launches a filibuster to prevent this, and creates dramatic speeches. Senators protest by walking out, but a quorum call gets them back. Taylor orders the press to censor Smith's speech! [Can one wealthy individual still control the media in one state?] The other Senators agree to put down this upstart. One small weekly newspaper will print the truth, even when gangsters attack the newsboys. Will the people suffer from Taylor and his gang? Thousands of telegrams were sent against Smith; he collapsed from fatigue. But there is a surprise ending that ends happily.

Signing an option to buy land shows Smith is learning how government works. Building a dam would provide jobs and future hydroelectric power. It is a more sensible project than a reform school. This film swindles your emotions by presenting a one-sided and biased viewpoint.

Mr Smith .......2007-03-23

I loved this movie then and I love it now. Can never go wrong with Jimmy Stewart

The Premiere Frank Capra Collection (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington / It Happened One Night / You Can't Take It with You / Mr. Deeds Goes to Town / American Madness / Frank Capra's American Dream)

Average customer rating:

All I can say is "WOW!
Outstanding value DVD set
Capra is quietly cool.
Great films, great quality
Historic Films

The Premiere Frank Capra Collection (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington / It Happened One Night / You Can't Take It with You / Mr. Deeds Goes to Town / American Madness / Frank Capra's American Dream)
Starring: Jean Arthur , James Stewart , Claude Rains , Edward Arnold , and Guy Kibbee
Director: Frank Capra
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000ION7A8
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Amazon.com

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Political heavyweights decide that Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), an obscure scoutmaster in a small town, would be the perfect dupe to fill a vacant U.S. Senate chair. Surely this naive bumpkin can be easily controlled by the senior senator (Claude Rains) from his state, a respectable and corrupted career politician. Director Frank Capra fills the movie with Smith's wide-eyed wonder at the glories of Washington, all of which ring false for his cynical secretary (Jean Arthur), who doesn't believe for a minute this rube could be for real. But he is. Capra was repeating the formula of a previous film, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, but this one is even sharper; Stewart and Arthur are brilliant, and the former cowboy star Harry Carey lends a warm presence to the role of the vice president. Bright, funny, and beautifully paced, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is Capra's ode to the power of innocence--an idea so potent that present-day audiences may find themselves wishing for a new Mr. Smith in Congress. The 1939 Congress was none too thrilled about the film's depiction of their august body, denouncing it as a caricature; but even today, Capra's jibes about vested interests and political machines look as accurate as ever. --Robert Horton

It Happened One Night Director Frank Capra (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) took home every Oscar in the book (well, okay, all the major ones) for this seminal 1934 comedy starring Clark Gable as a hard-bitten reporter who stays close to a runaway heiress (Claudette Colbert) rather than lose a good story. Funny and sexy, the film is full of memorable scenes often referred to in other films, such as the "walls of Jericho" (a mere bedcover hung on a line down the middle of a room so opposite-sex roommates can get undressed), and Colbert's famous flash of thigh to stop a speeding car in its tracks. Capra's brisk, urbane brand of wit was a perfect complement to his populist faith in the common man (in this case, Gable's character), and that inspired combination makes this film both a spirited entertainment and an uplifting experience. --Tom Keogh

You Can't Take It With You
Frank Capra's 1938 populist spin on the George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart play about a family of happy eccentrics is a great deal of fun, though it significantly rewrites the original work and doesn't represent Capra (Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) at his best. Jean Arthur plays a member of the blissful Vanderhof household who falls in love with a rich man's son (James Stewart) and brings him into her nutty home. Lionel Barrymore, who played such a bad guy eight years later in Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, is the wonderful Grandpa Vanderhof, who addresses God during the dinner prayer as "sir" and speaks plainly and beautifully of why it's good to be alive. Capra took this opportunity to rail against big business and champion the common man, but the overall tone of the film--typical for the director's comedies--is buoyant and snappy. --Tom Keogh

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town is Frank Capra's classic screwball comedy about a village innocent who inherits $20 million, only to discover it's more trouble than it's worth. The screwball in question is Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper), a small-town greeting-card poet and tuba player transplanted to the big city to administer his newly inherited wealth, where fast-pattering, wised-up cynics, sneering society denizens, and corrupt lawyers lord it over the ingenuous and straightforward. Deeds's idiosyncrasies are amply magnified in the tabloids by journalist "Babe" Bennett (Jean Arthur), dating Deeds as a cover, only to discover she's the sap when she falls irresistibly for him. But the damage has been done, when Babe's column is used by a pack of corrupt lawyers, Cedar, Cedar, Cedar & Budington, to prove Deeds mentally unfit. The miracle of this unforgettable comedy is how it embraces dark material, calling into question some common assumptions about capitalism while maintaining an approachable atmosphere of light comedy, and deceptively so. You'll be so pixilated by its charm, you won't rest until you've doodled your way to a rhyme for "Budington." --Jim Gay

More Stills from The Premiere Frank Capra Collection (click for larger image)

Product Description

Designated the "Number One Director in Hollywood" by Time Magazine in 1938 and voted by Entertainment Weekly (April 19th issue, 1996) as one of the greatest directors of all time, Capra has received numerous industry awards and accolades over the course of his successful career including three Best Director Oscars®.

The Premiere Frank Capra Collection is a 6-disc collectible box set featuring five of Frank Capra's best films. The digitally re-mastered set includes Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, You Can't Take it With You, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, It Happened One Night and American Madness. The DVD box set includes a bonus disc packed with all-new interviews, archival footage, plus Frank Capra's American Dream documentary hosted by Ron Howard and produced by Capra's eldest son, Frank Capra, Jr. (An Eye for an Eye, Marooned). This Premiere Collection also features commentaries for each film, along with a 96- page collectible Movie Scrapbook.

Customer Reviews:

All I can say is "WOW!.......2007-06-01

It was a happy day for me when I learned that this collection was being isssued and when it arrived from Amazon my first act was to cancel all my appointments, take the phone off the hook and settle down with a bowl and popcorn and discover just what made Frank Capra one of the leading directors of his day and indeed for all time. I was not disappointed. Along with favorites like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "You Can't Take it with You" were "It Happened One Night" (which I had not seen in years and did not recall how good it was) and "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town." Also included in this set is a fabulous collection of films documenting just how Frank Capra was able to produce his fabulous collection of films. It is rare that great classics of American cinema get the attention and treatment that they deserve, but this is one of those rare instances of the material being treated in the appropriate manner.

It really would be silly for me to try to capture the magic and craftsmanship that went into making these fabulous films. Capra had a particular talent for being to tap into the fundamental aspects of what it meant to be an American in the 1930s and 1940s and this talent is on full display in this collection. They contain some marvelous performances, particularly by Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Claudette Caulbert and in particular Jean Arthur. While Capra's autobiography does contain it share of myths, the chapters that detail the efforts it took to get these performances down on film is probably worth consulting for the insights it provides.

If I were to fault it for one or two things it would be the omission of two classics in the Capra canon. These are "Meet John Doe" which really is crying out for a restoration and a proper release on DVD and "It's a Wonderful Life." These movies are probably excellent examples of Capra's creativity, but as this fine collection proves, they are by no means the only ones.

I hope that other directors are in line for similar treatments in the future. However it is doubtful if future efforts will surpass this one for its overall excellence.

Outstanding value DVD set.......2007-05-30

This DVD collection is obviously going to be popular with sure fire entertainments such as "You Can't take it with You" and "Mr Smith goes to Washington" but the package goes much further by providing lengthy interviews with Capra's son about each of the films, a detailed documentary about Capra himself, expert commentaries with each film and a detailed booklet. This is outstanding value.

All of the films are excellent and Amazon themselves provide worthwhile summaries. Here are a few observations:

- "Mr Deeds goes to Town" is my least favourite and probably most guilty of what is called "Capra corn". Gary Cooper was often a mannered actor and for me he overdoes his "Aw shucks" country bumpkin. Jean Arthur compensates enormously, making believable that this worldly "babe" could fall for Mr Deeds. She helps Cooper enormously to pull off his performance.
- "American Madness", made in 1932 before Capra really hit the bigtime, benefits from a shorter running time with a fast pace created by the editing. At the height of the Depression, a story about a run on a bank was timely and the note of optimism sounded by the resolution was refreshing. Walter Huston is outstanding as the head of the bank and the serene Kay Johnson, a poised and beautiful presence in any film, plays his wife. The film has one great set and Capra moves his camera around it, including some powerful overhead shots. His crowd scenes are outstanding as always.
- Jean Arthur was a wonderful actress and if her parts in each film are quite similar, it doesn't matter. With her husky inimitable voice and warm smile, she is memorable.
- Clark Gable is very funny in "It happened One Night", a very underrated comedian.
- "Mr Smith goes to Washington" has similarities to "Mr Deeds" but is superior in every way. The documentaries tell that in fact, it was originally conceived as a sequel. James Stewart is much more convincing than Gary Cooper and the yarn has far more tension then the earlier film. It is much less dated. The film was very popular on its release except in Washington where the depiction of political corruption was considered "un-American".

All of the prints are good, although "It happened One Night" suffers from grainy scenes. The films benefit from Capra's attention to detail, particularly the character actors which populated his films. The documentaries tell us that actors lived to appear in a Capra film because they knew that even the smallest part would be treated with loving attention. The most amusing story about this is the casting of Harry Cary in "Mr Smith" as the Speaker in the Senate. On paper, the part was minor but there are numerous telling close ups as he reflects the audience reaction to what is happening. It is a very important role.

The documentary about Capra himself tells of his beginnings as an Italian immigrant. Undoubtedly, his own rise from humble beginnings influenced his view of America as the land of opportunity and his depiction of the power of the people. He lived the "American Dream". Even if you are uncomfortable with the idealism expounded in most of the films (Capra corn), each film tells a good story and provides great entertainment.

Capra is quietly cool........2007-04-06

Mr. Capra is an excellent, pro-American director. He believes in the USA.....his movies prove it. In today's world it is nice to watch movies that have strong Christian, moral pro-USA values. I have liked every Capra movie I have ever seen. He was cutting edge as a movie director.

Great films, great quality.......2007-02-03

I bought the Premiere Frank Capra Collection for my brother's birthday. He's a big Capra fan, but he was concerned that the film quality would not be good, given the low price. He was quite pleased to discover the quality was excellent.

Historic Films.......2007-01-19

Great review of film history in this amazing collection of Capra films. Surprisingly, many have a message that remains relevant to today's problems.

Average customer rating:

Great Political Appreciation Movie!
The Lincoln Memorial
Great Movie!!!
A Lesson on How Government Works
Mr Smith

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington [Region 2]
Starring: Jean Arthur , James Stewart , Claude Rains , Edward Arnold , and Guy Kibbee
Director: Frank Capra
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Grapes of Wrath
It Happened One Night
Harvey
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
The Philadelphia Story

ASIN: B000056FLW

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Great Political Appreciation Movie!.......2007-05-06

The Lincoln Memorial.......2007-04-24

Great Movie!!!.......2007-04-16

A Lesson on How Government Works.......2007-04-04

Mr Smith .......2007-03-23

I loved this movie then and I love it now. Can never go wrong with Jimmy Stewart

Average customer rating:

Great Political Appreciation Movie!
The Lincoln Memorial
Great Movie!!!
A Lesson on How Government Works
Mr Smith

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington [Region 2]
Starring: Jean Arthur , James Stewart , Claude Rains , Edward Arnold , and Guy Kibbee
Director: Frank Capra
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Grapes of Wrath
It Happened One Night
Harvey
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
The Philadelphia Story

ASIN: B000053W58

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Great Political Appreciation Movie!.......2007-05-06

The Lincoln Memorial.......2007-04-24

Great Movie!!!.......2007-04-16

A Lesson on How Government Works.......2007-04-04

Mr Smith .......2007-03-23

I loved this movie then and I love it now. Can never go wrong with Jimmy Stewart

The Story of Movies- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Teacher's Edition

Average customer rating:

The Story of Movies- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Teacher's Edition

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

Teacher's Edition DVD. Featuring more than 30 film clips, this DVD enables students to study film as never before- by focusing on key film language concepts and significant scenes from Mr Smith Goes To Washington. Most film clips run 3 minutes or less, enabling educators to easily intergrate critical-viewing activities and discussion within a single class period. Studens learn to SEE a film and not just watch it. They will understand that film is a language. They study how images are framed, sequenced, paced and combined with sounds to create meaning. This is NOT the complete movie. This DVD is to be used with other teaching tools.

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