As we observe America’s 250th birthday this month, I thought I should select a film that is whole-heartedly American. I looked at a number of film lists and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” made the cut on several of these lists. And who can resist a Jimmy Stewart movie?
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
A naïve idealist fights the corrupt political machine that engineered his appointment to the U.S. Senate.
Upon the death of his state’s junior senator, Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) is appointed to serve alongside Joseph Paine, a Washington D.C. legend who leads a corrupt political machine. Placing a lieutenant, Saunders (Jean Arthur), as Jeff’s watchful secretary, Paine hopes to gain quick approval for an unnecessary — but profitable — dam by keeping Smith focused on a bill to build a boys’ camp. After Saunders falls in love with her new boss, Jeff threatens to expose the scam, but is undermined when Paine claims that Smith owns the camp’s land. But, when Jeff fights back with a heroic, and exhausting, filibuster, it sparks Paine’s heartfelt confession, making Smith a national hero — and Saunders’ new husband.
For more Americana film suggestions:
The Greatest Americana Films of All Time
50 Best 4th of July Movies to Light Up Your Holiday Weekend
Previous Film Club Selections:
January ~ The Railway Children
February ~ The Diary of Anne Frank
March ~ The Teahouse of the August Moon
April ~ Jean de Florette
May ~ La Dolce Vita
June ~ Paddington in Peru
Hello Dee!
I haven’t been here for awhile, but I would love to jump in with the film of the month. I see that you’re watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, whichs one of my favorite movies. Will you be discussing this online? And do you discuss your book of the month?
I’m currently not doing official online discussions but I’d love for people to offer their thoughts in the comments. At some point in the future I might be open to doing discussions, perhaps on Zoom.
My husband, adult son and I all watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington together recently and we all loved it.
Ok, Thank you! I started watching it again this afternoon. I love the all star cast. Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur are just wonderful together. And the message of a wholesome, patriotic Senator revealing corruption…golden.
They are indeed wonderful together. Have you seen “You Can’t Take it With You”? They star together in it and it’s one of my favorite movies.