Review of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) by Michael S — 10 Nov 2008

There is something to be said for the brilliance of the art of acting. Knowing when to underplay, when to be forceful, when to be clumsy....being immersed in the character...and being humble and respectful of the craft which elevates mere mortals to stellar proportions...There are many "stars" that are not fine actors, and there are many wonderful actors that are not "stars" but when the worlds morph, well then, we are indeed treated to the cinematic experience...and for a period of time, we are lost in another world, falling in love, fighting the dragon, being pursued by the villain, being David against whichever Goliath was written into the screenplay...thus we have...Mr. Smith Goes to Washington....a 1939 political "dramedy" about Jefferson Smith (isn't that a great political name?) a small towner elevated to the role of junior senator of his state, heading to DC in all his naivete' and great admiration for the political machine and the great men that went before, just trying to do his state proud. His political agenda, to launch a camp for boys. That's it! No hidden financial cashcow, he cares about boys....and his innocense faces battles in the form of the media, the political system, the financial bullies that have absolute self-serving agendas buried in dollar bills, and, lastly, the beloved and greatly respected senior senator of his state, potentially the next President of the US.

Jimmy Stewart plays Mr. Smith in typical Stewart fashion..he knows when to be quiet, when to lead with a jab, and when to be passionate...and through all this, he dares us to care about this idealist who doesn't always say or do the right things, who has so much to learn, but a man of honor, integrity and character. A simple man who stares into the eyes of government, of his own party as well, and transforms from laughingstock to hero. A hero we needed then, a hero we need now. A David...armed with truth and passion against a mighty Goliath armed with money and power...

The amalgam of star and actor, Stewart characterizes what acting should be. Like a gentleman, he shares the scenes graciously with his talented co-stars, which include the magnificent Jean Arthur who equals Stewart as his leg staffer who patiently grows from mocker to admirer to love interest, Claude Rains as Senator Paine, the senior senator who is beholden to special interests, and in a subtle but wonderfully comic performance, Harry Carey, who has little to say, but says so much with his eyes and his smile as the head of the Senate. Directed by Frank Capra, no less, a man who could transform the simple into the most memorable, the film succeeds in almost every way. My only qualm, and I am sure this was intended, was Smith's filibuster did go on too long even for film, and Senator Paine's ultimate "change" was a little too quick for me. But, minor quibbling at worst....

As a young boy, I remember not wanting to give Stewart his due, because I was and am such a fan of the immortal Henry Fonda. Now as a man approaching 50, I can give greatness its due. Fonda and Stewart, the finest actors of their time and 2 of the greatest American actors of all time.

A most touching moment for me was Smith walking up to the Lincoln Memorial, reading the President's words, just looking into the face that saved a nation. I felt the same when I visited the Memorial many years ago. Its immenseness cannot be captured in film, not truly, because its size is in direct relationship to the rest of its surroundings. For a moment in that film, Stewart reminded me of my own moment, of my own awe and admiration and if that is not acting greatness, what is? I was transcended by time and distance, and one man's performance allowed me to relive what my own heart captured. Yes, greatness indeed.