MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON

The romanticised, patriotic battle between one righteous child-saving American versus the corrupt political systems rotting the very ideals America was apparently built on. Fought to the last stand on the front lines of the democratic system of the US Senate, this fight isn’t for personal pride but stands as the last defence against those who sour the starry-eyed belief in “Truth, Justice and Liberty”. 

Coming to the defence of these ideals, and therefore himself, the titular Mr. Smith (played with emphatic humility by the great James Stewart) is the pure embodiment of this starry-eyed belief. His frequent trips to the many historical monuments scattered around Washington D.C. empower his drive to truly make a difference, and just a quick look at his close and neglectful supporting cast, this drive to push through the barriers of the political system is starting to rub off on them.

Although too little bite for political satire, there is a certain degree of hysteria that takes hold of the film in places, with dark but comedic effect. Even sudden turns into comic book villainy, as if Mr. Smith is more than just a junior senator but a true hero and role model for every warm-blooded American Boy Scout. In fact, I’m sure he has always been the little boy with hopeful eyes on the world - holding the ideals of Truth, Liberty and Justice - and this story implores that little boy, or any others like him, to never give up fighting for what they (and America) stand for: Even if you can’t find a place for your hat when talking to a beautiful woman, you can always fight for what you what you believe in and smile that you did.

Watched the restoration made by the Motion Picture Conservation at the Library of Congress on DVD. Dec 24th 2020.