
Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and the... (Full plot summary below)
Enjoy FREE movies and series with your Prime (USA) subscription or when you start a 30-day free trial!
Links compiled using automated software. Availability of offers subject to change / might be region specific / out of date.
Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.
Leave your thoughts about Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
| Time OutDerek AdamsQuintessential Capra - popular wish-fulfilment served up with such fast-talking comic panache that you don't have time to question its cornball idealism. |
| The New York TimesFrank S. Nugent[Capra] has paced it beautifully and held it in perfect balance, weaving his romance lightly through the political phases of his comedy, flicking a sardonic eye over the Washington scene, racing out to the hinterland to watch public opinion being made and returning miraculously in time to tie all the story threads together into a serious and meaningful dramatic pattern. |
| EmpireDavid ParkinsonDemonstrating that the greatest political evil is indifference, this appeal to a world on the verge of war has lost none of its relevance. |
| Examiner.comJeff BeckMr. Smith Goes to Washington remains one of the quintessential films about American politics to this very day. |
| Arizona Daily StarPhil VillarrealPick it apart, dissect it and even roll your eyes at the ridiculous ending. Still, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" will get to you, even if you're in your most cynical mood. |
| Film ThreatBrad LaidmanEvery citizen should be made to watch in exchange for the right to vote. |
| Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)Ken HankeSimplistic and preachy, but effective due to the performances. |
| CinemaBlend.comJoshua TylerStewart was the real deal, he was no sunshine patriot. |
| NetflixJames RocchiCapra's classic of democracy, decency and faith still matters, 60 years later. |
| Apollo GuideJamie GilliesCaptures the inner-workings of Washington in a profound way. |