Directed by:
Frank CapraScreenplay:
Sidney BuchmanCinematography:
Joseph WalkerComposer:
Dimitri TiomkinCast:
Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell, Eugene Pallette, Beulah Bondi, H.B. Warner, Harry Carey, Astrid Allwyn (more)VOD (1)
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Frank Capra's much-loved political parable staring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, is a classic of American cinema. When a Wisconsin senator dies, patriotic boy scout leader Jefferson Smith is appointed his successor. Smith's appointment comes at the suggestion of crooked political strategist Jim Taylor who needs a "yes man" in the office -- and the innocent starry-eyed Smith's considered too naive to suspect foul play. But Smith's savvy secretary Saunders knows the whys and wherefores, the ins and outs of the Beltway. She gives Jeff the info he needs to go head-to-head with corrupt senator Joseph Paine, champion forgotten causes and fight for good old American values. (official distributor synopsis)
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After the truly amazing Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, I was expecting another exceptionally strong and, given the sharper critical subject matter, more valuable film. I didn’t get exactly that. While Capra once again masterfully handles a barrage of unprecedentedly intelligent and subtly humorous dialogue, he almost imperceptibly incorporates a compelling love plot into the crucial political action, and his hero, the idealistic and immensely convincing James Stewart, becomes the prototype of sympathy and cinematic goodness as the minutes pass. Unfortunately, while the magical Mr.Deeds was globally accessible in his ideas, Mr.Smith is incredibly pathetic and oozes arrogant American patriotism, which Capra, however impressively, further inflames with the sentimentality of some of the visual montages or monologues (e.g. the boy reading Lincoln's speech carved in stone while a certain veteran proudly nods behind his back). It's still a compelling and timely story, but its heroic nature and rather half-hearted depiction of the good guys and the bad guys left me a little disappointed. 80% ()
An incredible film about how it's possible to hold onto ideals. Yes, in some respects, the film may seem naive, but other scenes beautifully illustrate how it's possible to achieve what not the individual, but those in power, the ruling group, want. James Stewart delivers an incredible performance, as always, but others also shine alongside him. Everything is complemented by a great screenplay and excellent direction by Frank Capra. An amazing drama that basically isn't made anymore these days. And yes, sometimes you’re just glad that it ends differently than you thought. ()
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