Mr Smith Goes to Washington

Frank Capra’s controversial 1939 film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” tells the story of a young, naпve and inexperienced politician who is brought to Washington to replace the recently-deceased fictional Senator Samuel Foley. The film has a number of themes, but one that stands out beyond most is the idea that the press controls the public’s opinion of a politician. They can make one out to be either a dedicated, hard-working public servant or a self-centered, power-hungry individual. Through the use of characters such as Governer Hopper, Jim Taylor, Senator Paine, and Chick McGann, we see how Capra views politics in Washington.

When Mr. Smith (James Stewart) is appointed, he is unable to recognize why he was chosen. However, we soon find out that it is not because of Smith’s desire to work in Washington that he was hired- or his values- but rather the fact that, as a young and naпve “kid,” Hopper and Taylor feel that he’ll be an easy person to influence and vote for their corrupt Willet Creek Dam project.

Smith’s first encounter with the press turns out to be a disaster. He is asked what projects he would like to push and then takes the opportunity to reveal his plans for a summer boy’s camp. He also jokes around wit

. . .

Smith simply will not compromise no matter