Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Cinematheque

One of the best American movies ever as well as one of the most pointed political satires that still resonates today, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” stars Jimmy Stewart as an idealist who is appointed to fill a vacant seat in the U. S. Senate. As he gains the mentorship of Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), Smith soon discovers all is not as it seems. A classic tale of politics and corruption, this Oscar-winning story, directed by the legendary Frank Capra, famously features Smith taking his case to the Senate floor.