Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is the story of Jefferson Smith, an optimist newly appointed to the U.S. Senate and played by Jimmy Stewart. Only a person protected from the negative aspects of the American experience could view this nation with Jeff Smith’s idealism– no need for rose colored glasses, his eyes are blue. Shockingly, I do not resent this character. In many roles, Stewart successfully managed the near impossible: he portrayed “all-American” while mitigating the term’s connotations that make me want to gouge my eyes, puke, and scream. He was a perfect blend of long limbs, Goofy Goof, “aww shucks, mam” and manners. Some say he smelled of apple pie and cloves.[1] I cannot imagine rooting for this character if played by another actor.
In the film, Jeff’s naïve beliefs about American governance meet the reality of political corruption and media manipulation. I watch this movie whenever I feel anxious about the current state of affairs because it reminds me that things were always awful. It is tremendously comforting.
The Plot of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I omitted the romance because– like in real life– it is unnecessary.
- A U.S. Senator from an unnamed middle American state dies, and the governor must decide his replacement. Jim Taylor, a political boss who owns several politicians and newspapers, asks the governor to appoint his stooge, but the governor feels political pressure to appoint a “reformer.” The governor chooses the leader of the Boy Rangers Jefferson Smith because he imagines Jeff easy to manipulate and wholesome enough to please most constituents.
- Jeff is an idealist who believes in the promise of America. He quotes the Founders from memory and wanders DC awestruck at the majesty of our imperialistic empire rooted in democratic ideals and words– #freedom #liberty #equality– but less in actual practice.
- The press believe Jeff is a rube, take advantage of his naivety, and publish unflattering stories and photos.
- Senior Senator Joseph Paine worked with Jeff’s father many years prior and Jeff holds him in high regard. Paine suggests Jeff write a bill, which he hopes will distract Jeff for months, if not years.
- Despite the tedious process to draft legislation, and procedural hurdles that render odds of its passing marginal, Jeff and his assistant quickly write a bill that Jeff brings to the Senate floor. The legislation seeks to create a boys’ camp built with a government loan and reimbursed by boys across the country. The campsite is on the same land as a proposed dam, which is a money-grabbing scheme orchestrated by Taylor and supported by a secretly corrupt Paine.
- Taylor attempts to bribe Jeff to drop his bill, and when Jeff refuses, Taylor uses his political power to begin the process to expel Jeff from the Senate.
- Paine and an endless stream of willing accomplices lie under oath and manufacture documents that they present to a Senate committee. They claim Jeff owned the land of his proposed campsite and was stealing money from American boys that donated to build the camp.
- Jeff begins a filibuster to delay vote on his expulsion, convinced if he holds the floor and tells his story, his constituents will hear the truth. Jeff speaks for over 24 hours about American ideals while also disclosing Taylor’s corruption. Since Taylor owns the local press in the unnamed state, he does not allow Jeff’s statements to receive coverage.
- The Boy Rangers use their printing press to counter Taylor’s lies and to support Jeff. Taylor’s goons steal their papers and assault the children!
- Jeff is presented crates of vitriolic letters from his constituents while still holding the Senate floor. Jeff is surprised, but undeterred. His father and Paine use to fight for lost causes, and this is just one more. Ever the optimist, he croaks out flowery prose about America and collapses.
- Burdened by guilt, Paine attempts to SHOOT himself outside the Senate chambers, but is stopped. Paine confesses that everything Jeff said is true.
- Jeff lays unconscious on the Senate floor.
- THE END <3
Criticism of America Was Always Met with Resistance
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington premiered October 17, 1939 and was not universally well received by the press or Congressional politicians. The film was called “anti-American.” To counter damage caused by the movie, the government created a super soldier to sell bonds and spread patriotic propaganda.
The timing of the film’s release and enduring legacy is indicative of a positive aspect of America: freedom to criticize the government. It would be un-American to prohibit the dissemination of media that does not endorse the myth of American exceptionalism.
Although the film perpetuates the reality of government corruption, its context is largely pro-American. The movie suggests that good people can overcome corruption with gumption, bladders of steel, and never-ceasing faith in America and its people! Jeff never stopped trusting that the truth would reach one person, and it did: Paine. We all want Jeff’s beliefs to be true, and can work to make them reality. But I have low iron and subsequently, low energy, so I’ll leave the hard work to all of you.
The Press Was Always Perceived as Manipulative
The film is critical of both the DC and local press. The former manufactured stories to reinforce its own narrative, and the latter wholly withheld relevant information and lied. The obvious truth that the press shapes public opinion is explicitly acknowledged when Taylor says, “I’ll make public opinion in five hours.” An alternative title for the movie could be “If a Tree Falls in the Woods.” When that tree of a man (6 ft 3 inches) fell, one person heard it, but Jeff’s protestations were perilously close to being soundless.
BS Conclusion
Few things calm my spirit like watching Jeff Smith get hammered to a pulp by government and media corruption. The pulp will become paper, and the paper will be pages in a pocket Constitution because Jeff Smith may have been battered and bruised, but he was not defeated. Thus, the promise of America lives on– climb every purple mountain majesty until you reach that shining sea. The source of my comfort is not watching that Yankee Doodle Dandy win the day, but in the reminder that things are not uniquely awful at present. Corruption was always baked into American governance and the world kept spinning; at least now we have three black senators and air conditioning. Watching an exasperated and exhausted Jefferson Smith get drained of energy always replenishes mine. I recommend annual viewing to anyone that is absorbed in domestic politics and needs a reset.
BS
[1] I am the “some.”