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.
I omitted the romance because– like in real life– it is unnecessary.
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 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.
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.”
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