OLDIE GOLDIES: Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)

This week’s choice for Oldie Goldies is Frank Capra’s political drama – "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington". In this inspiring tale, James Stewart is perfectly cast as the idealistic senator who learns the harsh truth about politics. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, as the film earned a total of 11 nominations (Best, Actor, Best Art Direction, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Score, Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Original Story, Best Screenplay and 2 Supporting Actor nods). Of these nominations, the film deservedly won for Best Original Story.

Classic Quote

"You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well, I'm not licked. And I'm going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause. Even if this room gets filled with lies like these, and the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place."

Classic Scene

"Lost Causes"

Classic Characters

Jefferson Smith (James Stewart)

President of the Senate (Harry Carey)

Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Raines)

Did you know?
In the studio, to ensure authenticity, an elaborate set was created, consisting of Senate committee rooms, cloak rooms, hotel suites as well as specific Washington, DC monuments, all based on a trip Capra and his crew made to the capital.