Political Film Festival

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Guest Speakers: Rep. Steve Israel, Rep. Peter King, & Michael Nathanson, film executive and former head of MGM

Decades before the “deep state” entered the parlance, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington explored how the corrupting power of money shapes American politics. When the idealistic young Jefferson Smith (in the role that catapulted Jimmy Stewart to fame) winds up appointed to the United States Senate, he gains the mentorship of Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains). However, Paine isn't as noble as his reputation would indicate, and he becomes involved in a scheme to discredit Smith, who wants to build a boys' campsite where a more lucrative project could go. Determined to stand up against Paine and his corrupt peers, Smith takes his case to the Senate floor. When the film premiered at Washington's Constitution Hall on October 17, 1939, over 45 real-life senators and 250 House members were in the audience. Most of the senators attending the premiere responded with good humor to the Hollywood treatment, with its realistic reproduction of the Senate Chamber. Several, however, were not amused. Majority Leader Alben Barkley complained that it made the Senate look like "a bunch of crooks." Years later, director Frank Capra alleged that several senators had actually tried to buy up the film to prevent its release.

Tickets: $16 Public | $10 Members

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