Mr. Deeds Goes To Populism

A detailed Summary of Mr. Deeds Goes To Populism

Populism is the dominant political and social ideology in America. It is, basically, the philosophy of the "average Joe." The Frank Capra classic, Mr. Deeds Goes To Town, is rife with the tenants of populism. Throughout the movie, the viewer sees scenes that express the populist view, such as when Mr. Deeds punches the poets, when he gives his money away, and many more.

Populism has many tenants that apply directly to a person's character, such as self-reliant, honest, trusting, and hardworking to name a few. These qualities are considered to be in good character, according to populism. Mr. Deeds is the epitome of these characteristics. It can be seen that he is self-reliant in the scene where the lawyers come to tell him that he is a millionaire. At this time, he acts disinterested and tells them that he does not need the money. Throughout almost every scene in the movie, he shows his honesty and ability to be trusted by telling exactly what is on his mind and by trusting naively trusting people. Perhaps the most important character trait of populism is that of being hardworking. Mr. Deeds best illustrates this trait when he says, "Well, I don't deserve the money. I didn't earn it." Th

The traits that apply to women are almost exactly the opposite from what pertains to men. Where men are self-reliant, honest, trusting, and hardworking, women are supposed to be in distress, dimwitted, not worthy of respect, and need to be shielded from violence. Ms. Dawson/Bennett is the main female character in the film. In her first encounter with Mr. Deed's, she faints in front of Mr. Deeds to attract his attention. Not only does she fulfill his desire for a woman in distress, she also reinforces the populist view, all within this scene.

ese examples and characteristics of populist traits only apply for men.

Mr. Deeds for writing poetry for post cards, which is bad according to populism. So to remedy this bad situation, Mr. Deeds punches them in efforts to solve the problem. According to the populist view, when the little man perpetrates violence against the so-called big man it is a good thing.

While women are not supposed to be involved in violence, it is perfectly acceptable for men to be, but only if the violence is applied justly. Mr. Deeds gladly illustrates this in the scene with the poets. Here, the poets are making fun of

When the bad people of the movie cannot get Mr. Deeds money any other way they resort to one of the worst things they can do, according to populism. They lie and attempt to have Mr. Deeds committed. Therefore, they would be able to get control over Mr. Deeds money and keep it all for themselves.

As for the elitists and intellectuals, they are bad because they are usually rich, and this is bad unless they use their money for good like Mr. Deeds. The major flaw that populism has with elitists is

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Approximate Word count = 1122
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Movies