Mr Smith Goes to Washington
Frank Capra's controversial 1939 film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" tells the story of a young, naive and inexperienced politician who is brought to Washington to replace the recently-deceased fictional Senator Samuel Foley. The film has a number of themes, but one that stands out beyond most is the idea that the press controls the public's opinion of a politician. They can make one out to be either a dedicated, hard-working public servant or a self-centered, power-hungry individual. Through the use of characters such as Governer Hopper, Jim Taylor, Senator Paine, and Chick McGann, we see how Capra views politics in Washington. When Mr. Smith (James Stewart) is appointed, he is unable to recognize why he was chosen. However, we soon find out that it is not because of Smith's desire to work in Washington that he was hired- or his values- but rather the fact that, as a young and naive "kid," Hopper and Taylor feel that he'll be an easy person to influence and vote for their corrupt Willet Creek Dam project. Smith's first encounter with the press turns out to be a disaster. He is asked what projects he would like to push and then takes the opportunity to reveal his plans for a summer boy's camp. He also jokes around wit
After the introduction of Smith's Bill, Taylor and Paine (along with the rest of the Senate) are shocked to find out he's planning the camp on Willet Creek. Taylor talks with Smith and tries to make him understand the ways of politicians. He reveals that Joseph Paine has been taking his advice for twenty years and that nothing will change how things are run. When Paine is confronted, he too talks with Smith in a rational and matter-of-fact manner in an attempt to settle down Smith's idealistic attitudes. Smith simply will not compromise no matter what his former Washington hero has to say. The next day when Smith objects to Section 40 of the Deficiency Bill, Senator Paine rises and tells a story regarding Smith's interest in Willet Creek. The rest of the Senate is outraged and they order an investigation into the actions of Smith. When Smith is found guilty in the subsequent hearings, he intends to leave Washington and go back home. Saunders happens to find Smith near the Lincoln Memorial and convinces him to go back to the Senate and speak. In response to Smith's filibuster, Jim Taylor calls on all the media to put Smith to shame. The newspapers are filled with anti-Smith headlines, the r
Some common words found in the essay are:
Creek Dam, Press Club, Joseph Paine, Jim Taylor's, Jim Taylor, Samuel Foley, Lincoln Memorial, Smith Smith, James Stewart, Jefferson Smith, senator paine, willet creek, response smith's, senate shocked, rest senate, jim taylor's, jim taylor, tells story, politics washington, filled anti-smith,
Approximate Word count = 818
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
