"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is an outdated example of idealism versus political corruption. It examines how the film portrays political corruption, which, after the campaign reform laws were put in place, was no longer possible. It also looks at how the movie portrays a successful type of idealism that is definitely not possible now and may not have been possible when the movie was released in 1939.

From the Paper:

"The movie starts with the unexpected death of a U.S senator for an unnamed state. The governor of that state, Hubert Hopper has to pick a replacement which creates a dilemma. Hubert Hopper is controlled by Jim Taylor, a corrupt political boss who also controls Senator Paine, the other U.S Senator for the state. Senator Paine, Jim Taylor, and the deceased U.S Senator were planning to build a useless dam on land owned by Jim Taylor so that Taylor could collect graft. Jim Taylor wants the governor to appoint someone who works for him so there will be no danger of the graft scheme being found out. Unfortunately most of the public recognizes the candidate as a political stooge and want a different man with an honest record."

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