Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr Smith Goes To Washington

By Chasity Holder

Mr Smith Goes To Washington was made in 1939. It starred James Stewart who played the lead character Jefferson Smith. Jefferson was an All-American guy with small town values. He was known in his community to be a good, decent, honest man. It was these very qualities that catapulted his career in the Senate. But his good qualities will be used for evil purposes that Jefferson is unaware of at the time.

When Jefferson first arrives in Washington D. C., he is completely fascinated to be a part of the American political machine. Many of his peers in the Senate doubt his ability to be an effective politician. Several others prey on his lack of experience and naivete. But Smith is too caught up in the awe of the white house to even notice.

Jefferson was brought into the White House by his state's governor, after the passing of the previous Senator. The Governor thought Smith was a perfect replacement because of his honest reputation and lack of experience; he thought Jefferson would be an easy man to manipulate. Jefferson is unaware of this plan. His highly patriotic outlook on American politics blinds him to the underhanded schemes plaguing the Senate.

Jefferson believes in the integrity of the government and puts his full faith and trust in those that create policy and uphold laws. His peers do not take him seriously. He appears to be out of place and not as sophisticated as his other fellow Senators. At times, he is considered to be a bumbling idiot and too small town to work and understand the complex world of government politics. But they soon find out they underestimated Jefferson and he becomes a force to be contended with once he finds out about the dishonest dealings taking place.

Jefferson learns of the corrupt deals exchanging hands between Senators. He is saddened and shocked by the revelation. But he quickly goes into action and seeks to fix the Senate and restore its integrity. He stands alone against those against him and fights for a just Senate.

Jefferson takes the Senate floor for hours, exposing the wrongdoings of various Senators. He recites the United States Constitution word for word. He makes sure his voice is heard. Jefferson continues on to the point of exhaustion and passes out on the State floor. His voice is finally heard and the American people tout him as a hero for going up against the entire Senate.

Although this is a well known and widely received film, it did have its critics. American politicians took offense to the portrayal of Senators being men you could not trust. Several others took fault with how the movie represented America to foreign Nations. There were several countries that actually banned the film.

Mr Smith Goes to Washington stirred up a lot of controversy for its time. It opened during a tumultuous era in American politics. And many American viewers could relate to an average man standing up for what is right no matter who you are.

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