Friday, April 30, 2010

The Classic Mr Smith Goes To Washington

By Jessie Franklin

Mr Smith Goes To Washington was thought to be a very controversial film for its time. It starred James Stewart, who played the main character Jefferson Smith. Jefferson was a simple man and a bit of a local hero known for his honesty. And after a series of events, he becomes a United States Senator, feeling much like a fish out of water.

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's Governor selected him for Senate because he thought his simple, wide eyed, average Joe ways would make him the perfect stooge for his corrupt boss in the Senate. They needed someone that would not cause them any problems and would do exactly what they said. They agreed Jefferson would be the right fit for the job. He was well known in his small community for being an honest man and this is exactly the image they needed to hide their wicked schemes behind.

Almost everyone around Jefferson was in on the plan. They all knew exactly why he was there. Others resented such a simple man that seem to bumble his way through speeches, being there. Jefferson also felt out of place but he had no idea how he was being used. Their plan seemed to be working until Jefferson realized he was a pawn in their corrupt game of politics. Then he became a problem that none of them saw coming.

When Jefferson finds out about the corruption taking place within the Senate he immediately takes a stand and fights to restore the integrity of Senate. He is able to defeat his enemies in the Senate that were scheming against him. They took him for a small town simpleton and had no idea of the tenacity he possessed to fight against them. He devises a plan to be heard that ultimately brings down his corrupt adversaries.

He starts a filibuster on the State floor and exposes the American public to the illegal dealings within the Senate. This leads to the termination of the guilty parties. He is then applauded as a great American hero; proving that the American people still value virtue and honesty within their government.

This film received mixed reviews from its critics. On one hand it was applauded for its effort to expose corruption within American politics. But on the other, it was criticized for showing the Senate in a bad light. Many notable dignitaries tried to have the film banned because they felt it portrayed the Unites States government as a ban of thieves. Many other were concerned about the effect the film would have on other countries and how they would view America.

Mr Smith Goes to Washington is definitely an American film classic. The theme explores the idea that it only takes one person to stand up for justice. Integrity and honesty are still values Americans hold true and dear to the operation of their government. And Jefferson proved to be that hero people needed to look up to.

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