It is no wonder than Capra was dubbed making ‘Capracorn’ as the accusation of making smaltzy films is there to see. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. Not if it is done well – and Capra does it well. His use of James Stewart is spot on as we readily identify with the injustices served him and we get to enjoy one of the best performances from an actor, who unjustly lost the Best Actor Oscar to Robert Donat in Goodbye Mr Chips (which leads me on to an interesting observation: Mr. Smith Goes To Washington is one of the biggest Oscar losers ever having been nominated 11 times and only winning one (for writing)), the tension of the final scenes, the enchanting Jean Arthur, the bubbling injustice as Jim Taylor manipulates everyone against our lone hero – all of these elements build up a great and involving story. If I have one criticism it is that it ends too fast – I would have liked to see just 5 minutes of the aftermath of climactic filibuster, Taylor getting his comeuppance, the Boy Rangers’ triumphs, a kiss with Clarissa etc. Apparently, some such scenes were shot, but test audiences said they were unnecessary. It may be corny cinema, but it is good cinema and it is just as worth seeing now, 72 years after it was made, as it was then.
****½
****½