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Poster for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Seen it?

1939 | 130 min | Comedy, Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar, audiences rate it highly (7.8 out of 10) and it made about 6 times its budget. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved All the Way or The Peanut Butter Falcon, start here.
The mood
Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 10 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1939: an older pace and style.

After the death of a United States Senator, the idealistic Jefferson Smith is appointed as his replacement in Washington. The naive and earnest new senator soon finds himself battling political corruption.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.8 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Story. Also nominated for 9 more Oscars. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $10 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 183K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Frank Capra

  • James StewartJefferson Smith
  • Jean ArthurClarissa Saunders
  • Claude RainsJoseph Paine
  • Edward ArnoldJim Taylor
  • Guy KibbeeGovernor Hopper
  • Thomas MitchellDiz Moore
  • Eugene PalletteChick McGann
  • Beulah BondiMa Smith
  • H.B. WarnerSenate Majority Leader
  • Harry CareyPresident of the Senate