Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

In 2014 it is very common to see shows about political corruption such as Scandal and House of Cards. However, it was not the first. In 1939 a director named Frank Capra directed a film called Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. It was one of the first political-comedy dramas of its time. The film illustrated the political corruption specifically in congress which was never done before.

The film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was made in 1939 but Franco’s portrayal of America has similarities to today’s society. Franco portrays different factors of America. One thing that he portrays a lot is the American Government. He shows that the political figures only care about themselves and based their decisions on what will benefit him. This is shown throughout the film specifically in the beginning of the film when Hopper the governor of an unknown state has to pick a new U.S Senator. Hopper flips a coin to choose between Jim Taylor and Henry Hill. Instead it landed on a newspaper with a story about Jefferson Smith. He then realized that Smith will be easier to influence and vote his way. This has not changed at all in America. In 2014 political figures still choose people that will support them and have the same beliefs. The only difference is now a day’s most Americans know more about politics and if they appoint someone that does not have the qualification the public voices their opinions. Another thing Franco depicts about America in 1939 is that anything can happen anyone can become successful. This is shown when Smith becomes the senator. He had all the odds against him but Smith believed he could be a good senator and succeeded. Throughout the movie other politicians try to take advantage of him but he stood strong and did what he t...

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...habit. Corruption in politics happens often and will continue to happen.

Media plays an important role in politics. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington illustrates this. In the movie the newspaper was controlled by Taylor and his political machine. Due to this the newspaper wrote negative things about Smith and tarnishing his reputation in Washington. He was frustrated because the newspaper made him look like a joke and people in Washington believed it. This also influences passing his bill in the senate. Saunders decided that Smith should call for a filibuster which is talking about the bill and try to influence votes. The newscaster was not accurate with his description of a filibuster because he thinks it just blocks a vote. Saunders was not completely accurate because he talks about passing through the senate but it also has to pass through House of Representatives.