Movie Club: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is ranked #26 on the Top 100 list, and it earns every bit of its place. Released in 1939, this film is a masterclass in idealism, courage, and what it means to stand up for truth in the face of corruption.

At its heart, this is a story about one man’s refusal to back down, no matter how stacked the odds.

Jimmy Stewart is unforgettable as Jefferson Smith, the earnest, awkward, big-hearted senator who stumbles into Washington and unexpectedly becomes its moral compass. Directed by Frank Capra, the film manages to be both cynical and hopeful, revealing the rot in the system while still believing in the power of one honest voice.

### Why this film still matters today:

🎥 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington premiered in 1939, a turbulent year globally and politically, and yet its message feels eerily prescient even now.

🎬 Directed by Frank Capra, the film was both celebrated and controversial at the time of release, seen by some as a bold critique of the U.S. government.

🏛️ It explores themes of political integrity, media influence, and the loneliness of standing alone for what's right.

💬 From that legendary filibuster scene to Smith’s boyish hope, it’s a movie that asks: What do we owe each other? And what does it take to protect democracy when it’s under threat?

Watch the film on your own, then join us for a rich, layered conversation. We'll explore how storytelling can inspire civic courage, what it means to "speak truth to power," and where we see echoes of Jefferson Smith in today’s world.

RSVP today—and bring your righteous indignation. See you there!