Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

A black and white photograph showing a scene with multiple individuals in what appears to be a legislative assembly or courtroom. One of these individuals is standing at a podium, holding papers, and appears to be addressing the assembly, while the other

Frank Capra's beloved, Best Picture-nominee stars Jimmy Stewart as the idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, who is appointed to the United States Senate by corrupt politicians, chief among them and unbeknownst to Smith is a senior senator whom he idolized.

As Smith takes up his post in Washington, he soon discovers many shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss. Stewart was nominated for Best Actor and the film was up for a total of 10 Academy Awards.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington screens as part of our "Cornell Cinema Goes to Washington" series. Courtesy of Columbia Pictures and Swank Motion Pictures.