Monday, May 24, 2010

A Synopsis Of The Classic Hit Movie Mr Smith Goes To Washington

By Sheena Whitaker

Mr Smith Goes To Washington was thought to be a very controversial film for its time. It starred James Stewart, who played the main character Jefferson Smith. Jefferson was a simple man and a bit of a local hero known for his honesty. And after a series of events, he becomes a United States Senator, feeling much like a fish out of water.

When Jefferson first arrives in Washington D. C., he is completely fascinated to be a part of the American political machine. Many of his peers in the Senate doubt his ability to be an effective politician. Several others prey on his lack of experience and naivete. But Smith is too caught up in the awe of the white house to even notice.

Jefferson holds certain ideals of American politics that makes him a bit of an optimistic and extremely patriotic. He is a proud follower of the tenets of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. He looks up to these men and hopes to carry on the same tenacity for virtue within the White House.

Because of his views, it is hard for Jefferson to realize the corruption that is taking place around him. Those that are in on the scheme laugh behind his back and pass Jefferson off as a fool that doesn't belong in the Senate. But they soon learn that he is not the simple man they all thought him to be.

Jefferson realizes he is being used. He also comes to learn that the Senate is filled with corrupt politicians seeking personal gain. At first he is stunned, then he rises to the occasion by standing up against his adversaries.

Jefferson takes the Senate floor for hours, exposing the wrongdoings of various Senators. He recites the United States Constitution word for word. He makes sure his voice is heard. Jefferson continues on to the point of exhaustion and passes out on the State floor. His voice is finally heard and the American people tout him as a hero for going up against the entire Senate.

Although this is a well known and widely received film, it did have its critics. American politicians took offense to the portrayal of Senators being men you could not trust. Several others took fault with how the movie represented America to foreign Nations. There were several countries that actually banned the film.

Mr Smith Goes to Washington is definitely an American film classic. The theme explores the idea that it only takes one person to stand up for justice. Integrity and honesty are still values Americans hold true and dear to the operation of their government. And Jefferson proved to be that hero people needed to look up to. - 2361

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