Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed to the United States Senate by the puppet governor of his state. He soon discovers, upon going to Washington, many shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss.
Mr. Smith is one of the best shows of the year. More fun, even, than the Senate itself.
– Frank S. Nugent,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Quintessential Capra - popular wish-fulfilment served up with such fast-talking comic panache that you don't have time to question its cornball idealism.
– Derek Adams,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
One of the finest and consistently interesting dramas of the season.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
26 Mar 2009
rotten:
Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is going to be the big movie explosion of the year, and reviewers are going to think twice and think sourly before they'll want to put it down for the clumsy and irritating thing it is.