Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington confronts the issue of political corruption through the character Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) who is appointed to Senate on a lark by a spineless governor. The comedy-drama raises questions about government and American spirit that are still relevant today. This film won an Academy Award for Best Original Story and is a must see for those interested in old movies.

Jefferson Smith is an idealistic senator thrown into politics by the governor after a Senator dies right before a vote on a bill that would make lawful a land swindle at a place called Willet Creek. The governor believes Smith is too naïve to learn about politics quick enough to stop the passing of the crooked bill. However the Governor is wrong and Smith goes on a mission to pass a bill that would use the Willet Creek land to build a national Boy Rangers camp.

 In the most dramatic scene of the film Smith filibusters for 24 hours in order to get the bill passed. After which he proceeds to pass out from exhaustion. You will have to watch the film to see whether his efforts were successful!  Check out the media section for a clip of this scene.

The film debuted in Washington D.C. and was sponsored by the National Press Club. Director Frank Capra mentions in his autobiography that some senators reacted negatively to the film calling it “silly and stupid” they believed it made the Senate look like “a bunch of crooks,” Senate Majority Leader Alben W. Barkley said. Many Senators walked out of the film halfway through the premier. 

Behind the Scenes: Director Frank Capra and his crew went to Washington, D.C. to film background material and to study the Senate Chamber. The Chamber was replicated to in full scale with precise detail on the Columbia lot. James D. Preston, Capra’s technical advisor for the Senate set and political protocol, was a former superintendent of the Senate press gallery.

Babes In Arms

Well it is safe to say that this movie is not on my favorites list. When I initially read the description I thought Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland how can I go wrong with that?

The film was Garland’s and Rooney’s  only oscar nomination together. While I enjoyed the music I found the movie dragged, especially in the middle. The plot focuses on a group of children whose parents are in a dying vaudeville show. The children ban together in order to revive show business and to save their homes from foreclosure. 

Though Garland and Rooney are incredibly entertaining, I found the rest of the movie lacking. Personally I would not recommend spending an evening watching this movie, but I would recommend watching this clip of the song Good Morning, which illustrates the talent of both Rooney and Garland. Composers Herb Brown, Still Nacio and Arthur Freed wrote Good Morning which is better known from Singin’ in the Rain, but it was Judy and Mickey who introduced it in Babes in Arms.

Behind the Scenes: Judy Garland starred in this film right after she played  in Wizard of Oz and Margaret Hamilton who played Miss Gulch took another spinster role in Babes in Arms.

The Women

This is a fabulous film directed by George Cukor who had his work cut out as he was in charge of a cast of 135 women.  The cast is witty and sassy made up of some of the most influential actresses of the time: Joan Crawford Norma Shearer, Joan Fontaine, Marjorie Main and Rosalind Russell.

The plot centers around a group of socialites who are all about the gossip and are not afraid to break their claws out.Norma Shearer plays Mary who finds out through a blabber-mouthed manicurist that her husband is stepping out on her with Crystal Allen, a perfume clerk played by a conniving Joan Crawford. When Mary unexpectedly encounters Crystal at a fashion show a cat fight ensues, which lands both of them on the front page of the society columns.

The film whizzes on from there in a battle to see who will have the last word, and believe me there are many of them. This film is a wonderful introduction to the leading ladies of the late 30s and 40s because ironically even though the movie is all about men, there is not a male role in the entire script. It is a film full of scandal and intrigue that is absolutely hilarious.  Check out the media section for the original theatrical trailer.

Off Camera Gossip: Rumors are that the scandal didn’t stop when the cameras turned off. It has been reported that Crawford and Shearer were bitter rivals and had vowed to out act one another, this makes their scenes together particularly interesting to watch. Judge who you think won…in my opinion it was Crawford.

Hollywood’s Golden Year

My Dad and I have made it a tradition to watch at least two old movies a month. Our favorite year by far is 1939. The gusto and glamour of the silver screen is something that has always fascinated us. With the suave presence of Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy and Carey Grant it is impossible not to be enthralled with the movies from this time.

I have always been inspired by the sassy gusto of Rosalind Russell and Ingrid Bergman’s quiet confidence. Scripts were witty and provocative and women’s roles were strong willed and seductive­­–not because of nudity, but because of their confidence and charm.

It was the year when Gone With The Wind won eight Oscars including Best Picture and when The Wizard of Oz first captivated audiences. When director John Ford cast struggling actor John Wayne in Stagecoach and forever changed the genre of western movies.  We were coming out of a depression and these films seem to embody the excitement and thirst for opportunity of a country whose luck was finally changing.

I hope to share with you my love of these movies and to provide background knowledge that will enhance your experience when watching them. But mostly I hope the characters become as dear to you as they are to me and that you will enjoy them with those who are most important to you.