Top 250 Challenge: 125*

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

Number 89 on IMDb’s Top 250

Nominated by Kim

Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal. Hilarity ensues.

Trivia: The scenes where Jimmy Stewart wanders around in amazement at the Washington monuments were "stolen", as the Parks Services had denied them permission to film near them.

This is a classic Frank Capra good guy movie. Stewart was magnificent, as he aways is, as the young idealistic junior senator who bucks the system. Thanks Kim.

* Whoo Hoo! half way through the list!