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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - Full Reaction (Patreon)

Published:
2024-07-01 08:30:01
Edited:
2026-08-19 23:02:56
Imported:
2026-06
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I shouldn't keep being surprised by the classics but I am! This was tender and frustrating and inspiring! Jeff is everything good. That's 3 big Capra films now, do I get my classic film card in the mail or? ;)

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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - Full Reaction - Popcorn In Bed

Watch the full reaction to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on Popcorn In Bed.

Comments

Just Plain Bob

It’s the middle of the night where I am so it’ll be a few hours before I watch this reaction. But Jimmy Stewart + Frank Capra + Cassie Reaction = Fun. So I’m looking forward to it. That said, Cassie, you’re not eligible to receive your classic film card until you stop being surprised at just how wonderful they are.

rakesh

Happy Canada day!

MikeLL

One of the very best Stewart films, and one of my favorites, too!

Doug R

The original Rocky

MikeLL

This is a very appropriate film to have won the July 4th poll. It is not as focused on the events of the holiday as 1776, but no one can say this is not a very patriotic movie, just as much or more than Yankee Doodle Dandy was, which was my dream choice. I love how Cassie was captivated by the patriotism, the idealism, and the wholesomeness of Jefferson Smith. This is one of James Stewart's best performances, and I have always thought that he deserved the Oscar for this film, but this film came out in that incredible movie year of 1939, so his competition was very tough. Clark Gable was the favorite for Gone With The Wind, but they gave the Oscar to Robert Donat for Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Yes, I knew Cassie would fall in love with Jimmy Stewart all over again when she saw this film. I get a few lumps in my throat every time I see it. My biggest fear for this reaction was that Cassie wouldn't be able to follow the politics and the fast moving plot, and the intricacies of the backroom corruption, but she has become very perceptive to most films. She followed everything very well. Another reaction I will watch again and again.

Shawn Kildal

Seeing this again reminds me of how good of an actor Claude Rains is (played Senator Paine). Cassie has previously seen him in Casablanca and the Adventures of Robin Hood. My other top favorite movie that he had a major role in is the Alfred Hitchcock thriller Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

Shawn Kildal

In Capra's film, It's a Wonderful Life, we don't get to see Mr. Potter get his "comeuppance" either. He just kept that $8000 I suppose. I'm sure he and Mr. Taylor will cross paths later.

Mike McLaughlin

A couple notes. Cassie, the actor that played Senator Joe Paine was Claude Rains. He also played the Chief of Police {Louie} in Casablanca and Prince John in the Adventures of Robin Hood. And another actor from Adventures of Robin Hood, Eugene Pallette {gravelly voice} was Friar Tuck, and in this movie in the role of Chick McGann. You're right about some old movies being quite good. But you have to begin to see that there really are many worth while movies that you will never see unless you start to poll them in decades like the 30s or 40s etc. Another Jimmy Stewart/Frank Capra gem from 1938 is 'You Can't Take It With You'. Jean Arthur {Saunders} is the female lead in this movie as well. This is another worthy film.

Dan M

I watched the Olympic trials last night (Simone Biles is amazing!), I’ll be listening to some Toby Keith on the road today (Made in America, Courtesy of the Red,White, and Blue), and I’ll be watching Jimmy Stewart in one of his best roles tonight. Three excellent ways to kick off a week of celebrating Independence Day.

Dan M

He was also very good in The Invisible Man and Here Comes Mr. Jordan. I’m hoping Cassie one day watches Here Comes Mr. Jordan and its very good remake, Heaven Can Wait, with Warren Beatty, back to back.

Dan M

Happy Canada Day Cassie and Carly! I didn’t realize it was today until I read some of the comments.

Terry Yelmene

...here's to... Lost Causes!!! ...and on a personal note... IMHO, America's better for Canada's Cassie contributing her wonderful voice/heart/life here. - Happy Canada Day and Happy Birthday America!

Above Average Dave

Happy Canada Day, Cassie! Since you were born in the U.S.A., I’m guessing you have dual citizenship, which makes this a fun week@ God bless and thanks!

Jeff

Cassie questioned Susan Payne possibly being 1st Lady. If Senator Payne was elected President and his wife had passed away, then a close relative (or even friend) would step into the role of 1st Lady.

Celeste McAllister

🎵Oooohh Canada Day🎶🍁 JEFF SMITH for Potus in November!

MikeLL

I was also going to come on here and comment on the actors in this movie that Cassie had previously seen in other movies. Besides Claude Rains and Eugene Pallette, in a very small role the Senator who was objecting to Smith's bad newspaper publicity right before Smith was being sworn in, was Porter Hall, who was the smarmy psuedo store "psychologist" Sawyer in Miracle on 34th Street.

Tara ✨💫

Cassie, I can’t wait to watch this movie with you when I get off work🍿

Stephen Dias

Nice! I enjoy it when Cassie reviews the classics. I can't wait to check out this reaction.

Ike

Sydney: [To guard] Hi; I'm Sydney Ellen Wade— Susan: He just needs your driver's license. Sydney: —I'm from Virginia— Susan: He doesn't care. Sydney: —I'm here for a meeting with Mr. MacInerney— Susan: He doesn't need to know that. Sydney: Forgive me! This is my first time at the White House. I'm trying to savor the CAPRA-ESQUE quality. Susan: He doesn't know what Capra-esque means. White House Guard: Yeah I do. Frank Capra - Great American director? “It's a Wonderful Life”, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,”…. Sydney Ellen Wade of Virginia, knock 'em dead. Sydney: Thanks! - The American President. I love “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” so much. There is something about the classics that reminds me to love thy neighbor, be passionate in my tasks, and to treat others with respect. I need these reminders OFTEN, so I love it when you watch American classics.

Solus

such an AMAZING!!!! classic

Alex Villarreal

One piece of trivia: the little boy who is a Senate page and shows Mr. Smith around (and later checks up on him when he faints) is Dick Jones, the child voice actor of Pinocchio from the Disney animated movie.

Alex Villarreal

Another piece of trivia: if you watch the original trailer from the 1930s, at the very end, you can catch a glimpse of a deleted final scene where they have a big parade for Mr. Smith (apparently he also reconciles with Senator Joseph Paine in this scene, but I can’t confirm that from the trailer). Not sure why it was deleted, but I guess Capra loved to end his movies as quickly as possible.

Kirk Sloan

A lot of overlap in the cast of Mr Smith and It's a Wonderful Life. Amazing to see Jimmy Stewart in 1939 before WWII in Mr Smith and after the war in 1946 in IaWL. Stewart flew 20 combat missions in the B-24 bomber between the two films. Notably other cast members of both films are Thomas Mitchell (Diz Moore/Unclue Billy), H.B. Warner (Mr. Gower), and Beulah Bondi playing Stewart's mother in both films.

Bill Maurer

"Arsenic and Old Lace" is another movie from Capra. That is more of a Halloween kinda movie

MikeLL

Wow, that is some great noticing. I'm kicking myself for not noticing these, lol!

sharkey197

Cassie, you really can't go wrong with old classic movies. I know I'm biased because I'm old, but I vastly prefer them to modern films which too often rely on too much CGI, special effects and excessive violence in order to hold attention. Here you have a film that is nothing but talking but it tells a compelling story done by actors at their peak. So glad you did this one and I hope you will do more older fims. I agree that polling them separately would be a good idea. Too often younger people just dismiss them because they are old but as you have discovered, they are frequently gems. This movie is over 80 years old, yet it holds so much relevance for us today. Frank Capra was a genius.

MikeLL

I've been beating the ARSENIC AND OLD LACE drum pretty hard the last few Halloweens. The movie even made it on a poll last time. It must happen one day!!

K, Zachary

For one simple undeniable truth..... This is absolutely one of my favorites. Jimmy Stewart's best? Yeah I don't know, certainly up there. Oh and in the mail look for it. We loved your reaction Cassie proving to both of us there is something extraordinarily special about you.

Eddie Perkins

I own this movie on DVD, and it's always nice when you don't have to look for it. You can't go wrong with the Jimmy Stewart movie; he became one of my favorite actors years ago. It always makes me happy when you react to an older movie like this. I wish you would do more; they're the best. This movie went on to earn 11 Oscar nominations at the 12th Academy Awards, winning in the original story category; they made a big mistake releasing it in 1939, which is widely considered the greatest year in film history because of movies like Gone with the Wind, and many more great ones that year.

Just Plain Bob

+1 on “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Great movie.

Bill Maurer

Right there with you all

Stick Figure Studios

This is a great film. One of my favorites. I always get weepy at the end. As I've said before, I think this one of the greatest movies about American politics to come out of Hollywood. That's why it is assigned viewing in just about every high school American government class (that's where I first saw it). Stewart is fantastic and gives one of his best performances. When I was younger, his character resonated the most with me (his enthusiasm, his ideals, etc), but as I've gotten older, it is actually the senator that Claude Rains portrays (Joe Paine) that has become the more compelling, complex and interesting character to me: a good man who compromised in order to help people in his state, but ended up bit by bit, little decision by little decision, becoming more corrupt and tainted. I don't know if we have anybody out there anymore like Jefferson Smith, but I'm sure we have a lot of Joe Paines. Rains plays it beautifullu too with a real sadness, weariness and clear sickness inside the more he has attack Jeff and commit to the big lie in order to protect himself and the "Taylor machine." In the end, he redeems himself by doing the right thing (better late than never) and confessing his hypocrisy and dishonesty. I can only hope that all of the corrupt politicians in our own government eventually have just a moment of remorse and atonement. Thank you for reacting to this. I knew it would be tough to take at times, but I also knew you would love it. Happy 4th!

Anthony Perez

"and Ma's there with jam"....yep...that is a heck of and ending.

Steve Holton

Your classic film card likely delivered by Stagecoach (1939). But if by mail, remember, The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946). 😊

Rick Williams

Great movie. Great Reaction. Cassie it is time for a Jimmy Stewart poll. I have a few for the poll: The Philadelphia Story, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, & Winchester 73.

Fanchman

This is one of the lost traditions of the US Senate - a true filibuster. One person standing up for what they believe in. Now it's just become a partisan tool to stop the "other side". No one has to command the floor anymore. They just have keep the vote to proceed under 60 votes - a very simple task in a divided Congress. It doesn't matter whether you support the bill or not, just make sure you follow the party line. It's sad what our political landscape has become.

Ted Little

Additionally, Charles Lane, who played Nosey, the newspaper reporter who set up Jeff, played Mr Potter's rent collector in "It's a Wonderful Life." Perhaps today's stars are comparable to those of old Hollywood (it's debatable) but there is simply not now that wealth of great character actors.

Marja

Easier for double features, perhaps?!

Larry Darrell

About to watch very shortly… Just wanted to say, if you’re really interested in great stories, film history and just history in general, then you could get hooked on Classic films. I once spent 4 years straight watching almost only Classic films. TCM (Turner Classic Movies) was the main channel I watched and I filled my DVR and 5 hard drives up with Old movies, mostly from before 1970. There’s a ton of Gems that I found and a ton that I still haven’t seen. There is literally a whole other normal movie watcher’s lifetime worth of films before 1970.

Rob Galloway

Maybe I'm in the minority here, probably so, however I would suggest sometime in the near future that you give Sgt. York a watch. If you like old movies with a feel good message that would be the one I have to recommend.

Lana Gorgeous

I've seen this movie many times before and Mr. Smith's last speech about lost causes I made into a poster, I know it's a movie but still one of the very best quotes of all time. But what also struck me is how smart and talented Sanders was. OMG she was amazing at a time in the US when women had very few rights. Although when this movie was made in 1939, there were two women in the Senate so I am surprised the depicted an all male senate in this movie https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/women_senators.htm

Lana Gorgeous

I just loved the role of Sanders. She made this movie great!

Scott Macaulay

This is a great movie about an outsider coming to Washington and being smeared for standing up to the establishment. That's why it's important to learn from an old movie like this that while technology may change, politics never does.

ENC SW DV Rush

If you learn old American history - there were literal political gangs in the 1800's and even into the early 1900's who controlled politics in cities like New York and Chicago. The movie Gangs of New York was about those gangs running the election fraud to gain control of the political scene of the day,... and some of that corruption still goes on in many big cities - its sometimes a little less noticeable - but its still there, especially if you know where to look. This movie is one of my favorites because as a child - it showed the possibilities of an honest man doing what he thought was right for the country - he tried to explemplify the characteristics that make America great and what it should be,.... it may not be what it actually is - but what it is that our country should strive for,... to be for the good of everyone,...

Chris Thom

Feel like this paired well with 12 Angry Men in high school. But can't remember anything about it at all...so not sure if we ever actually watched it at all. Maybe 12 got voted for instead? Anyways I know this is considered essential viewing, so excited to see this. These are actually kind of the reactions I appreciate from you the most. Where you guide us through a classic I wasn't in a hurry to see, but know I probably should at some point.

Tom Furze

I always love the way you fill in where the movie lets off. I always agree, and like a happy ending as well. Thank you Cassie!

Larry Darrell

+1 for Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) & Heaven Can Wait (1978)

Larry Darrell

I think it’s assumed, that They’ll each be awarded their own special Hockey Stick for the longest, warmest and most brutal game of Hockey ever.

Larry Darrell

Frank Capra had some select players that he liked to use more than others. Not mentioning the ones that only appeared in 2 films… Jean Arthur… also in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town & You Can’t Take it With You James Stewart… also in You Can’t Take it With You & It’s a Wonderful Life Edward Arnold… also in You Can’t Take it With You & Meet John Doe Thomas Mitchell… 1) Lost Horizon 2) It’s a Wonderful Life 3) Pocketful of Miracles Pierre Watkin… 1) Mr. Deeds Goes to Town 2) You Can’t Take it With You 3) Meet John Doe 4) State of the Union H.B. Warner… 1) Mr. Deeds Goes to Town 2) Lost Horizon 3) You Can’t Take it With You 4) It’s a Wonderful Life 5) Here Comes the Groom And the Most Favorite Charles Lane… 1) Broadway Bill 2) Mr. Deeds Goes to Town 3) You Can’t Take it With You 4) Arsenic and Old Lace 5) It’s a Wonderful Life 6) State of the Union 7) Riding High 8) Here Comes the Groom 9) Rendezvous in Space

Larry Darrell

I’ve been informed by My Man Godfrey (1936), that His Girl Friday (1940) heard from A Guy Named Joe (1943), who works at the classic film headquarters, under Mister Roberts (1955), who shares an office with Cassie’s case reviewer, Mrs. Miniver (1942), that The Awful Truth (1937) of it is, Cassie’s still a few short. But, she is out on maternity leave right now Bringing Up Baby (1938). So there’s still time to boost her resume, before it’s finalized.

MikeLL

Jack Carson is one of the ones you didn't mention that was in only two, he was a reporter in this and a cop in Arsenic and Old Lace.

MikeLL

Sergeant York (1941) true WW I story with Gary Cooper made it on a Memorial Day Poll one year, and it would be a fantastic War Movie Wednesday watch!

Danny T

It seems Cassie gets a classic film card after reacting on a film that is in so so much inspiration etc that as well created such emotion in original release it has before this remake modern way as it seems a lack of ideas discovered, felt, created from going out and experiencing life has created for writers etc since B.C. times . Please if you ever could please react with 1939 Good Bye Mr Chips.

Larry Darrell

And Grant Mitchell… Senator MacPherson here and Reverend Harper in Arsenic. Also check out The Man Who Came to Dinner (1941), for a hilarious part of his.

Ike

I think it’s a great name for a coffee blend.

Robin Roberts

Hey Cassie, you get a Provisional Classic Film card, you will have to watch a few more classic films before you're entitled to the full card which is LAMINATED!! I enjoyed your reaction and your frustration with the how the system worked or failed to work. This is one of my favourite James Stewart films. I would to like to point at one thing. All the letters at the end are probably from people who blindly believe what Taylor says. This is the power of his machine to influence people to think what he wants them to think. Another black and white James Stewart film you should check out is Harvey.

Larry Darrell

“Doggone it, you ever have so much to say about something you just couldn’t say it?” That was me last night after this Reaction. It’s hard to put into words, how much I love this movie and Frank Capra’s other Capraesque films. There’s so much Goodness in them. That’s something that seems to be lacking in a lot of today’s entertainment. A couple newer things that I’ve seen that does have “the Spirit… the Idea” of Frank Capra films, are About Time (2013) and The Newsroom (2012). Saunders calls Jeff Smith Don Quixote, and MacKenzie calls Will Don Quixote. Both men are “on a Mission to Civilize.” Will McAvoy’s first speech about America, was oozing with the “Spirit” of Capra and Smith. Jeff says something that I could easily hear Will say… “Now, you’re not gonna have a country that can make these kind of rules work, if you haven’t got men that have learned to tell human rights from a punch in the nose.” In About Time, Tim’s Dad tell’s him his Secret Formula for Happiness. “Live every day again… almost exactly the same. The first time with all the tensions and worries that stop us noticing how sweet the world can be. But the second time… Noticing.” Jeff Smith’s Dad had a similar idea. “He had it all worked out.” He told Jeff, “Don’t miss the wonders that surround you… because every tree, every rock, every ant hill, every star is filled with the wonders of nature. “Have you ever noticed how grateful you are to see daylight again after coming through a long dark tunnel?” “Always try to see life around you as if you’ve just come out of a tunnel.” I think Tim’s Dad and Jeff’s Dad might of been cut from the same cloth. For more of this “Goodness,” please, please consider watching these other Frank Capra films… Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)… starring Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur. Lost Horizon (1937)… starring Ronald Coleman, Jane Wyatt, and featuring Thomas Mitchell and H.B. Warner. You Can’t Take it With You (1938)… starring Lionel Barrymore, Jean Arthur, James Stewart and Edward Arnold, featuring a collection of great character actors. Meet John Doe (1941)… starring Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Arnold and Walter Brennan. Meet John Doe is a terrific companion film for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. A lot of the themes and ideals from Mr. Smith are put into action on a much grander scale. Meet John Doe is sort of a pseudo-Christmas film, and it’s one I watch every year, alongside It’s a Wonderful Life. I could go on and on about the cast… Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, H.B. Warner, Beulah Bondi, Harry Carey, Jack Carson, William Demarest (gateway to Preston Sturges)… and a blink and you’ll miss it, young Dub Taylor. Dub has been seen and heard before in Back to the Future Part III alongside Pat Buttram and Harry Carey Jr. He was a Frank Capra regular, a Western regular for most of his career, even playing the same character, “Cannonball,” in over 50 Westerns. He was a Sam Peckinpah regular and a skilled Xylophone player. That’s it, I can’t spend my whole night writing. Maybe later ;-) Thank You Cassie for this. This was a very Special One. Great Year Indeed :-) PS: Please Excuse my absent mindedness. I got caught up in watching Meet John Doe for a little impromptu Christmas in July, and forgot to mention… Since we are only just 3 months from October, it’s just the right time to be thinking of some films for Halloween time. Having just watched one of Frank Capra’s Best Films, how about then, We consider adding Frank Capra’s Most Hilariously Funny & Scary but Not too Scary Film… Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) to this year’s Totally Awesome schedule. :-) I can honestly say I laughed myself to tears on this one. Thank You again.

MikeLL

Great comment, loved it, but couldn't you have recommended another Capra film, Arsenic and Old Lace? Need more help to get that one seen!

Old As Dirt Bert

Here's some actors - their role in this film - and one or more other roles Cassie's seen... James Stewart - Jefferson Smith - George Bailey, John 'Scottie' Ferguson, L.B. Jefferies Claude Rains - Senator Joseph Paine - Captain Louis Renault, Prince John Beulah Bondi - Ma Smith - Mrs. Bailey Eugene Pallette - Chick McGann - Fray Felipe H.B. Warner - Senate Majority Leader - Mr. Gower Thomas Mitchell - Diz Moore - Uncle Billy Porter Hall - Senator Monroe - Granville Sawyer Charles Lane - Nosey Reporter - Real Estate Salesman

Clay F

I have been wanting to watch Arsenic and Old Lace (1944). Haven't seen it but on my list.

Clay F

Early in the movie, you nailed that he was about to walk to the Lincoln Memorial. I've never been to D.C. One of these days. Enjoyed your reaction. "...don't miss the wonders that surround you."

Keith Jones

Wonderful as always, and yes young people are pages in the Senate, but juniors in high school. I was one, went to class in the 4th floor of the Library of Congress from 6am-9:30 and worked from 10am-5. It was an amazing experience, killed my grades, but since I graduated high school I came out ahead :)

Stephen Dias

Great movie, but, yes, it ends abruptly and I also wanted more. Claude Rains was great at playing good guys and also weasels. It was nice to see the stars of other Frank Capra classics, "It's a Wonderful Life" and "You Can't Take It with You" in this movie.

YodatheHobbit

Cool to hear about your American/Canadian birth story. My grandmother was born in England, then her parents brought her over to the US on the SS Megantic (I think through Canada somehow? Is there a river which goes through from the ocean to the Great Lakes? I forget.) in the early 20s when she was 11 mos old! They settled in Minnesota, then my grandfather found work in the budding San Diego Navy infrastructure as an aircraft riveter right before WWii broke out, and she soon followed him here. Apparently I heard in the 70s it was discovered my grandmother had never officially became complete citizen when she was in her 50s.

SeanATX

Poli-sci lesson: "Mr. President" here would actually be the Vice-President of the US (who serves as the President of the Senate). But Cassie is spot on that the actor clearly shows that he is sympathetic to Jeff. Excellent film. First time watching. And fun to see quite a few actors who also appeared in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Robin Roberts

Hi Cassie, now you've seen several films directed by Frank Capra you could explore the work of other directors like John Ford, Preston Sturges, John Huston, George Cukor and Billie Wilder . I would pick Billie Wilder first because he directed films like the original Sabrina (I know you've watched the remake), Stalag 17, The Spirit of St. Louis with James Stewart, Irma la Douce (which featured on your Paris poll), the classic Some Like It Hot and my favourite film The Apartment.

Lana Gorgeous

Watching this in November of 2025 it is soooo appropriate to what is happening in the US today, except in this case Taylor made it to the White House!