This is a very good James Stewart before he went to war. In this movie he goes to war with the U.S. Senate. Mr. Smith (Stewart) is a boy's club leader, and when the senator dies, the boys convince the governor (Guy Kibbee) to appoint Mrs. Smith. This is acceptable to the political boss, James Taylor (Edward Arnold) who thinks they will be able to control Mr. Smith.
When he gets to Washington Smith meet the senior senator from his state, Senator Paine (Claude Raines). He has been Smith's hero. Smith proposes a boys camp, and it happens to be on and where they plan to put a dam, with lots of political graft. Smith won't back down, the political boss frames him for profiteering as they have made it look like he owns the property for the boys camp. He is to be expelled from congress, but not before he has his say. He is lucky he meets Paine's secretary (Jean Arthur), who is assigned to him as she helps him. He is new to Washington and she knows the ropes. He is also helped by the leader of the Senate (Harry Carey). He is not helped by Paine's daughter (Astrid Allyn) who keeps him occupied while political moves are made behind his back. So the question is, can Mr. Smith talk his way out of the hole he is in and will the corruption ever be exposed.
Enjoyable movie. Who knew James Stewart could talk for so long. Also interesting portrayal of the Senate and government corruption.
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