MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION

[@tddonahue4244]

Jean Arthur underrated, she was so good in this film

[@williambrownlee9978]

Jean Arthur is amazing. I wish she had done many more movies. I have some of hers and she stands out every time. One of my all time favorites.

[@jesusfernandezgarcia9449]

In all of them.

[@larryfox79]

1939 Hollywoods greatest year

[@Cadinho93]

During WWII, James Stewart enlisted in the US Army Air Corps (It didn't become its own branch, USAF until 1947). He flew B-24 bombers over Germany and was the first major Hollywood actor to join the Army. He enlisted in February 1941 BEFORE we got into the war in December, 1941. He flew over 25 missions and was promoted to Colonel in 1945, becoming one of the very few Americans to go from Private to Colonel in just 4 years. He continued to serve in the Air Force reserve and act after the war. He flew the B-52 bomber and retired as a Brigadier General. He was later promoted to Major General. He was the highest ranking actor ever in the US Military. This movie was made before he enlisted, before we entered WWII. It's A Wonderful Life was produced in 1946, after the war. Also, the more you react to these classic films of the 1930s and 1940s, the more you'll appreciate them. James Stewart is an American treasure. You can't go wrong with any movie he's in. I would recommend "The Philadelphia Story", which starts James Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.

[@Hapsard]

YES! ... The Philadelphia Story! I've been hoping somebody would react to both that and His Girl Friday (another movie that shows problems with government and the press) for so long!

[@elessartelcontar9415]

If you haven't seen him in Harvey, you must! Jimmy plays a quiet, kind, calm and unusual man that has an invisible 8 foot tall rabbit named Harvey as his best friend. Harvey is a Puka. Harvey loves doing mischievous and nice things depending on the person. Watching Harvey was something I did with all 4 of my kids as soon as I thought they could appreciate it. They loved it too.

[@ian3314]

That's awesome! Thanks for that cool information.

[@steveschainost7590]

Harvey!

[@Mcvthree3]

There's one scene between Kate and Jimmie where they dance with their faces inches apart for several minutes. IIt has CRAZY levels of sexual tension. I LOVE all 3 of the stars in anything.

[@buzzard6410]

I love that you are visiting the classics. When I saw that you'd posted this, I stopped what I was doing to watch your reaction. This movie is 85 years old and as perfect today as it was when it was made. With CGI and all the effects that can be generated today, can we just appreciate the genius of Frank Capra. What directors today have forgotten how to do, Mr Capra did so easily. He just knew how to tell a story.

[@deltabravo2678]

A very fine film. 85 years and yet the Senate is unchanged. Looking at you McConnell and Schumer!

[@davidneel8327]

The white-haired actor with the glasses is Claude Raines. Casablanca, the Invisible Man and many other movies.

[@laurogarza4953]

Many of the same actors here re-appeared in Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life."

[@seanstafford6488]

He was Old Man Potter

[@mattx449]

@@seanstafford6488 No Potter was played by Lionel Barrymore. Claude Raines wasn’t in that one.

[@thomast8539]

Claude Rains was also in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), which Cassie has reacted to and Lawrence of Arabia (1962), which she has yet to get to.

[@alexandru5369]

All great movies

[@Fool3SufferingFools]

Regarding “Stop having kittens…” The modern expression “Don’t have a cow” is actually an absurd twist on the older expression “Don’t have kittens.”

[@EarlJWoods]

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of my favourite films, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Smith's idealism and honesty are incredibly moving and inspirational - I was close to tears when I first watched this back in 1990 or 1991.

[@dan_hitchman007]

This was the main theme of most Frank Capra films that the little guy does battle with the powerful, greedy, and corrupt.

[@adamb5436]

The president of the senate, the old man on his side, was silent movie era actor Harry Caray senior. He played the good guy for many years in Hollywood’s early westerns. He was a mentor to another young up and coming actor of this time John Wayne.

[@guitarman0311]

How many noticed the five actors that were in, " It's a Wonderful Life", that were also in, " Mr Smith Goes To Washington"?

[@talltulip]

Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy/Diz Moore) Beulah Bondi (Ma Bailey/Ma Smith), H.B. Warner (Mr. Gower the druggist/Senate Majority Leader) Charles Lane (Real Estate Salesman/Nosey) Dick Elliott (man on porch "why dontcha kiss her instead of talking her to death?!" / Carl Cook) Are these the 5 you meant? Actually, in looking at the two cast lists, turns out there are a whole bunch of people who had bit parts in both films. Never realized that before.

[@andrewgrant6516]

Frank Capra worked with a repertory troupe of actors he cast repeatedly. Much as Tim Burton does nowadays.

[@francoisevassy6614]

And also Dub Taylor (journalist asking Mr S. to make faces) who plays Jean Arthur’s brother in law in the excellent movie : You Can’t Take it With You !

[@MrBelmont79]

1939 is considered the greatest year for movie history. It saw the releases of Gone With the Wind, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stage Coach, Wuthering Heights, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Of Mice and Men, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ninotchka… and so many others. Film industry people consider 1939 as “The Year “ ✋🏻🇺🇸

[@RoSaWa386-33]

And every one of those NEEDS to be watched by Cassie & Co.

[@thomast8539]

@@RoSaWa386-33 She will. She only has a few thousand things to react to, so we just have to be patient.

[@ammaleslie509]

Some of them are real downers...

[@jomerisjammin]

No it's not!

[@johnclawed]

...consider 1939 as “The Year... what? I appreciate your comment but I don't speak emoticon.

[@grumpyboomer61]

It's interesting that a film made 85 years ago pointed out the corruption within the system. And here we are, 85 years later, and nothing has changed.

[@silverlobo2135]

Yes, it has!! Before, it was more hidden and behind closed doors and the voters, for the most part, Now, the conservative Supreme Court says such corruption is not really "corruption" and against the Constitution. Thus, the corruption and "powerbrokers" are allowed to undermine Democracy and the ideals of the Constitution. and the add insult to injury, a 37% of the population are willing to allow corruption and the harmful dismantling of the values expressed in this movie for the sake of a red hat, false prophet, and revenge against anyone without strict right-wing extreme conservative principles. They have forgotten what the little boy reads at the Lincoln Memorial and what this movie stands for.

[@acdragonrider]

Worse, American democracy has been compromised.

[@thepsychicspoon5984]

If anything, it probably gotten worse.

[@patrickdepew4976]

​@@thepsychicspoon5984Because now it's completely encouraged and permitted.

[@skaterdave03]

There were so many political machines running after the Civil War when industrialization picked up and the money poured in. The late 1800s set up the outline politics is still run on today. This movie still rings 100% true today.

[@yaddamop6309]

One movie critic said the founders of Hollywood were guys who had a love affair with America. Frank Capra was one of them and one of the many great American success stories. He and his family came from Sicily. They lived in a ghetto and they were poor. He took on odd jobs, later made it to college . As for James Stewart, he was one of Capra's favorite actors. He was mine, too. In fact, my uncle was in the Army Air Corps and was billeted with Jimmy Stewart for one night during the war. This movie is about that love affair both men had with America. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobwilliams1827]

One of my all-time favorite movies. So glad you’re reacting to it. Mr. Cappra invited members of Congress to watch this movie when it premiered. They walked out halfway through.

[@talltulip]

How telling. ☹️ Very sad.

[@SoaringTrumpet]

In the interest of truth, it seems from what I read that 45 senators showed up at the premiere. Although Capra claims some walked out, there's doubt by other accounts whether this even occurred. And the objections to the film came from the typically conservative senators who were concerned it was unpatriotic by depiction of corruption in the US Senate.

[@goldenager59]

Half in a huff, and half in a slump, I should think. 🤨

[@SteveBrant55]

From wikipedia... there was an ending filmed but not used: The ending of the film was apparently changed at some point, as the original program describes Stewart and Arthur returning to Smith's hometown, where they are met by a big parade, with the implication that they are married and starting a family. In addition, the Taylor political machine is shown being crushed; Smith, riding a motorcycle, visits Senator Paine and forgives him; and a visit to Smith's mother is included. Some of this footage can be seen in the film's trailer.

[@John-je8pg]

@@SteveBrant55 Sounds like Cassie's ending

[@goldenager59]

​@@John-je8pg Doesn't it just, though? Ask a number of people who've seen this film what ending they should like to see tacked on, and dollars to doughnuts a majority will outline a nearly identical scenario. But I say that the final image of the President of the Senate (and his expression) is an ending that economically says all that really needs saying. 😎

[@xcratchy]

32:21 “he’s going to H-E-Double Hockey Stick” …HAHAHA !!!

[@PalimpsestProd]

Jean Arthur is one of the best things to come out of Hollywood. Watch every movie she made, very few of them.

[@ejo24]

What a day to post this, the craziness needs to calm down in Washington and throughout the country

[@ct6852]

Agreed. It's so stupid.

[@harveybecker4298]

CASSIE congrats on 400,000 well deserved it shows you are loved, its so nice to see a podcaster not talk likr a truck driver

[@SteveBrant55]

She is loved, indeed!

[@atlasrunner8206]

I Resent That.... I'm a Truck Driver..... I don't have a Potty Mouth.....

[@mikecaetano]

Frank Capra also directed several other classic comedies still worth watching, including Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can't Take It with You (1938), Meet John Doe (1941), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), and Pocketful of Miracles (1961). And during WWII he directed a series of films under the title Why We Fight, which helped explain the importance of defeating fascism to Americans back then and that's a lesson we need to remember today!

[@zardox78]

3:10 Yes, you have. It just didn't register. "Well, don't have kittens. Genesis is going to work." -David Marcus, Star Trek 2.

[@SpielbergMichael]

You should also react to: To Kill a mockingbird

[@thomast8539]

Unfortunately, she saw this one prior to creating her channel.

[@SpielbergMichael]

@@thomast8539Hey there, Thanks for letting me know.

[@firegod001]

About Smith going around punching people..... Try to imagine a cowboy from the 1800s who sometimes handled enemies with his fists who gets insulted and lied about by pencil pushers. He might just try to knock some sense into people. Now imagine a small town, guy next door type from the 1930s who doesn't tend to get into flights, but also doesn't tend to be insulted and lied about. The same thing happens to him, and he explodes, letting the despicable people have it . I also think that him having a bad temper made him seem more down to earth back then.

[@trefen2534]

Still pretty crazy that him making a bird call was front page news but not him assaulting a bunch of journalists.

[@docsavage8640]

In those days you'd expect to be punched for acting like that. Just another way our society has changed for the worse.

[@goldenager59]

What is a man who calls himself a man to do? He can't let fear of being sued handcuff him all the time, and he won't. ("Beware the fury of a patient man.") One day, I _will_ do something out of righteous anger that will put me in jail for at least one night. And I will fulfill for myself what Thoreau advised: "Under a system which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison." Well, America already (and notoriously) counts among its prison inmates many who are there for reasons that are unjust or ill-considered by judge and/or jury. I may join my fellow Americans there with trepidation - but also a certain sense of satisfaction. 👊

[@EastPeakSlim]

Fun fact: the US Capitol dome had been completed 73 years before this movie was shot. During the Civil War, President Lincoln insisted that work continue on it, to show that the union was alive and kicking. The dome was finished the year after Lincoln's assassination. Jeff Smith keeps looking to Mr. Lincoln for hope and guidance.

[@samellowery]

Which is dumb because lincoln was as corrupt as the bad guys in the movie.

[@swk38]

@@samellowery corrupt politicians?! don't let the word get out people might revolt

[@billolsen4360]

@@samellowery A psychiatrist may be able to cure your condition. Rectal-cranial-inversion IS treatable now.

[@samellowery]

@@billolsen4360 yeah cause lincoln totally didn't institute the first income tax along with the first draft and definitely didn't suspended habus corpus and have political enemies thrown in jail he also didn't send US Marshalls to arrest a Supreme Court Judge who said that he was overstepping his authority even though lincoln himself said that he didn't know if he had the right to do what he was doing he totally didn't act like a facisist dictator and ignore his statue at his memorial where he's sitting on a throne like a dictator that has giant Fasces on the front do you want some more facts or are you just going to use more ad hominems

[@goldenager59]

​@@samellowery The end never justifies the means. But we believe in something more important than justice, which is forgiveness. And Lincoln, unlike the corrupt men in the film, had a fundamental and overriding vision for all Americans and, ultimately, for all human beings. Of course, Lenin did too - but, after all, wasn't he seduced by the dark side? (Or, at least, successfully co-opted?) 😕

[@yadaroni]

The questions that the Mr. Smith character asks, are for our benefit. A Senator would know more about the process, but the exposition is what makes this one of the most important movies in and on American History.

[@billolsen4360]

Corrupt politicians in WASHINGTON? I'm shocked! SHOCKED!

[@andrewmalone9143]

This is one of my favorite films of all time. As a high school history teacher, I show my U.S History Class this film each year. This movie may be from 85 years ago but teenagers really like this film. Also the favorite scene is always the punching scene because the students are always confused by the random and out the blue nature of it.

[@billolsen4360]

Journalists who'd made fun of him. I'm sure lots of people in Washington had the urge to do just that.

[@swordforjustice]

Ma Bailey (played Ma Smith in this movie) from It’s A Wonderful Life was in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

[@billolsen4360]

Actress Beulah Bondi!

[@Eijianthony]

Ahhh, Jean Arthur.... ❤😅

[@VivianDarkbloom1]

Me, too

[@farmerbill6855]

Yea, I love her too.

[@williamb5484]

Yup

[@leefriedman9882]

She’s also great in the previous Capra classic, You Can’t Take It With You, and later in the 50s western, Shane.

[@Eijianthony]

@leefriedman9882 yes!

[@Mike-wr7om]

Isn't it amazing that a movie with no special effects, no spectacle, no action scenes, shot in black and white, can be so utterly engaging? Story, character, ideas, emotion. These are what make a good movie, and what I love about old movies from classic Hollywood (30s through 50s) is that they don't have the crutch of CGI and slick visuals to hide a lack of good writing; they have to rely on story, ideas, characters, emotions, and great dialogue. I hate it when people nowadays dismiss old movies out of hand simply because they are shot in black and white, the image and sound are a bit fuzzy, and there's no CGI. That is such a stupid approach to take, and anyone who takes it misses out on the very best movies that have ever been made. If you want to see some more black and white movies that will fill your heart, I suggest Captains Courageous (1937) and How Green Was My Valley (1941).

[@blueboy4244]

there's a whole raft of films without sound that are amazing as well

[@goldenager59]

I am leaving this comment because it is not possible to press the Like icon one thousand times. 🤩

[@life1042]

And no graphic sex scenes

[@tackysum]

Frank Capra was from the generation of filmmakers that had something to say about the human condition and society's responsibility to itself. Of course it helped that the "Studio System" was in place as Hollywood cranked out hundreds of films every year and the studio could afford to make films like Mr. Smith and not have their eggs all in one basket. If it flopped, so what another film could easily be the next big hit. Cassie, you give me goosebumps when you watch these classics and are excited by them, just as I was the first time I saw them. Thanks so much.

[@ct6852]

Wish we still had more mid-budget movies. 300 plus million for one film has really changed the game. In kind of a bad way.

[@williambrownlee9978]

Not a Frank Capra movie, but in the same vein is "Sullivan's Travels". Another look at the real world through the eyes if an elite. Great!

[@tackysum]

@@ct6852 Agreed. Too many dollars riding on a hit-or-miss project. I miss John Sayles.

[@LNKtheWizard]

Reacted to by a person who definately has nothing to say.

[@susanliltz3875]

“Who’s That?!” The guy you said that about was “Cousin Billy “ from “It’s A Wonderful Life”!!

[@TheCkent100]

And Ma Smith was the same actress that played Ma Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life", Beulah Bondi

[@KayQue-s3r]

Uncle

[@iznot2]

And Scarlett O'Hara father and therefore the owner of Tara.

[@herbie1234567890]

Thomas Mitchell-yep.

[@herbie1234567890]

@@KayQue-s3r Indeed. 🙂

[@John-je8pg]

Another Capra movie, slightly before that "You Can't Take it with you." A weird family headed by John Barrymore( Mr. Potter) whose daughter is Jean Arthur is romanced by Jimmy, whose father is Edward Arnold( Taylor) trying to buy out the family

[@John-je8pg]

Memory slip, it s Lionel Barrymore, not brother John.

[@JFrazer4303]

Definitely a great one

[@procopiusaugustus6231]

Love that movie. Anything by Capra is great.

[@proofprof63]

I was in a production of it in high school 50 years ago. 😂

[@MoonlitShoreWalk]

Yes! I love You Can't Take it With You! We need to petition Cassie to watch it, she would absolutely LOVE it! 😄

[@marleybob3157]

I love, absolutely LOVE Jean Arthur! Her resume is the thing of dreams. She started out in silent films and went on to star in many classics: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, You Can't Take It With You, Shane, The More The Merrier, Only Angels Have Wings, Talk of the Town, and my favorite, The Devil and Miss Jones (A tycoon goes undercover to ferret out agitators at a department store, but gets involved in their lives instead). Definitely worth checking out.

[@ninevoices9401]

In my opinion, Capra's finest movie and my god do I love Jean Arthur. One of the greatest actresses that not enough people have heard of.

[@wesleyrodgers886]

So many folk who were also in It's a wonderful life.

[@MoonlitShoreWalk]

Yes, and also in You Can't Take it With You! Have you seen it? She would love it!

[@ergoat]

This is the 2nd part of Frank Capra's anti-fascist trilogy; Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Meet John Doe.

[@RoSaWa386-33]

MR DEEDS GOES TO TOWN is another must-see film.

[@Huntress59]

I love Meet John Doe . But all 3 are a must

[@talltulip]

Of the two, I would recommend Meet John Doe first.

[@ct6852]

@@RoSaWa386-33 Probably a dumb question...but was that Adam Sandler movie based on that?

[@JFrazer4303]

​@@ct6852loosely based on it, yes

[@robertwong4060]

James "Jimmy" Stewart is one of the finest American actors of his generation and easily a Top 5 all-timer.

[@8967Logan]

I love this movie. I love to watch it on the 4th of July every year, because the idea of Jefferson Smith gives me some sliver of hope in the face of the darkness that envelops Washington and indeed seeks to cover the world.

[@carlnaranjo3962]

24:49 "Don't meet your heroes ". You're the second person I've heard in my life to say that. It is so true.

[@meattroller8853]

Cassie showing her Canadian background, she didn’t know how a bill was passed. Americans serenade her with me now: “I’m just a bill, yes I’m only a bill and I’m sitting here on Capital Hill…”

[@PalimpsestProd]

Canada got all of Schoolhouse Rock. Cassie is too young to have seen them.

[@cashflowhustles]

Younger folks in 2024 are VERY CLUELESS when it comes to history. Public school systems these days are a joke at least in America.

[@richardb6260]

There's a great movie from 1957 starring Andy Griffith called A Face in the Crowd. It has things to say about the influence of the media that are even more relevant today than they were then.

[@Madbandit77]

Before that, watch Capra's "Meet John Doe". "Doe" and "Crowd" are polar opposites of each other because they look at how the common man can be exploited by greedy, fascist power brokers.

[@hourbee5535]

It’s a scary time in the US right now. This channel is a welcome escape from it.

[@elessartelcontar9415]

Former president Trump was shot in the right ear about 2 hours ago. One of his supporters behind him sustained a head wound and died instantly. A woman was also shot but did not get a life threatening injury.

[@RobWool]

"Fear is not of me" have no fear 365 times in the book.

[@goldenager59]

I'm sure it is. I find much refuge in it myself. Just be sure your escape is a temporary one and that you'll return to the fight ready to dish out a punch or two yourself. 😉

[@brentwebster6164]

One of my very favorite films, and one of Jimmy Stewart’s finest performances. We believe every time his voice wavers and on to his raspy, hoarse voice at the end. One detail of it that I particularly love is that it steers clear of any partisan issues, focusing on corruption. They often talk about parties, but never specify who belongs to which one. This has the effect of allowing any viewer, no matter where they fall on the political spectrum, to identify with Jeff and cheer him on. Whatever party one favors in real life, corruption can be decried and decency can win the day.

[@markmoore236]

You should watch Jimmy Stewart reading a poem about his dog on Johnny Carson,there wasn’t a dry eye in the studio when he was finished

[@jsharp3165]

Beau.

[@SteveBrant55]

I've seen that video clip. 😭

[@TheJuris1973]

yeah that was an amazing clip

[@STOCKHOLM07]

I've seen that. It's pretty once in a lifetime

[@rickjend6667]

YES!!!!!!!!!!

[@carlosurdaneta4361]

I' like Cassie's "Director's cut version" at the end!😄😆😂🤣

[@stephengamber6233]

Great movie. Glad you're watching the oldies! I love Jimmy Stewart!

[@davidkeller6156]

Jean Arthur is one of my favorites in these old movies.

[@tizzy789]

1939 Good Bye Mr Chips, some may watch this film and then not shed a tear- I wonder about them :) Robert Donat is best remembered for his role as the school master in Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939). Australian film critic Brian McFarlane writes: "Class-ridden and sentimental perhaps, it remains extraordinarily touching in his Oscar-winning performance, and it ushers in the Donat of the postwar years."[38] His rivals for the Best Actor Award were Clark Gable for Gone with the Wind, Laurence Olivier for Wuthering Heights, James Stewart for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Mickey Rooney for Babes in Arms.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

Donat is extraordinary as Mr Chips. The film also features an early performance by Paul Henreid (Victor Lazlo in Casablanca).

[@tizzy789]

@@TedLittle-yp7uj Ty did not know that

[@tizzy789]

@@TedLittle-yp7uj Was he the who said ... Won't it seem funny having A King?

[@cliffthedroid1663]

A great choice and a classic movie. I love James Stewart movies. aka Vertigo. I highly recommend the movie "The Spirit of St Luis" Another classic Jimmy Stewart movie. He always made the source material so personal. To the point that your behind him, cheering him on all the way. 🙂

[@FilmWryter-321]

Congratulations on 400k subscribers Cassie. You, your great editor and team deserve it!

[@kimberlyblosser8717]

Some of these older black and white movies are really amazing and overlooked anymore. They were a bit before my time, having been born in the 70's, but I still count actors like Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, and Gary Cooper as my favorites. For some more great movies you might try Bringing Up Baby, Sergeant York, or my favorite, Charade.

[@thomast8539]

Hope this means Cassie will be reacting to more great films from the golden age of Hollywood.

[@acdragonrider]

The main problem is those voting. Classic Hollywood films are unpopular on the voting polls most of the time.

[@billolsen4360]

Cassie is very insightful and expresses herself clearly. Hope she keeps up the movie reactions for a long, long time. She's a treasure in waiting for the right guy when he comes along.

[@dan_hitchman007]

It's tragically sad that power brokers and corruption haven't changed much since "Mr. Smith..." In fact, it's only gotten worse. 😢

[@thomast8539]

All of man's evils have been with us since the beginning and our political system has had corruption right from the start.

[@vermithax]

It never fails to amaze/depress, me how relevant this movie remains.

[@JFrazer4303]

Much, much worse.

[@stephenriggs8177]

Yep. We didn't have Citizens United, back then.

[@charlize1253]

When you read enough history, you realize that politics has always been this way, because human beings have always been this way. Times change, but human nature doesn't.

[@EdiCemalovic]

Congrats 🎉🎉🎊 on 400k!!!

[@carenhelms8518]

Cassie, if you want to know how a bill becomes a lay, the best way to learn that is the way we did in the 1970s: Schoolhouse Rock. There is one called "I'm Just a Bill" that explains the entire process of how a bill becomes a law. Schoolhouse Rock is how we learned the basics of math, grammar and government. Great stuff we are never too old to learn.

[@totomomo18]

Wow what a surprise a great movie hardly anyone react to Bravo. :) Other movies you should see of James Stewart are Harvey and The Man Who Know Too Much.

[@josephmolina2432]

Canada is great! I have been there twice. I was at the Banff Springs Hotel (If you haven't been you should go, they give spooky guided tours) and went white water rafting in glacier water. FUN TIMES!

[@duanetelesha]

Hi Cassie, Jimmy Stewart is a great actor and I highly recommend one of my favorite movies "The Glenn Miller Story". This is happening still, lobbyist run things in Washington. great reaction.

[@AlanKeimig]

I truly love this movie and your reaction to it. Especially your epilog.

[@samson9535]

The fat guy with the distinctive low voice is Friar Tuck from the movie "The Adventures of Robin Hood", 1938.

[@randyschuh2670]

1939 is my favorite year for movies. So many classics and other great movies were made that year. Thank you for sharing this great classic.

[@davidkneitel1840]

It's been eons since I saw this movie. I should revisite it. I'm glad to see these GEMs being viewed by newer generations. 😊

[@wordygirlandco]

❤YES! One of my all time favorite movies! Just a blowout performance by James Stewart. I always grab my tissues before I watch. I adore Claude Raines......one of the best character actors ever. He is amazing in the Hitchcock film Notorious and of course in Casablanca. Some other amazing black and white suggestions A Tale Of Two Cities 1935 version, Stalag 17 from 1953, Sunset Boulevard 1950, Born Yesterday 1950, His Girl Friday 1940 and I could name many more. These movies are better some of the best movies ever made. With some of the best performances ever.

[@ian3314]

Great video. I believe your epilogue, with them getting rid of Senator Fricken Fricker!!!😆

[@KayQue-s3r]

Jimmy Stewart; GOAT Thanks so much Cassie for this reaction. Congrats on 400K!!! So wonderful!

[@midnight7703]

Congratulations Cassie on 400k Subscribers!!!! On to 500k now!

[@flpndrox]

It's so awesome to see so many familiar faces from *It's A Wonderful Life* and other Capra movies.

[@rubensalvador9422]

Definitely need to watch more F Capra movies. Arsenic and Old Lace for Halloween season. Meet John Doe and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. You Can't Take It With You. All of these are favorites of mine. With the exception of the first film I listed (which is just a plain dark comedic film) have a strong theme about doing things for the common folk over the privileged. I am actually subscribing because of this reaction. Thank you.

[@bobholtzmann]

I see lots of actors that were used in another Capra film, "Meet John Doe" (1941). Frank Capra always had some great romantic lead parts, and this film really excelled in pairing Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

Mr Smith was one of three Capra movies that exalted 'the little man' standing up to the status quo in government. I know you enjoyed 'Its a wonderful life' which came after that trilogy. Despite the claims that Wonderful Life was not popular, there are many movie buffs who will point to evidence that it was killed of by the FBI and the McCarthyites with distributors and movie houses being scared off showing it. Capra gave the reason for his early retirement as being blacklisted. While his previous trilogy were stories of challenges to democracy, Wonderful Life was interpreted as being an analogy for socialism, withe the people banding together - complete with shared wealth - to stand against the wealthy landowner. Capra, like others was censored for his ‘feel good' socially aware movies

[@robbherriman3302]

Jimmy Stewart movie I think you would love is Harvey. One of my favorite Jimmy Stewart movies after It's A Wonderful Life. An that is saying a lot, I am 55 and have watched It's A Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve for 44 years.

[@oobrocks]

Congratulations Cassie! Well earned ❤🎉😊

[@Redheadliner]

What a day to watch this reaction of a masterpiece of a movie! One of my all time favorites! God bless!

[@Billinois78]

I know you will like "Harvey", starring James Stewart, if that wins a poll someday. Very 'feel good' and lighthearted. Not as heavy in subject matter as this or It's a Wonderful Life.

[@topoisomerace]

Thank you for watching this.

[@michaelragnarsson3476]

And this is why Washington is called "The Swamp"

[@Madbandit77]

Unfortunately, someone wanted to make it worse eight years ago and wants back in the Oval Office.

[@justinedse8435]

@Madbandit77 Actually this is incorrect, he campaigns on draining the swamp. He is an outsider and the long time swamp creatures hate him.

[@Madbandit77]

@@justinedse8435 But he made things worse with his narcissistic personality, his ineptitude when handling the COVID-19 response and failed undermining of the 2020 election. What a useless prick.

[@michaelragnarsson3476]

@@Madbandit77 just out of curiosity, are you talking about the candidate who was voted for by the people or the one who was installed by a small group of democrat elites?

[@Madbandit77]

@@justinedse8435 Actually, he made things worse by being a narcissist, being inept when it came to COVID-19 and trying to undermine our voting process.

[@mbryred]

I was very happy when I saw you were reacting to this classic. Thank you!

[@keng4847]

Jimmy Stewart was not in "It Happened One Night". Clark Gable starred in that movie. But Jimmy Stewart did star in "It's a Wonderful Life." And he also starred in "Rear Window" which you have seen

[@kevinhouse4376]

And she also reacted to "Anatomy of a Murder."

[@paulmitchell3714]

What a great choice! Very timely!

[@Hayseo]

1939 was the best year in movie history. You should do a series on 1939 movies.

[@CopyKatnj]

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

[@genjii931]

If you like this movie you'll also love the original “Mr Deeds Goes to Town”, with Gary Cooper.

[@gregcorwin8316]

Mr Smith Goes to Washington is just one of the amazing number of classic movies from 1939. As someone who has never studied or had a particular interest in classic movies, I know enough to recognize that this was an amazing year for the history of cinema. Ten movies were nominated for best picture that year, some are still considered to be among the best movies ever made: Dark Victory Gone with the Wind (Best Picture winner) Goodbye, Mr. Chips Love Affair Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Ninotchka Of Mice and Men Stagecoach The Wizard of Oz (many folks thought this should have been Best Picture winner) Wuthering Heights 1939 movies not good enough to be nominated in 1939: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Gunga Din The Three Musketeers Beau Geste The Man in the Iron Mask The Four Feathers Gulliver's Travels The Hunchback of Notre Dame The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Son of Frankenstein Drums Along the Mohawk

[@thomast8539]

Great comment.

[@williambowman2326]

Fun reaction and glad you enjoyed a timeless movie. Jean Arthur( Saunders) was a wonderful actress and big box office before World War 2. After the War she made very few movies and her last one made was Shane in the early 1950,s and then retired and stayed retired.

[@talltulip]

Fun facts about Love Affair: it was directed by zleo McCarey in 1939, and starred Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer. Then in 1957, McCarey remade it, starring Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant, with the title An Affair to Remember. Then in 1993, An Affair to Remember was used as an important plot device in Sleepless in Seattle. And finally, in 1994, Love Affair was remade a third time, starring Warren Beatty and Annette Bening.

[@talltulip]

Although the official release date of The Grapes of Wrath is listed as March 1940, I have seen some film journalists and historians include it in the list of stellar movies from 1939. Not sure if it is strictly correct because of the date, but the quality of the movie certainly warrants its inclusion on that list.

[@williambowman2326]

I am in the minority but I prefer the original . Best Charles Boyer performance and Irene Dunne has sadly been forgotten by the movie community.

[@nickus191]

I love this movie! I am so happy this finally made your watch list!

[@jsharp3165]

This is my favorite movie of all time! I am SO happy to watch you watch it! You are the perfect audience for it. You believe in honor and ideals, no matter who has them. Never lose that. I know you'll teach it to your children.

[@krs1525]

I’m American but I lived in Canada for 15 years 😊 my heart is in both places too ❤️✌️

[@ThePharaz]

Maybe you'll watch Jimmy Stewart in the 1950 version of Harvey. I Married a Witch (1942) which was in part along with Bell, Book and Candle (1958) where the inspiration for the TV series Bewitched (1964-1972). You did watch The Wizard of Oz (1939) which is the same year as this movie.

[@JFrazer4303]

Definitely a yes on "Harvey". Cassie would love it.

[@ClearwaterSubProductions]

Ok so since this was directed by Frank Capra who also directed It’s a Wonderful Life, you may have noticed several actors in this film who were also in that film. The man at 32:54 is the man who played Mr. Gower the drunk pharmacist who poisoned the pills. The man who played Diz was the same man who played Uncle Billy. The woman who plays Jimmy Stewart’s mother also played his mother in It’s a Wonderful Life. And by the way, Jean Arthur who played Saunders was originally supposed to play Mary Bailey but she was committed to a broadway show at the time so the part was given to Donna Reed instead. A couple other facts: The boy at 36:40 is the voice of Pinocchio in the 1940 Disney film, and the man on the radio at 34:50 is HV Kaltenborn, who was a real radio journalist and one of the first journalists that became a household name from broadcasting the news.

[@rjt3476]

quite a few of the cast from It's a wonderful life in this movie as well.

[@nealhoffman7518]

Absolute classic movie. I'm glad that you watched some of the best Capra. Everyone needs more Capra in their lives. Mr Deeds Goes to Town is phenomenal also. For more great movies in this era, you would adore Powell and Loy. The Thin Man Series, Love Crazy, etc... and William Powell in My Man Godfrey... and... and... and I could keep going for hours

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

Powell and Loy are also great in "I Love You Again."

[@cclapew-mj1st]

I totally agree!!!!!! But I would also like to add You Cant Take It With You to your list!!!!

[@Aggiebrettman]

You can tell you're about to have a good movie experience when you see "Claude Rains" on the poster. I watch this movie at least once a year to help rinse away some of the stink and cynicism. And Jimmy Stewart just emanates goodness and decency.

[@blindlemonpledge2556]

Good one Cassie! Now its on to Born Yestetday with Judy Holiday and William Holden

[@matthintz9468]

When this came out, there were certain groups that deemed it "un-American," and it nearly caused Frank Capra, Stewart and others to be blacklisted. They weren't, but the picture was considered subversive by many. By the time WWII ends, it was considered a classic. Stewart would go on to win the Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story a year later, and there's always been the belief that his winning the award that year was to make up for not getting it in 1939 for his performance here.

[@jennifermorris6848]

Thank you for the epilogue. We need that.

[@polyglot12]

Good to see you returning to some of the old classics. A really great old film is "Treasure of the Sierra Madre". That and "The Maltese Falcon" are both John Huston movies, and are terrific!

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

Both are incredible movies! Huston also did Key Largo which is great

[@daveallen8824]

Frank Capra was simply a genius. If this movie can't make you shed a tear, you have no soul or patriotism. And I can't think of a single actor who could have carried it off better than Jimmy Stewart. I think every student should have to watch this in high school.

[@stevencraven4897]

If a man is elected President and is a widower, his daughter may serve as First Lady.

[@stephengamber6233]

Interesting! I didn't know that.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

The First Lady could also be a sister or another close family member, and, believe it or not, it has happened NINE times in US history.

[@ct6852]

Is that true? Does there have to be a first lady?

[@bigdream_dreambig]

​@ct6852 No, First Lady isn't a "real" government position defined anywhere and they have no official duties, so there's no requirement that one exist. (That's also why it can be a daughter, etc.) It's why you almost never hear from some First Ladies while others seem to always be in the public eye.

[@ct6852]

@@bigdream_dreambig Yeah that's what I thought. But it does seem like they all give up their careers for the time being while in The White House.

[@ct6852]

To our favorite anchor baby...we're fortunate to have you Cassie! USA! USA!

[@Jared_Wignall]

This is my favorite film of 1939. James Stewart should have won the Academy Award for this film. This is his best performance in my opinion. He was perfect for this role and he later enlisted in the Army Air Corps in WWII and was one of many actors of that time that signed up to serve during the war. It’s great to see him react to this film. Hope you’re doing well, have a great rest of your weekend and take care!

[@ct6852]

So this was before Army and Wonderful Life was after?

[@bdowling9]

YESSS!!!! I'm so glad you chose one of the finest movies of Honor and Integrity!!! One of my all time favorites!

[@EBRoyJr]

You said you like anything with Christan Bale. Then you should try "The Flowers Of War." It's based on a true story. But have a box of tissues ready.

[@zedwpd]

James Stewart is my favorite too. I retired as an Air Force Major and Stewart retired as an Air Force General.