MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) ⚖️ First Time Watching 🎬 Movie Reaction

[@BouillaBased]

Frank Capra and James Stewart is a recipe for movie magic.

[@timmooney7528]

During WWII Capra served in the Army Signal Corps ands produced the Why We Fight series of propaganda films. Stewart had a commercial pilot license before the war, which helped him get commissioned as a pilot.

[@nittyblahblah8939]

Jimmie Stewart retired a Brigadier General (USAF Reserves). He was a pilot, 2 and 4 engine aircraft. He served during WWII as well. He flew a B24 Liberator in the European Theater, earning 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. He then trained others to pilot the B24, B17 and other bomber aircraft. Stewart served in WWII, The Korean War, and in Vietnam.

[@timmooney7528]

@@nittyblahblah8939 Watch the film Champion of Champions. It's on KZbin. Stewart flies the B-58 Hustler in it. In the film Strategic Air Command he flies B-36 and B-47 bombers.

[@CrustyOz]

Of all the many reaction channels, you have the most genuine, infectious, and enjoyable grin and laugh by far. Great movie choice again, thanks!

[@anthonyvasquezactor]

Scottish women really do make the best reactors. Look at Suzy Lu for further proof.

[@you166mhz]

I agree ...

[@HonRevPTB]

ABSOLUTELY!!! Dawn is the best, watching her reactions can turn a bad day into a good one!!!

[@Sirala6]

"He's holding in a really big poop." Did I hear that correctly? 31:15

[@allengray5748]

​@@HonRevPTBTruly she is precious 💕 Need to check out Suzy it looks like!☮️

[@DevlinDomini]

Scottish blonde tackles American politics. This was fun on many levels.

[@bluebird3281]

You should watch Jimmy Stewart in "Harvey"

[@randallshuck2976]

Absolutely! It's a wonderful movie. I think he made it at about the same time as this one.

[@matthewlinder2180]

Yes, she will LOVE it too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fto4]

Yup ya gotta check out Harvey for sure Dawn you'll love that one.

[@arconeagain]

One hundred percent.

[@queenofthechocolateteapots]

@@randallshuck2976 Eleven years after this one.

[@custardflan]

"Ma" also plays Stewart's mother in It's A Wonderful Life."

[@PE4Doers]

I agree 100%. We need to clean up the Political Corruption on a World-wide basis.

[@chrispittman8854]

Stewart's "filibuster" is epic. This is one of my FAV all time.

[@itgaeta1]

The “screwball” comedy His Girl Friday starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell gives a great take on the ruthless newspaper business at that time. The quick witted cynical dialogue between the newspaper owner/ex-husband and ex-wife/ex-reporter is funny and timeless. Also has its corrupt politicians and maybe a wrongful hanging! I also agree with those who recommend The Third Man.

[@procopiusaugustus6231]

Anything Capra. Meet John Doe is another great movie.

[@flarrfan]

You Can't Take It With You is one of Capra's underrated...and then there's Stewart with Cary Grant and Kate Hepburn in the delightful Philadelphia Story.

[@procopiusaugustus6231]

@@flarrfan I was trying to remember You Can’t Take it With You. Funny as hell.

[@geraldmcboingboing7401]

When you guessed that Sanders first name was Clair, I nearly fell out of my chair. So random, so close!!!

[@johnsilva9139]

Dawn Marie definitely has some psychic ability.

[@GetMeThere1]

"What kind of rubbers?" The kind which fit over shoes, to keep them dry in rainy conditions. It's polite to take them off before entering someone's home.

[@tgriffin8179]

@@GetMeThere1 Know as galoshes in some areas.

[@GetMeThere1]

@@tgriffin8179 Where I come from (NY/NJ area) galoshes were an entire boot that went over shoes -- or not, if convenient. Rubbers are shoe-sized and are stretched to fit just over a low shoe.

[@grahamtravers4522]

Thomas Mitchell, as Diz Moore, was also in Stagecoach (Doc Boone), High Noon (Mayor) and It's a Wonderful Life (Uncle Billy).

[@paulpeacock1181]

In 1939 Thomas Mitchell was in Gone With The Wind, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Only Angels Have Wings, Mr Smith Goes To Washington and won the best supporting actor Oscar for Stagecoach.

[@deltabravo2678]

@@paulpeacock1181 1939 the greatest year in film making! Thomas Mitchell is always good.

[@thomastimlin1724]

The gray/white haired guy Senator Joseph was the same man who played Captain Renault in Casablanca - Claude Rains

[@davidmacias741]

He was also lon chaneys father on the werewolf.

[@bennychristensen4314]

He was also the voice of The Invisible Man

[@MrRondonmon]

Jean Arthur is my fav. Actress of all time. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town ( the remake was Mr. Deeds...sadly nowhere near as good) with her and Gary Copper is great movie. Another Frank Capra classic, as is this one. *Rubbers were "rain gear" back in the day* P.S. The President of the Senate is not the President of the USA, its the Vice Presidents job if they want it, but unless the Senate is 50/50 and they are needed to break a tie, its usually just a Senator from the majority party and it might change from day to day. The President pro tem of the U.S. Senate is pretty much an honorary title. They only vote as one of the Senators (naturally) or as the Vice President in case of a 50-50 tie on a vote.

[@johnsilva9139]

Well explained. It's confusing when the Vice President of the U.S. is also called the President of the Senate. In the film I don't know that he's also the sitting Vice President of the U.S.

[@TheAtkey]

Back then it would have been a 48-48 vote, since there was 48 states then. Alaska and Hawaii were territories then.

[@MrRondonmon]

@@TheAtkey Which is 50/50 the slash means percentage, later I explained how ot is now and that was why Kamala was the tie breaking vote on many occaisions a good little commie.

[@melanie62954]

It is such a delight to see you find so much joy in these timeless classics! This film was originally going to be a sequel to Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, but Capra cast Jimmy Stewart and changed it. You should totally watch Mr. Deeds--it's just as wonderful! A few more of my all-time faves to consider: - It Happened One Night (1934) - another Capra classic with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert - Dodsworth (1936) - underrated drama with a wonderful Walter Huston performance - My Man Godfrey (1936) - delightful comedy - Rebecca (1940) - Hitchcock goes Gothic - The Philadelphia Story (1940) - Jimmy Stewart won his Oscar for this, and it also stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. - The Lady Eve (1941) - hilarious, sexy romcom with Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck - To Be Or Not To Be (1942) - possibly the funniest movie I've ever seen, about a Polish acting troupe outwitting Nazis - The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) - lovely post-war drama about veterans coming home - Notorious (1946) - Another one of Hitchcock's best. A spy thriller with Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant - The Third Man (1949) - Fantastic noir with Orson Welles.

[@robertmysliwski7881]

Jean Arthur best roll was in Shane as the mom. She eventually quit acting to be an elementary school teacher.

[@bruceconnervo2142]

I love your reaction to this. Please do more of these old classics, you won't regret it. I'll put in a vote for Mr Blandings Builds his Dream House.

[@lynnturman8157]

Yeah, she would love that one. (Seriously. No sarcasm intended.)

[@2o4tom]

Awesome movie.

[@Bill-White-001]

There is a remake called The Money Pit. Much the same ideas though, and also fun.

[@lynnturman8157]

@@Bill-White-001 Yeah, the Money Pit is a remake, I believe. But Mr. Blandings is way funnier, IMO.

[@harryhowl2141]

Clarissa was played by Jean Arthur who was also in the western Shane. You might also like her in the movie Arizona and in The Devil and Miss Jones. The actor presiding over the Senate was Harry Carey. A good movie with him and John Wayne is Angel and the Badman.

[@cspringer333]

Don't know if you noticed but the senator that got up and left that you called a baby was the pharmacist in "It's A Wonderful Life" and also his mother in Mr Smith was also his mother in It's a Wonderful Life. Another great James Stewart movie when he was older (and cranky) is "The Flight Of The Phoenix". It also stars a young Richard Attenborough from Jurassic Park.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

You didn't mention "Uncle Billy"...

[@Do0msday]

Don't forget Mr. Sawyer from Miracle on 34th Street as Sen. Monroe.

[@aaronhusk]

1939 was a wonderful year for movies. So many classics that are must-sees came out that year.

[@ThomasStClair-zr2lb]

I really like that you react to movies from such a wide range of time and not just 1980s and newer. I enjoy Capra's movies even if they are a bit simplistic, they are so feel good movies.

[@waterbeauty85]

I like that Dawn made James Stewart the first and last item in her list of reasons this deserves "Best Movie Ever." Stewart was a national treasure, and it's appropriate and adorable that Dawn is such a fan.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Well... Jimmy was voted the 3rd best actor of all time. So, no surprise...

[@waterbeauty85]

@@melchiorvonsternberg844 That makes me very happy.

[@jimglenn6972]

Senator Joe Paine is played by Claude Rains, Captain Renault from Casablanca.

[@auapplemac2441]

Danial Boone was a frontiersman who helped settle parts of the area east of the Mississippi and also serviced in Congress.

[@danielkillian1222]

Harvey for your next Jimmy Stewart film.

[@RabbiSteve1]

Totally

[@Ceractucus]

Dawn, watching you watch this is pure gold. My was mom born in 1933 and died this year, and this was her favorite movie. And she loved it for all the reasons you did. You are both kind and decent person and I would cross the desert to see you smile. Watching you react to this is for the first time, was like seeing again with mom for the first time. A truly moving experience, since I miss her dearly. I think Senator Paine played by Claude Rains (Louis in Casablanca four years later) was actually a decent guy. He fought the good fight with Jeff's father and was finally corrupted by Paine. Watch the scene where Jeff accepts the nomination, when he recognizes Jeff's mom and now he remembers being a good guy. He does some bad things to Jeff but hates himself for it immediately. Look at his reaction to Jeff again with the idea that he hates himself. It takes on a new meaning in my opinion. At the end when the gun goes off he was going to kill himself. That's how bad he felt. There is an alternate ending for this movie where Jeff and his now fiance are heading home (I think to meet Jeff's mom) and they randomly meet Senator Paine and he apologizes to Jeff and they reconcile. I wish it was in the movie, but I guess Clarissa screaming Yippeee! at t he end made for a better ending.

[@julianfarrall8963]

If you're a fan of James Stewart, you should check out the film, flight of the phoenix, 1960s version, absolute awesome film.

[@davidmacias741]

The young boy who welcomes him in the senate room did the voice for Walt Disney's Pinocchio.

[@edpublic]

Daniel Boone is a Famous OutDoorsMan/WoodsMan/Frontiersman/Trapper/Hunter/Marksman,Knife&Hatchet Fighter,,,Came from our area his Mother & Fathers Home Site and Graves are 15mins away,,,He was one of America's First Folk Hero's,,, 1734 -1820 RIP

[@FloridaMugwump]

Well, he was born and raised in Pennsylvania as a Quaker. They had to leave the group after he and his brother both got non Quaker girls pregnant. Family moved to North Carolina at age 16. He hunted up into the Tennessee area and brought the furs home. Much later, he did move there, after checking out Florida first. Maybe in his forties, I think.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

@@FloridaMugwump Since Daniel Boone was only 16 years old when the family left the Quakers, it is much more likely his older siblings who caused the breakup.

[@FloridaMugwump]

@libertyresearch-iu4fy Hilarious. No sixteen year old ever had sex. Check the dates. He was already MARRIED. His wife was from Pennsylvania also, not the Carolinas

[@pauld6967]

​@@libertyresearch-iu4fyKeep in mind the times. 16 was definitely marrying age, on the edge of getting looks for why you aren't already married or at least engaged. Even in the 1980s, the girls where I was living were still being taught that if they don't have a man lined up to marry by the time they left high school, they were running the risk of becoming an old maid, i.e. too old to be considered for marriage.

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

@@pauld6967 Did I forget to mention the offences took place at least three years before they left.

[@RICHARD-t1u9o]

Daniel Boone was one of the first open the Western Frontier, one of our greatest frontiersmen.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Well... You mean from the European side, right?

[@RICHARD-t1u9o]

@@melchiorvonsternberg844 correct, from the east to the west.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

@@RICHARD-t1u9o Not quite what I meant. My statement actually refers to the indigenous people. There were certainly great explorers there that we will never know about...

[@RICHARD-t1u9o]

I was talking about a great explorer named Daniel Boone not trying to take anything from anyone else.

[@farmerbill6855]

A very accurate depiction of how the US senate works, crooks and all. There are two senators from each state, the president depicted here is not the president of the United States, he is the president of the senate, elected by the senate from the 100 senators. This is one of my top five films. Willet Creek dam is a public works project where ostensibly those men will make large amounts of money in government contracts. They were able to easily make it look like he owned it because they already did. Sadly our government is still rife with these sorts of crooks on a now colossal scale. Thank you for this, I love this movie, and you as well.

[@michaeldmcgee4499]

Jean Arthur (Clarissa) was one of the finest comedic actresses of her day. You should see her in these two classic B&W comedies: "The Devil and Miss Jones" and " The More the Merrier" You will love them!

[@Okie70]

You're the best movie reactor ever!

[@jasonlight4447]

Loved the little speech at the end..We need Dawn Marie for Senator.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Isn't she a Scots gal...?

[@polyglot12]

Another great choice of a classic! Add 'The Third Man' to your list. 'Arthur' is a good laugh-out-loud comedy. And when you're ready for a longer film, 'Lawrence of Arabia' truly deserves the title, 'classic'. And I love your interpretation of American history!😄

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Ähm... But you do realize that this is a glorification of Thomas E. Lawrence, a man who played a massive role in starting all the crap we have in the Middle East today? Because all that shit there came about in the first place since the British and French divided the Middle East between themselves during the First World War, as imperialists are wont to do...

[@gracesprocket7340]

Another few great little movies with an unscrupulous newspaper journalist.. "It happened one night" "Roman Holiday"

[@actaeon299]

"Boys need to be Boys". Words of wisdom from Dawn Marie. THANK YOU. That needs to be said.

[@randogirl-3]

MUST WATCH for Spooky Season- Arsenic and Old Lace. You will LOVE it! Couple of Favs… Talk of the Town- Cary Grant, Jean Arthur Bringing Up Baby-Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn

[@deltabravo2678]

Arsenic and Old Lace is an absolute riot!

[@jameswest509]

The "rubbers" referred to were rubber overshoes to protect your shoes from water.

[@johnsilva9139]

Not a term that's used anymore except as slang word for condoms.

[@8967Logan]

I know this movie is not a documentary, but art imitates life, and you have been shown in these movies from nearly 100 years ago that the corruption in politics and the news is not a new phenomenon. We need more Mr. Smiths in government. People taken out of the rank and file of the populous to serve and not people whose profession it is to line their own pockets and distort the values a country was founded on while lying about what those values are. I also believe Claire may be a short version of the name Clarissa, so I say you were right :). You should also try "Meet John Doe"; I think you'll like it.

[@edwardpate6128]

Each state has two Senators, currently 100 but 96 when this film was made as there were only 48 states then. The president of the Senate who presides over the preceding and votes in the case of a tie. The Senate is considered the upper body and was modeled on the British House of Lords. The lower chamber is the House of Representatives that currently has 435 members, one for each congressional district in the state. When you ask why everything is so difficult that was by design of the Founders who wanted to build in as many checks and balances as possible. There is my 2 minute US government lesson. LOL

[@custardflan]

For me, Jean Arthur is worth the price of admission. I highly recommend The More the Merrier and Shane.

[@davemcbroom695]

I swear that whole cast of It's A Wonderful Life is in this one too. Uncle Billy, the bank examiner, the sheriff who tears up the warrant, and prolly more I missed.

[@leehallam9365]

Both are Frank Capra films, he had his favourite actors.

[@lynnturman8157]

One of the reporters was in It's a Wonderful Life. In this movie, he says: "Boys, meet Tarzan!" In It's a Wonderful Life, he says: "But one of these days, this bright young man is gonna be asking George Bailey for a job!"

[@Bill-White-001]

and the bank examiner in It's a Wonderful Life. But so young!

[@farmerbill6855]

More really good Jimmy Stewart is "Philadelphia Story". You will love it.

[@katherinedinwiddie4526]

Love love love this movie !!! So glad you have discovered it! American dreams with American values. Thank you

[@marcfromparis333]

"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" with James Stewart and John Wayne is a great classic movie.

[@KrazyKat007]

She watched that early in the channel. The first real western and John Wayne movie she watched on the channel

[@2o4tom]

You said "James Stewart and John Wayne." You should check out "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

[@troyhickman4904]

My all-time favorite movie.

[@Do0msday]

This is one of the greatest movies ever made. It's a BEAUTIFUL movie. I freaking love the boyish charm of Jimmy Stewart in this. He's like a kid on Christmas and is so excited, innocent, and naive. This is an all-time great movie with some extremely clever/fun dialogue and it shows just how corrupt politics can be (at that time). It's even worse now, but at the time this movie was very controversial because saying that so many politicians were bought and paid for was scandalous. I'm so glad you reacted to this and I just absolutely love how much love you give to classic films -- they're classic for a reason after all.

[@alva1370]

Father Goose (1964) Boy you really like these old movies. Go in as blind as you can if you choose to watch this one.

[@Escapee5931]

There's a later film on a similar theme called "Dave", starring Kevin Kline & Sigourney Weaver. Worth a watch.

[@gordontanner4407]

Two points, the man titled President is the President of the Senate not of the USA. Also when they mentioned 96 Senators instead of 100, is due to there only being 48 states at the time of the movie.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Jimmy was 31 at that time...

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Frank Capra directed this gem… along with “It’s A Wonderful Life” … .so the next one should be ANOTHER great Capra film you will LOVE: “IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT”… another brilliant Capra film. Funny… great story… great acting. Top notch film!

[@illinoisan]

I’ve lived all my life in Lincoln’s hometown. My ancestors created and built the town and were all closely associated with Lincoln as a young lawyer and state representative. Some of them accompanied him on his trip to Washington DC. I was raised steeped in Lincoln and all the American virtues associated with him. I bear the torch of the old grudge against the South. I seethe with fury whenever I watch Gone With the Wind with its Lost Cause narrative that the slaves were essentially volunteers. I get really emotional just seeing the Lincoln Memorial referenced in a movie like this.

[@samellowery]

If any politician was to do what lincoln did nowadays they would rightly be called a dictator and tyrant.

[@illinoisan]

@@samellowery He was called that then too. Of course wartime powers exceed normal presidential powers but nothing he ever did, say or write indicate he wouldn’t have left office after his second term. He could easily have called a Constitutional Convention while the South was in rebellion and done so much more good than just ending slavery but he wasn’t a dictator. He submitted himself to a reelection campaign that didn’t look like he could win. Worst. Dictator. Ever.

[@feldweible]

GREAT FILM! It should be REQUIRED VIEWING for ALL Politicians IMO!

[@NarnianRailway]

Welcome to Washington DC and the character of people in office have not changed (except no Mr. Smith)

[@melenatorr]

The lovely and eccentric Jean Arthur, she of the unique voice and perfect comic timing and emotional sensitivity! So happy to have her introduced here. To get more of her, watch "The More the Merrier". And Diz is played by Thomas Mitchell, one of the best supporting players of any era, and teamed with Steward again as Uncle Billy in "It's A Wonderful Life"! And Mrs. Smith, mom, was also the mom in "Wonderful Life"!

[@johnnyboy6707]

As an American, I can tell you: There are no “Jefferson Smiths” in Washington…wish there were. Good movie to watch when we’re less than 30 days away from probably the most contentious presidential election in U.S. history.

[@samellowery]

Unless civil war breaks out i would say this isn't the most contentious election in history

[@allengray5748]

Lady you are the most precious 💕 and delightful person I have ever witnessed!! I've seen you spot on guess a lot of things and when you guessed Claire and 95% nailed it I wasn't surprised! BESSS REACTION AAAAAVERR! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@rayvanhorn1534]

Dawn, you are an absolute peach! Just love your laugh, smile, sense of humor & wonderful wit. What a film this is. I only wish our government & others, would take a watch of this magnificent film. In case others mentioned, several cast members were also in “Its a Wonderful Life”. As for your commentary, you are absolutely spot on. Boys need to be boys again, so many people have become soft & scared of their shadows. You are my absolute favorite Dawn….you are genuinely warm, kind-hearted, empathetic & and caring soul. Need more women like you in the world.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Well... Don't speak for Europe...

[@rayvanhorn1534]

@@melchiorvonsternberg844 ??...in what context?

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

@@rayvanhorn1534 Our kids are a lot outside. Indeed, this could be started at the kindergarden. We have lot of out door kindergardens. At all seasons...

[@accelman80]

We need MORE Jean Arthur! The More the Merrier next! Then If You Could Only Cook, The Devil and Miss Jones, Easy Living, Only Angels Have Wings, etc. etc. 🙂

[@chadbennett7873]

And to think they used to called Frank Capra movies "Capra-corn!" I have an autographed photo of him on my wall, for inspiration, as he is my all-time favorite director. Jimmy Stewart loved working with him, and felt his career was over when he came back from WWII, and what film did he and Capra make? "It's A Wonderful Life" ... that's all. Just love, love, love watching you watch my favorites, Dawn!

[@mauriceedwards9588]

One of my favourite James Stewart films but the truth about alot of politicians then and now I'm afraid out for there own ends and personal profit.

[@arconeagain]

This is one of the most beautiful films ever made. No wonder we all love Jimmy too.

[@robpettigrew3308]

Daniel Boone was a revolutionary War era explorer and hero. He was the subject of tons of tall tales and stories.

[@charlieeckert4321]

You can see what World War II did to age Jimmy Stewart by looking at his first movie after he returned, It's a Wonderful Life.

[@johnsilva9139]

Another great Frank Capra movie.

[@JensMyers-v7c]

I really appreciate your taste in movies! You like what I like. The world may need places for boys to be boys, and it may need men like Jeff Smith, but it needs women like you, who appreciate them, too. Well done.

[@vermithax]

"He could have died! He's holding in a really big poop." I LOVE how much you enjoyed this, Dawn. Best movie ever indeed. And sadly, even more relevant than when it was it made. Thank you so much!

[@long-timesci-fienthusiast9626]

Hi Dawn, as I`m sure I`ve mentioned before, it`s always good to see someone younger such as yourself, enjoying the same classic films I discovered & enjoyed. Please squeeze them in when you can, they will be much appreciated. :)

[@YManCyberDude]

I didn’t realize so many from “It’s a Wonderful Life” was in this movie until I watched this . . .

[@TheBTG88]

The ‘President’ is the President of the Senate, the equivalent of the Speaker of the House.

[@MrRizzo1961]

You see the guy that played uncle Billy in it's a wonderful life 🤣🤣❤️✌️

[@wwciii]

The Senate is the US upper house of Congress; somewhat equivalent to the House of Lords but elected since we do not not have peers. The Liberty Bell is in Philadelphia.

[@Dularr]

Except the House of Lords is larger than the House of Commons. While the House of Lords has changed over time.

[@MrSidney52]

One of my favorite classic movies. How politics works vs how it's supposed to.

[@jamesharper3933]

A fun reaction as always Dawn. If you like James Stewart movies, add two to your list that NOBODY has reacted to (you could be the first). They are Bell, Book and Candle 1958 and Mr Hobbs Takes a Vacation. Thanks again 🙏😁

[@RM-we7px]

Capra was a genius. Stewart is amazing as an actor.

[@beowulfthedane]

You probably didn't notice because I've seen this movie a dozen times just now noticed That Senator Paine is Claude Raines. Claude Raines play Captain Renault in "Casablanca"

[@harryrabbit2870]

This movie was directed by Frank Capra. Capra made a lot of his films from the standpoint of the common man and his relation to a wicked world moving away from basic values of decency. Most of his work centers around everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. He made this movie, "It's A Wonderful Life", "It happened One Night" and my personal favorite "Meet John Doe." Great reaction, Miss Dawn. Well done.

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

Great reaction to a great movie! It always amused me that a couple of actors from this one reappeared in Jimmy Stewart's postwar movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Thomas Mitchell played newspaperman Diz in this and Uncle Billy in Wonderful Life while Beulah Bondi played Jimmy Stewart's onscreen mother in both movies, Ma Smith and then Mrs. Bailey. 😀

[@rubensalvador9422]

Love Dawn's reactions to classic Black and White movies. Hope she does more. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of my favorite Frank Capra movies. I generally love all of his movies. Hope Dawn gets to do more of his like Arsenic and Old Lace, You Can't Take It With You, Meet John Doe among others.

[@Ceractucus]

The Liberty bell was once just a bell. Most bells call people to church, or ring out the hour, in a time before clocks, or ring to bring word of good news or bad. This bell is special because it rang out when our Declaration of Independence was read out. This is the document formed by the founding fathers of America where we told Britain we wanted to be free. It also rang out when Washington and Jefferson died (our first and 3rd president) as well as Ben Franklin (noted founding father), and lastly Hamilton another founding father.

[@vincentsaia6545]

When director Frank Capra told Jimny Stewart that he didn't sound convincing in the final scene where he is supposed to be losing his voice Stewart went to a pharmacist who gave him "medicine" to make his voice horse.

[@custardflan]

The Speaker of the chamber is the great Harry Carey, who appeared in many westerns. Jihn Way e ended The Searchers with a tribute to him.

[@thundernels]

You should try some more Capra. You Can’t Take It With You, Mr. Deeds Goes To Town, Arsenic and Old Lace. It’s A Wonderful Life. It Happened One Night is good too, but it feels much older. You may have already reacted to some of these

[@nittyblahblah8939]

@Dawn Marie You said you wanted some information on the politicking we see in the film...Just some basics... The President we see is the President of the Senate, not the President of the United States. The Vice President of The United States is designated as President of The Senate, but they have no voting power unless the senate is locked in a 50/50 tie vote. Basically the President of The Senate is just there as a tie breaker vote. When the VP is not present as President of The Senate (really, the VPs only show up to break a 50/50 vote) the senior member of the majority party, Republican or Democrat, sits in as Senate President. They basically, and this is the most basic explanation, act as the MC, master of ceremonies. They move "things" along. Ever hear of/see an old show called "Night Court"? Well, they're kind of like the Judge, Harry, on "Night Court". The Filibuster, what Mr. Smith did by standing and talking until exhaustion, is one of the most important safeguards our Nation's government has. Currently, as always, some are trying to remove the filibuster in order to "ram through" anything they like without objection(s) from the minority party members. The filibuster ensures one last line of defense for our Democracy for both parties by giving minority voices an opportunity. Senators, The Senate, sits as one part of our Three Branches of Government. They are part of the Legislative Branch. Along with the lower house of Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives, they make the laws (and do other things) that dictate what can/cannot be done...again, most basic explanations here. The Legislative Branch along with The Judiciary Branch (Supreme Court of The United States/lower courts), and the Executive Branch (President/Vice President) make up our entire government system. A whole lotta' bs mixed in with those three branches...But there you go...The basics of what's going on. And now you know more about U.S. Government than the majority of Americans under 30. Lol...

[@deltabravo2678]

Love Jean Arthur! She was great in everything she did. Especially in Only Angels Have Wings with Cary Grant and Rita Hayworth!

[@david.j9.rabbithole808]

One of my top 5 favourite movies. Thanks!

[@gypsylights9518]

A Jimmy Stewart western you would like is, "The Cheyenne Social Club". Another Jimmy Stewart comedy you would like is "You Can't Take It With You" (in black and white) also directed by Frank Capra and with some of the same actors as "Mr. Smith".

[@NoLegalPlunder]

A movie by Frank Capra, called Platinum Blonde, is another must-see movie.

[@cspaikido]

I never noticed before but I believe that is the same actress that played his mother in "It's a Wonderful Life."

[@weaslemanatu]

Another great reaction! It's funny you should ask about the qualifications to be a U.S. senator. There were 2 (eventual) senators in the movie Predator, Arnie(from California) and Jessie Ventura (I don't have time to bled) from Minnasota. Keep up the great work!

[@tgriffin8179]

Great react to a great film. “That government which governs least governs best.” Jefferson. Proof that you want people in charge that do it out of an obligation to serve instead of as a career option or worse an opportunity to line their pockets. You should complete the great Capra trilogy with Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. (Not as strong but still a great film) Thank you again!

[@swk38]

President Barack Obama : “international order,” men and women are “too small-minded to govern their own affairs,” insisting that “order and progress can only come when individuals surrender their rights to an all-powerful sovereign.”

[@MrRizzo1961]

There's a few actors from it's a wonderful life in this movie. Daniel Boone was a frontiersman lived in the wilderness and I believe became a senator or congressman from the state of Kentucky I believe.

[@Rickhorse1]

A bit of trivia - as you have learned, Jimmy Stewart was an amazing actor. There was such a public objection when he didn't win the "Best actor" Oscar for this role...the next year, he won for the film "The Philadelphia Story"....everyone (even Stewart himself) knew the award was actually to make up for the mistake of the previous year.

[@user-jb8qq9fk6m]

The President of the Senate is a different position from the President of the US. The President of the Senate is technically the Vice President of the US but that is basically a ceremonial position. The day to day head is called the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and is filled by Senate Majority Leader who is the head of the political party with the most members elected to the Senate - and played in this film by the actor Harry Carey, Sr. who was a mentor to John Wayne.

[@user-jb8qq9fk6m]

Harry Carey, Sr. also played John Wayne's father in the film "The Shepherd of the Hills".

[@ThistleAndSea]

Dawn, you should add The Cheyenne Social Club to your someday list. It's from 1970 and has Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda as a couple of old cow hands. I think you will love it. Thanks for sharing this one.

[@NoLegalPlunder]

Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart. It doesn’t get much better than that. A really great movie with Jimmy Stewart that doesn’t get near the love it deserves, is Flight of the Phoenix. One of my favorites.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

lol... How about Jimmy Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock...?

[@RossM3838]

Even Frank Capra’s lesser movies are actually good movies. His best movies including it happened one night and it’s a wonderful life and many others are among the best movies ever made.

[@dionysiacosmos]

They made him older here but Claude Riens played the senior senator Payne. He was also Louis in Casablanca.