Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Year: 1939

Runtime: 129 min

Director: Frank Capra

Budget: $1.9M

DramaComedy

A sincere and idealistic young man is appointed as a U.S. Senator, unexpectedly finding himself in the midst of political intrigue. He quickly discovers that Washington is rife with corruption and faces challenges to his principles. Despite the pressure and manipulation from powerful figures, he remains committed to fighting for what he believes is right, ultimately striving to reform the system and uphold justice.

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Timeline & Setting – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Main Characters – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Major Themes – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

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Underdog vs Corruption Movies like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

One principled individual takes on a powerful, corrupt system for justice.This collection features movies like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' where a sincere idealist challenges a corrupt system. If you enjoyed the inspiring fight for justice against political machinery, you'll find similar stories about moral courage and determined underdogs fighting for what's right.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows an optimistic individual discovering the dark reality behind an institution they admired. They face intense pressure, disillusionment, and manipulation but refuse to compromise their morals. The climax is a final, exhausting stand—often a public or legal battle—that tests their resolve and ultimately leads to a redemption of their ideals.

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Movies in this thread share a core theme of moral integrity versus institutional decay. They blend tense procedural drama with an uplifting, hopeful tone, creating a specific emotional mix of righteous anger and inspirational triumph. The pacing is steady, building methodically towards a decisive, satisfying conclusion.

Political Integrity Dramas Similar to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Character-driven stories about moral courage within complex institutions.Find movies with a similar feel to 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' that explore themes of honesty and ethics within powerful systems. These character-driven dramas feature steady pacing, medium emotional intensity, and focus on the procedural and personal challenges of standing up for one's beliefs.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow a linear, straightforward path as a protagonist navigates the rules and unspoken codes of a complex institution. The conflict arises from a clash between personal morality and institutional expediency. The story builds tension through verbal sparring, strategic maneuvering, and moments of high-stakes decision-making, leading to a clear ethical resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on institutional settings, a steady procedural pace, and a central theme of ethical choice. They deliver a medium-intensity experience that is intellectually engaging and emotionally satisfying, appealing to viewers who enjoy stories about process, rhetoric, and moral fortitude.

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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Summary

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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Timeline

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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

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Discover movies like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.