MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
THURSDAY 18TH JUNE | 7.30PM | TRINITY THEATRE
SYNOPSIS
Mr Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
Frank Capra’s iconic political drama follows Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), an idealistic young leader unexpectedly appointed to the U.S. Senate. Thrust into the cut-throat world of Washington politics, Smith initially becomes an easy target for the press and a pawn for powerful political boss Jim Taylor. But with the guidance of his sharp and world-weary secretary, Clarissa Saunders (Jean Arthur), he discovers a graft scheme at the heart of a major appropriations bill—one supported by his trusted mentor, Senator Paine (Claude Rains).
Refusing to be silenced, Smith launches a historic filibuster on the Senate floor, speaking for over 24 hours in a desperate fight to expose corruption and defend democratic ideals. As he nears collapse, his moral conviction slowly begins to crack the system around him, forcing the truth into the light.
A box-office triumph and one of the most celebrated films of all time, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington remains a stirring testament to individual courage, civic integrity, and the enduring hope that one voice—no matter how naïve or outmatched—can make a difference.
Running time - 129-130 minutes | Approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes
Certification | U