I'm amazed that this film isn't held in the same regard as Mr. Smith. I'm amazed that this is only the fifth review in IMDb. And I'm most amazed the Capra never credited this film as an influence. After all, it was made at the same studio, Columbia. In fact, the only mention I could find of this film was in a footnote in McBride's biography of Capra saying the films had similar themes. Of course, there's just so many variations that can be imagined in such a film. But really, visiting the Lincoln Memorial at night when things look darkest, a (grand)daughter trying to influence the new congressman, a wise girl teaching him the works - combined here, separate in Mr. Smith - all screams poaching.
I did find it a breath of fresh air that the hero takes on both the big and small moochers, something that disappeared the next year as the studios fawned over Roosevelt.
About Lee Tracy. At first I thought him totally wrong for the part; simply playing his brash reporter. But he opened my eyes with his speech to the veterans and cemented my regard with his speech in front of the Declaration of Independence. He gives some inkling to the depth he brought to The Best Man. I liked all the players. They were mostly black and white of course, but not nearly as blatantly obvious as in Mr. Smith.
A word about a personal favorite, Clarence Muse. One reviewer complained about his Uncle Toming. In reality Muse was one of the very few black actors of the period allowed to have some dignity. Compare him to the Pullman conductor in the opening scene. He may have played a servant often but he never was subservient.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a favorite of mine. Now that I've seen Washington Merry-Go-Round I understand it was "built on the shoulders of giants." I rate them equally good.
I did find it a breath of fresh air that the hero takes on both the big and small moochers, something that disappeared the next year as the studios fawned over Roosevelt.
About Lee Tracy. At first I thought him totally wrong for the part; simply playing his brash reporter. But he opened my eyes with his speech to the veterans and cemented my regard with his speech in front of the Declaration of Independence. He gives some inkling to the depth he brought to The Best Man. I liked all the players. They were mostly black and white of course, but not nearly as blatantly obvious as in Mr. Smith.
A word about a personal favorite, Clarence Muse. One reviewer complained about his Uncle Toming. In reality Muse was one of the very few black actors of the period allowed to have some dignity. Compare him to the Pullman conductor in the opening scene. He may have played a servant often but he never was subservient.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a favorite of mine. Now that I've seen Washington Merry-Go-Round I understand it was "built on the shoulders of giants." I rate them equally good.