Mr. Smith In Lewis R. Foster's The Gentleman From Montana
True to Capra’s approach, Mr. Smith is not an intellectual exercise about the fine points of the United States government. Like its director, it doesn’t dawdle over details; not once does this film about the U.S. Senate utter the words “Republican” or “Democrat,” nor does it ever reveal which state Senator Jefferson Smith hails from. (The unpublished book the film is based on, Lewis R. Foster’s The Gentleman From Montana, takes a decidedly less ambiguous approach.) Written, shot, and released in the midst of one of the most tumultuous periods of American history, Mr. Smith barely addresses any of the many important issues of its day, from the Great Depression to the war that had just broken out in Europe. Critics then and now have knocked Mr. Smith for failing to engage with the complex practicalities of governance. But Capra never wanted to inform his audience; he wanted to inspire them. There are no Democrats or Republicans, no “right” or “wrong” party, because that would limit his influence on the people whose side prevailed. References to the Depression or World War II would have only dated it; instead, the film remains timeless and universal. Mr. Smith isn’t about politics, it’s …show more content…
Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania—perhaps the most Midwestern-sounding city in history—exuded a wholesome all-American presence that was ideal for the role of Jefferson Smith, the naïve newspaper publisher and leader of the “Boy Rangers” (he’s literally a Boy Scout) who’s chosen to replace a senator who died several months before the end of his term. Smith’s state is secretly controlled by a media baron named Jim Taylor (Edward Arnold), whose financial backing has helped both its governor (Guy Kibbee) and its other senator, Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), get elected and stay in power. Taylor permits Smith’s selection because he believes the young journalist, who has no political background whatsoever, will be easy to
America Afire Chapter Summaries
561 Words | 3 PagesAmerica Afire has a total of fourteen chapters. Takes place in Washington D.C in a presidential election in the 1800s this election conserved the revolution of the American Republic with the constitution still being new during the election. Weisberger also delivers many interesting and revealing previews of life in the Republic of Constitutional Convention through the excruciating choices made, lengthens from third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson. The chapter of America Afire begins in the Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. Here Weisberger examines the cause of growth in the first party system in the United States; James Madison had explained the Republican Party and the Federalist Party differences about winning
Pros And Cons Of Representative Long
1144 Words | 5 PagesUnder Mayhew’s criterion for a successful political career, it is easy to argue that Representative Long has fulfilled the criterion and has led a successful career. Constituents directly influence many of the political actions members of Congress make because they are the ones who possess the power of the vote, not the representative himself. As observed his television advertisement was a tool utilized by Long to reach a larger audience and for voters to be able to associate a face with the name, “Billy Long.” By enacting and sponsoring certain pieces of legislation, Representative Long was successful in claiming credit and taking a strong position to rally support around his campaign and platform. All of these moves attributed to the multiple reelections of Representative Long.
Rhetorical Analysis Of Caught In The Middle By Wendell Berry
859 Words | 4 PagesHe also points out differences between liberal and more conservative parties. Through these topics, he informs the reader of his opinions regarding problems in American politics; the equality of people governed and the divide amongst political parties. To begin his discussion, Berry describes how everyone has to pick a side in politics. He discusses the lack of understanding of what it really means to be in a particular party by saying, “It doesn’t matter that neither of these labels signifies much in the way of intellectual
Hamilton Vs. The Anti-Federalists
872 Words | 4 PagesOn September 17, 1787, The Philadelphia Convention emitted their own new constitution to the states for ratification. Instead, The Federalist profoundly accepted the Constitution for several reasons, which included that this new constitution allowed for higher and further central government, that was formerly undermined under the Articles of Confederation. In the other hand, The Anti-Federalist, did not want a authoritative and dominant central government, but instead, powerful state governments; in response to the new constitution, many of the Anti-Federalists began writing different essays and creating pamphlets as a means of arguing against it. In retaliation to the Anti-Federalists experiment at earning states to not rarify the Constitution, many federalists advanced a group of essays known as the Federalist Papers, which argued for the ratification of the new law system.
Comparing The Political Theorists Of Cox, And Mccubbins
1483 Words | 6 PagesThe political theorists David R. Mayhew, Gary W. Cox, and Matthew D. McCubbins argue on how the US Congress functions. They focus on the members of Congress and their actions. The basis of disagreement between the theorists lies in what Congress members find of importance. Mayhew argues that members of Congress, primarily concern themselves with reelection, as such, any action taken only benefits that. Cox and McCubbins’, however, formulate that Congress functions on the basis of majority party control and unity.
Summary Of The Myth Of The Weak American State By William Novak
705 Words | 3 PagesWilliam Novak presents an argument on how the history of American government has been told upside-down for many years now. Novak depicts a mighty American state, capable of a great deal and responsible for some of the most important narratives in American history. However, there were many people, of whom had great interest in the founding fathers, were irritated by Novak’s argument. The main group of people being referred to here were people from the Tea Party political movement.
Andrew Jackson Influence On American Politics
984 Words | 4 PagesYours Post: Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, was the predominant on-screen character in American politics between Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Destined to cloud folks and stranded in youth, he was the first "independent man" and the first westerner to achieve the White House. He turned into a democratic image and author of the Democratic Party, the nation's most respected political association. Amid his two-term administration, he extended official powers and changed the President's part from boss director to mainstream tribune. An uncertain, dubious idea, Jacksonian Democracy in the strictest sense alludes basically to the command of Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party after 1828.
Aroostook War Essay
1326 Words | 6 PagesCountless citizens in the 1840s and 1850s, feeling a sense of mission, believed that Almighty God had “manifestly’’ destined the American people for a hemispheric career. They would spread their uplifting and ennobling democratic institutions over at least the entire continent. Land greed and ideals—“empire’’ and “liberty’’—were thus conveniently conjoined. 14. What political party cost Henry Clay the popular vote in the state of New York, & what is ironic about Polk’s election in 1844 regarding this party’s position on Texas?
Calvin Coolidge Reflection
784 Words | 4 PagesBy restraining the influence of the government on daily life, the United States will be able to return to the great nation of freedom; a nation in which its founding fathers so vehemently fought to build. Similarly, politics should not be controlled strictly according to political parties, and Coolidge urged people to support the values they believe in, not a certain political party. In today’s world, I think many politicians would benefit from acting in the way of doing the right thing, rather than supporting sides merely based on political affiliation. For this reason, I am passionate about educating myself as much as possible to candidates beliefs, and I look forward to being able to take part in my first elections in coming
Anaphoras Smith's Speech Rhetorical Analysis
879 Words | 4 PagesOften in Smith’s speech she manifests simple anaphoras on the sentence level to portray her personal opinion. The three different anaphoras Smith establishes to shed light on her dispositions, are “I think that it is high time,”, “I am not proud,” and “I condemn”. Each of these sets Smith up to display her discontent with the Senate and how she hopes for a more dignified regime in the future. Smith’s anaphora in the beginning of her speech, “I think that it is high time,” implements exaggeration of her vexation towards the issues within the Senate that have been present for far too long. When she places the “high” in front of “time” it forms a new meaning to her repetition.
Thomas Jefferson DBQ Essay
534 Words | 3 PagesThe presidency of Thomas Jefferson, taking place between 1801 and 1809, was the third in America and the first with a Democratic-Republican as the head of the executive branch. Many have questioned the morals of Jefferson in his time in office, and to truly find out his virtues, one must analyze multiple media sources ,both written by and about Jefferson, himself, in the early nineteenth century. As a Democratic-Republican, it is clear that Jefferson was in favor of minimizing the power of the federal government, and maximizing the power given to state governments and the citizens who live under them. Although, at certain points in his presidency, Thomas moved away from his morals or, sometimes, abandoned them entirely, Jefferson was, to a larger extent, a principled leader.
Mr Smith Goes To Washington
576 Words | 3 PagesFilms are a great way of communicating a message to the viewers. One of the most controversial topics conveyed is politics and for this reason, Mr Smith Goes to Washington is a movie that explores the American political system through the life of Senator Jefferson Smith a newly elected politician. He comes out as a radical after realising that he cannot serve the interest of those who elected him to the government. The director of the film explores a radical sense ideological spectrum through a character who maintains integrity in the midst of harsh criticism in the political system. The director is radical trying to anger the political class and then win acclaim from the public.
Michael Moore Idiot Nation Analysis
944 Words | 4 PagesIn "Idiot Nation", Michael Moore openly and honestly expresses his feelings about the American system and education. He presents this as an essay, selected from his novel Stupid White Men, in which he submits his arguments as a political activist, concerned about the state of this nation. Moore spends most of his time in this selection, proving the sorry situation of American society. His arguments present a current issue that concerns the country today. He aims at politicians and other leaders to make the audience aware of all the corruptness in office.
Summary Of A Fierce Discontent
401 Words | 2 PagesMichael McGerr focuses on a variety of topics, including the middle-class during this time and he coverers a wide variety of themes, including the importance of individualism. Michael McGerr states, “The enter of this book looks at four quintessential progressive battles: to change other people; to end class conflict; to control big business, and to segregate society.” (McGerr, xv) A Fierce Discontent is a history book in its own and Michael McGerr does an excellent job of incorporating detailed account of Americans during this era of social and political unrest. While we might “live in a politically disappointing time” (McGerr, xiii), Michael McGerr makes what might be a little boring better by offering compelling evidence of the Progressive
Archetypes In The Movie Hugo Cabret
954 Words | 4 PagesI don’t believe that this film expresses any political view. I believe that image, speech, sound, music, and writing interact to produce meaning. They are all in sync with one another, but I believe writing dominates because the film is based off of a novel. The facial expressions and speech of the younger actors add to the film, evoking emotion and sympathy from the viewer. The novel emphasizes the spectator more so than in the film.
More about Mr. Smith In Lewis R. Foster's The Gentleman From Montana
America Afire Chapter Summaries
561 Words | 3 PagesPros And Cons Of Representative Long
1144 Words | 5 PagesRhetorical Analysis Of Caught In The Middle By Wendell Berry
859 Words | 4 PagesHamilton Vs. The Anti-Federalists
872 Words | 4 PagesComparing The Political Theorists Of Cox, And Mccubbins
1483 Words | 6 PagesSummary Of The Myth Of The Weak American State By William Novak
705 Words | 3 PagesAndrew Jackson Influence On American Politics
984 Words | 4 PagesAroostook War Essay
1326 Words | 6 PagesCalvin Coolidge Reflection
784 Words | 4 PagesAnaphoras Smith's Speech Rhetorical Analysis
879 Words | 4 PagesThomas Jefferson DBQ Essay
534 Words | 3 PagesMr Smith Goes To Washington
576 Words | 3 PagesMichael Moore Idiot Nation Analysis
944 Words | 4 PagesSummary Of A Fierce Discontent
401 Words | 2 PagesArchetypes In The Movie Hugo Cabret
954 Words | 4 Pages