MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET
The best movies of 1939 continue to be collected and shown on Fridays this month by TCM – but let’s focus on this particular one, which should be seen tonight by everyone, regardless of political leanings. When I show this film, starring James Stewart and an equally fabulous Jean Arthur, to my Rowan University film students, they’re astounded by so much in this now 80-year-old movie: the cynicism of the media, the corruption of politicians, and both the liberated and disapproving views of different types of women. But most of all, they’re won over by this Frank Capra movie’s heart, patriotism and optimism. So watch it. We all need a taste of what Mr. Smith is having.