Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains). In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.
Stewart is heart-wrenchingly real as Jefferson. He never gave a finer more honest performance. There is a final scene in which Jefferson, hoarse from talking for over twenty-two hours, talks about lost causes in a way that causes the entire audience to silence as much as the characters in the senate. The supporting actors are forced to pull up to the quality of Stewart's deliveries and they step up to the challenge. Rains in particular shows perfect guilt at having to betray his colleague yet at the same time is willing to do so.
In my life I have been to very few films which receive applause at the end. Any person with a love of film must view this exquisite film as an example of what film can be.
I say without any hesitation that I recommend it
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