Mr Smith Goes to Washington

This superb discourse on corruption in American politics is one of Hollywood's finest achievements. Director Frank Capra resolutely (and remarkably, for him) keeps sentimentality at bay in this film of Lewis R Foster's Oscar-winning original story (adapted by Sidney Buchman) about an idealistic young senator who finally realises that he is not his own man. Washington hated this movie, but the public flocked to see James Stewart in, arguably, his finest hour. Stewart lost out as best actor to Robert Donat in Goodbye, Mr Chips, but was rewarded with an Oscar the following year, ostensibly for The Philadelphia Story. Few movies are as well cast - the bell-voiced Jean Arthur is wonderful as a super-cynical secretary, and veteran western star Harry Carey provides one of the greatest supporting roles in all cinema as the vice president, his magnificent performance alone a reason for viewing.