73
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100EmpireDavid ParkinsonEmpireDavid ParkinsonDemonstrating that the greatest political evil is indifference, this appeal to a world on the verge of war has lost none of its relevance.
- 100There’s tremendous dramatic impact threaded throughout the picture, interwoven with those deft human episodes which have become familiar with Capra’s direction in previous pictures. He keys the motivation of his basic premise without wasting time, and then carries it through vigorously.
- 100The New York TimesFrank S. NugentThe New York TimesFrank S. Nugent[Capra] has paced it beautifully and held it in perfect balance, weaving his romance lightly through the political phases of his comedy, flicking a sardonic eye over the Washington scene, racing out to the hinterland to watch public opinion being made and returning miraculously in time to tie all the story threads together into a serious and meaningful dramatic pattern.
- 100TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineWhile MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON is the most moral of films, it is so artfully filled with real emotion that it never becomes heavy-handed.
- 80Time OutTime OutQuintessential Capra - popular wish-fulfilment served up with such fast-talking comic panache that you don't have time to question its cornball idealism.
- 80Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderThis is classic Capracorn, with the greatest girl cynic of the 30s, Jean Arthur.
- 60The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelNo one else can balance the ups and downs of wistful sentiment and corny humor the way Capra can - but if anyone else should learn to, kill him.
- Clumsy and irritating.