Thursday, November 2, 2017

MISTER SMTH GOES TO WASHINGTON
This classic Frank Capra film made in 1939 will show you exactly what is happening 
in Washington, DC TODAY.

It proves the adage 

"The More Things Change, 
the More They Remain the Same"

"There is nothing new under the sun."

The formatting and sound are less than ideal, but if you transfer to "full screen" mode, by clicking on the icon at the lower right you can get a good idea what it's all about.

I can't recommend this film highly enough.

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8 comments:

  1. skudrunnerNovember 2, 2017 at 12:07 PM

    Congress is all about money and power and there is never enough of both. Their definition of public service is steal from the poor and blame it on the rich.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FreeThinkeNovember 2, 2017 at 8:03 PM

      Yes, Skud, but the FILM shows a possible way OUT of that well-known maze. We don't HAVE to accept business as usual.

      In fact if we hope to be good citizens we are not SUPPOSED to.

      FIghting the Good Fight ALWAYS comes at a cost –– always requires grea sacrifice.

      Jefferson Smith WON his battle against corruption, but look what it COST him.

      If we are not willing to pay the price for freedom, we are sure to lose it.

      Freedom is not free. To keep it we must be constantly on our guard.

      Delete
  2. Timmy O'TooleNovember 2, 2017 at 12:14 PM

    can you make the screen bigger?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FreeThinkeNovember 2, 2017 at 8:05 PM

      If you had bothered to read the post, you would have found instructions on how to do just that.

      I searched for a better "copy" but the only one available is in FRENCH! ;-)

      Delete
  3. AnonymousNovember 2, 2017 at 8:34 PM

    Leave it to the French to have the superior copy. ;-)

    A classic movie with much to say about the here and now... today, and right now.

    Hopefully it touches a few, or many, nerves.

    Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 3, 2017 at 5:29 AM

    Mustang

    November 2, 2017 at 9:02:00 AM EDT

    The film suggests to me that our government has been corrupt for a very long time. To quote Mr. Madison, "But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FreeThinkeNovember 3, 2017 at 5:43 AM

      Been that way in ALL cultures since time immemorial no doubt, Mustang. Our Founders might even be surprised their vision lasted as long as it did, for they were painfully aware of the innate stupidity and self-destructive aspects of human nature.

      Capra's film is both energizing and lovable of course, because it shows the way cynicism and cupidity could be overcome if a passionate idealistic person with courage and great determination like Jefferson Smith, who cared more for the truth and for our great fundung principles than he did for himself came along and stood form against the bad guys as he does in the film.

      The Claude Rains character is both villainous and in the end almost angelic because he is so moved by Jeff Smith's sincerity he reniounces the corrupt life he's been leading –– and all the advantages and perquisites that go with it.

      Jimmy Stewart's portrays Mr. Smith as humble but actually SAINTLY –– even CHRIST-like –– in such a way that he makes Smith's character totally believable –– an ideal towards which everyone should at least attempt to aspire.

      I can't say enough for the film. I must have seen it a dozen times over the past fifty five years, and each time it seems more exciting, more meaningful –– and more beautiful –– than it did before.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousNovember 3, 2017 at 5:39 AM

    Always On Watch

    November 2, 2017 at 9:43:00 AM EDT

    The film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was my mother's favorite film. Mom well knew about corruption in D.C. Why? She personally knew LBJ and other on Capitol Hill.

    I now wish that I had paid more attention to what Mom told me over the years. Alas! I did not. I instinctively knew that I wanted nothing to do with political weasel.

    Statesmen were and still are very few in number.

    For as long as she physically could (first of heart attacks at age 44, and her doctor attributed much of her heart trouble to following politics so much of the time), Mom worked a federal employee job that she despised -- and saved, saved, saved so that I would never have to work for the federal government. I am eternally grateful for Mom's sacrifice on my behalf.

    ReplyDelete

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