Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

(Frank Capra, US 1939, 129 min., 35mm)

Capra | Holidays. Anyone who equates “Capraesque” with “corny” or “naively idealistic” may be surprised by the clear-eyed, pessimistic tone of this political comedy about a country rube turned US senator (James Stewart) who singlehandedly faces down a corrupt political machine. After a prerelease screening in Washington, it was condemned as being anti-American and pro-Communist. Guided by Capra’s sure hand, Stewart’s performance—particularly his celebrated filibuster scene—made him a major star.

Also showing: Saturday, December 16, 7:30 p.m.