The United States Studies Centre hosted a special screening of Mr Smith Goes to Washington.
Decades before the “deep state” entered the parlance, Mr Smith Goes to Washington explores how a corrupt political machine falsifies evidence to expel the idealistic Boy Rangers leader who was appointed to the Senate.
Culminating in the heroic filibuster scene, Senator Smith (in the role that catapulted Jimmy Stewart to fame), holds the floor of the Senate while his supporters rally to prove his innocence.
From special appointments to legislative proceedings, the 1939 film was one of the first films preserved by the Library of Congress because it was considered so “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, it only won one as it faced-off against Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz and Goodbye, Mr Chips.
Following the film, USSC CEO Dr Michael Green and Senior Lecturer in American Studies Rodney Taveira discussed the film's themes with the audience.
