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“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Babes in Arms” (Movie Reviews-10/20/39)
Microfiche-New York Times archives, McHenry Library, U.C. Santa Cruz | 10/20/39 | Frank S. Nugent, B.R.C., H.T.S.

Posted on 10/20/2009 4:33:32 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson

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TOPICS: History; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: moviereview; realtime
Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime”.)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.
1 posted on 10/20/2009 4:33:33 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
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To: r9etb; PzLdr; dfwgator; Paisan; From many - one.; rockinqsranch; GRRRRR; 2banana; henkster; ...
There is a weird scene towards the beginning of “Babes in Arms” in which all the children from the Vaudevillians’ ghetto (kind of weird in itself) go marching through town in an impromptu parade. Along the way they acquire torches and wooden crates. When they get to a place that has an open area and swings they pile up all the crates and make a giant bonfire. As it burns they join hands and circle the fire as girls go back and forth on the swings. It has a highly pagan feel. I guess that is the mark of Busby Berkeley.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” trailer

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” clip 1

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” clip 2

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” clip 3

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” clip 4

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” main credits

“Babes In Arms” trailer

2 posted on 10/20/2009 4:40:15 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson ("Every nation has the government that it deserves." - Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821))
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To: Homer_J_Simpson

After seeing “Babes in Arms” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, the viewer does not need a shower or to begin therapy. Good movies. Timeless.


3 posted on 10/20/2009 6:33:58 AM PDT by LottieDah (If only those who speak so eloquently on the rights of animals would do so on behalf the unborn)
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To: Homer_J_Simpson
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney singing and dancing in blackface.....oh, the horror!

Leni

4 posted on 10/20/2009 6:57:12 AM PDT by MinuteGal (Somewhere in Kenya, a Village is Missing Its Idiot!)
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To: Homer_J_Simpson
"......all....go marching through town in an impromptu parade. Along the way they acquire torches and wooden crates. When they get to a place that has an open area....they pile up all the crates and make a giant bonfire. As it burns they join hands and circle the fire....."

Are you sure you aren't describing the first local taxpayers' Tea Party???

LOL

Leni

5 posted on 10/20/2009 7:53:53 AM PDT by MinuteGal (Somewhere in Kenya, a Village is Missing Its Idiot!)
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To: Homer_J_Simpson

I’ve never considered “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” to be a comedy. I must have missed all the laughs.


6 posted on 10/20/2009 3:06:23 PM PDT by PAR35
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To: PAR35
I’ve never considered “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” to be a comedy.

I'm mid-way through my old VHS version this afternoon. I am struck by the number of laugh out loud moments. They are mostly of the quip variety, as when the Senate page is showing newly arrived Senator Smith around the floor of the Senate. Smith said he plans to just sit in his chair and listen to the proceedings. Says the kid, "That's the way to get re-elected."

There are many such laugh lines that seem off hand and wouldn't work without a good delivery, but they work fine. Jean Arthur is a great comedian and is in good form here. The underlying story is serious and Senator Smith's disillusionment is sad, but Capra manages to make the somberness and comedy complement each other.

In my opinion.

7 posted on 10/20/2009 4:13:05 PM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson ("Every nation has the government that it deserves." - Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821))
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To: LottieDah

Wow, “Yokel Boy” with Buddy Ebsen


8 posted on 10/21/2009 8:08:48 AM PDT by Mikey_1962 (Obama: The Affirmative Action President)
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To: Mikey_1962; LottieDah; MinuteGal; PAR35
Just finished watching my VHS version of "Mr. Smith." I like that movie. My main quibble is that I'm not sure what Constitutional authority Senator Smith had for a bill to finance the construction of a national boy's camp. It's a lot more kosher than a lot of legislation that went through during the Roosevelt administration, but still . . .

PAR35 - I noticed that the quips and laugh line faded out in the second half of the movie after Smith's crushing disappointment when he discovers his hero, Senator Paine, has feet of clay. From then on it has more suspense and drama than comedy. Something else I hadn't noticed before was during Smith's fillibuster, after he read the Constitution he started in on the Bible. Specifically, 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. If someone tried that today they would probably call the Capitol Police and have him arrested.

9 posted on 10/23/2009 4:21:15 PM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson ("Every nation has the government that it deserves." - Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821))
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