Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: A Filibuster of Fun, Lies, and Last-Minute Redemption (with a Side of Guilt)
Ah, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. A classic film that'll have you yelling at the screen one minute, cheering the next, and reaching for the tissues the next. Buckle up, because this political rollercoaster of a movie has a climax that's more surprising than that time your grandma swore she didn't eat all the cookies.
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| How Does Mr Smith Goes To Washington End |
The Idealistic Boy Scout vs. The Swamp Thing
Our protagonist, Senator Jefferson Smith (played by the ever-charming Jimmy Stewart), is about as fresh-faced as a whistle. Naive? Absolutely. Determined? You betcha. He arrives in Washington D.C. with a heart full of eagles and dreams of making a difference. But as quickly as you can say "special interests," he stumbles upon a web of corruption so thick you could trip over it (and let's be honest, some of those senators probably have). Senator Taylor, the political kingpin who appointed Smith, is not exactly what you'd call "a champion of the people." Turns out, there's a reason that swamp water is green.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
The Filibuster That Almost Wasn't (But Became Epic Anyway)
When Smith blows the whistle on Taylor's shady land deal, things get messy. Accused, ostracized, and running on fumes (both literal and metaphorical), Smith finds himself with a one-way ticket to Expulsionville. Enter the ever-so-slightly-cynical Saunders, a fellow senator who sees a flicker of fight left in Smith. Thus enters the glorious, sleep-depriving, can-you-believe-they're-still-talking? FILIBUSTER! Smith takes the Senate floor, determined to talk until the truth comes out, even if it means using every synonym for "justice" in the dictionary.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
The Plot Twist That'll Make You Shout "Hallelujah!" (or Maybe Just Facepalm)
Here's where things get interesting. Smith's filibuster is a one-man show against a brick wall. The public? Clueless, thanks to a media blackout orchestrated by Taylor's goons. Our hero is on the verge of collapsing, his voice hoarse, his eyelids drooping like a basset hound's. Just when all hope seems lost, Taylor throws the ultimate low blow: a room full of fake telegrams "demanding" Smith's resignation. It's enough to make you want to take a nap and cry simultaneously.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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But wait! Is that...conscience gnawing at Senator Taylor? Yep, guilt takes hold, and in a move that would make Shakespeare proud, Taylor bursts back into the Senate confessing his crimes and clearing Smith's name. The bad guy trips over his own web of lies, and justice prevails! The American dream, folks. The American dream.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
So, How Does Mr. Smith REALLY Go to Washington? (Spoiler Alert: It Ain't Easy)
- Be ridiculously idealistic. This might not win you friends in the real world, but it sure makes for a good movie.
- Stumble upon a massive political conspiracy. Bonus points if it involves land deals and fake telegrams.
- Engage in an epic filibuster. Just remember to pack some snacks, this could take a while.
- Almost get expelled from the Senate. Because apparently, fighting for what's right is frowned upon.
- Wait for a guilt-ridden villain to confess. This might be the least realistic part of the whole movie, but hey, it makes for a happy ending, right?
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington might be a touch idealistic, but it's a heartwarming reminder that even the most naive guy with a good heart can shake things up. Just don't expect real-life politics to be quite so... dramatic.
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