The story follows (Stewart), an idealistic and naive youth leader who is unexpectedly appointed to the U.S. Senate by a corrupt political machine. The machine, led by political boss Jim Taylor and the respected but compromised Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), believes Smith will be a "pliable stooge" who won't interfere with their shady land deals.
It received 11 Academy Award nominations , winning for Best Original Story . Enduring Legacy Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The film was eventually banned in several fascist countries, including Nazi-occupied France and Spain, because it championed democratic resistance. The story follows (Stewart), an idealistic and naive