From: blunose-AT-interserv.com
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 1997 10:09:24 -0800
Subject: M-I: RE: MI: Pride of the Marines, etc


Thu Jan 30, Gary M writes:
<snip>
>The progressivism then of this film, though very real
>remains firmly trapped within a romantic American
>populism. But there is a tension within this populism.
>There is, as it were, a hard materialist edge anxious
>to move beyond Capra-style politics. In this film
>Mr. Deeds wants to do more than go to Washington. He
>almost contemplates whether it might not be necessary
>to burn Washington down.
<snip>

Thanks for this excellent exploration of the tension
expressed in "Pride of the Marines" between progressivism
and nationalism, populism and racism, etc. Although you used
it only as a metaphor, I feel I must rush to the defense
of "Mr. *Smith* goes to Washington" -- a very subversive
film in its own right. Certainly no radical action is
suggested by a wide-eyed patriotic Mr. Smith, but Capra's
critique of politics, capital and the press is bang on, 
as far as it goes.

The movie uses American flag-waving and symbolism, but 
turns the whole thing on its head by showing that none of 
these ideals are realized in Washington. At first it 
appears to be a simple case of an idealist among cynics,
but Capra goes over the top in his portrayal of the
capitalist Jim Taylor. Taylor pulls the strings of the
Senator's puppet show. His agenda opposes the needs of the
constituents as he plans to pollute and destroy their
local environment. There is clear implication that 
Taylor had Smith's dad killed and might do the same
to Smith except for the pleading of our wimpy Senator
(Claude Rains). When Jeff Smith makes his stand for 
democracy and the environment, Taylor is shown to run
the local media too. Information *never* gets to Smith's
constituents as Taylor owns the media and smashes the
group of kids who try to run their own ad hoc press.
There are great shots of Taylor's thugs beating up
children and running their bikes off the road!

A sort of happy ending does not compromise Capra's 
critique. Sure Smith gets "the girl" and the waffling,
loser Senator sort of helps Smith out. But Smith does
not win the day, not really. Nothing changes in Washington
and Taylor and capital still run the show. Capra escapes
with a happy ending for Smith, yet allows his scathing
critique of American "democracy" to stand.

Somewhat dated and a little bit corny, but a great example 
of using local culture, icons and ideals to show what a farce
capitalist democracy is. Hey, the cynical reporter woman
is the real hero and brains behind our naive Mr. Smith --- 
a pretty progressive portrayal for the time.

Gay Harley
Toronto, Canada
blunose-AT-interserv.com


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