For many, the name Frank Capra might as well be the title of It’s a Wonderful Life, because you can’t mention one without thinking the other, but Life isn’t the only film Capra made. It’s not even the best of his films. That would be Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring an even younger, even more idealistic (and pretty!) Jimmy Stewart as a politician singlehandedly fighting government corruption. And much like Life, Mr. Smith is often (mis-)remembered fondly, warmly, and comfortably as a feel-good hug of a movie, when a rewatch will show that Capra isn’t one for pulling punches. But that’s partially why Stewart’s triumphs resonate so strongly in both films—by showing the naked ugliness of what he’s up against, the victories are all the sweeter. by Bobby Roberts