Video: 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' trailer

(Tuesday, October 17, 1939, evening EDT) — Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, an American political comedy-drama film about a newly appointed United States Senator who fights against a corrupt political system, premiered tonight at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by the National Press Club, 4,000 guests attended the premiere, including 45 real-life senators and 250 House members.

Video: 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - Movie' (8 clips)

Directed by Frank Capra, the film starred James Stewart and Jean Arthur.