On this day in 1939, COLUMBIA PICTURES released MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON. Directed by the legendary FRANK CAPRA, this story of a naive every-man appointed to fill a seat in the U.S. Senate seems to strike a chord with every generation. JAMES STEWART was perfect in the titular role and he was ably supported by JEAN ARTHUR, CLAUDE RAINES, EDWARD ARNOLD, GUY KIBBEE and THOMAS MITCHELL.