Frank Capra has an uncanny ability to tug at our base human emotions and elicit direct responses. He can take a typical American male character like Jefferson Smith, and turn him into 'David' while making the corrupt political machine into the 'Goliath'. Though Jefferson Smith is not a duly elected representative of his unnamed state, he does indeed represent everything we all want to be believe in. Like honesty and the American spirit of adventure and patriotism. No one but Jimmy Stewart could have been cast for this role. He even reprised this naive, idealistic type character in the film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" I rarely agree with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, but they were right in nominating Stewart for "Best Actor" of 1939. He did not win, but that year was packed with outstanding performances and excellent films. He was awarded the "Best Actor" by the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. Jimmy Stewart's 'Filibuster' performance was by itself worthy of an Oscar. A fine film that never goes out of date. See also "Meet John Doe" for a similarly fine example of political "David & Goliath" plot working.