This is a hard one. So many of them are family classics and I love to watch them over and over again. I would have to say though that
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is my favorite and here is why.
Everyone loves an underdog and the movie itself, when it first came out, was disliked by politicians for obvious reasons. Another reason is the beautiful celebration of America's monuments and history. When I was younger we had the luxury of traveling all over the United States. Seeing someone else, Jefferson Smith, have appreciation for them is heart warming.
What I also love, which is what I love about Capra films in general, is the different roles he gives to each of the actors. Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Edward Arnold, Thomas Mitchell and Beulah Bondi. Each one in his films but each one as a different character. If you want to see this contrast just watch "Mr. Smith..." and "You Can't Take It With You." There you will also see Lionel Barrymore as a jolly, carefree, father figure instead of the twisted, decrepit, old miser in "It's a Wonderful Life." Here are some illustrations:
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| Jim Taylor |
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| Anthony P. Kirby |
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| Tony Kirby & Alice Sycamore |
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| Jefferson Smith & Clarissa Saunders |
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| Diz Moore |
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| Uncle Billy Bailey |
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| Henry F. Potter |
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| Grandpa Martin Vanderhof |
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