Whistleblower Film Festival: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington October 8, 2009

Brought to you by Public Citizen

In Frank Capra’s beloved classic, Jimmy Stewart gives one of his most memorable performances as an idealistic U.S. Senator battling political corruption. Stewart’s character – an icon to generations of leaders of all political persuasions -- represents the powerful forces of American freedom, democracy and morality over oppression and evil in his emotional portrait of a naive, idealist, patriotic young politician who, after being sent to Washington, learns the ropes, exposes graft, fights political corruption within his state's political machine, and guards American values as a moral hero. Also stars Jean Arthur and Claude Rains.
US, comedy/drama, 1939; 129m; directed by Frank Capra

Introduction beforehand with Members of Congress who wrote the landmark Whistleblower legislation: Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)/ Representative Todd Platts (R-PA) and Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hi)/ Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

Why:

This first-ever series is part of a landmark, nine-year legislative effort to restore credible whistleblower rights for government employees. The Whistleblower Film Series – part of the 9th annual DC Labor FilmFest -- showcases dramatic films that explore this vital issue at a critical time.

How:

Presented by the DC Labor FilmFest and supporters of whistleblower protection legislation, including the Project On Government Oversight, Public Citizen, the Government Accountability Project, the National Whistleblowers Center, Union of Concerned Scientists, Bernabei & Wachtel, the Fund for Constitutional Government, Clifford & Garde LLP, Katz, Marshall & Banks, the Ridenhour Prizes.