Meet John Doe

US (1941): Political/Drama/Comedy

With Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), this is Frank Capra's third Depression-era parable illustrating the decency of the common man triumphing over cynicism, big-money influence, and power. A suicidal down-and-outer, "John Doe" (Gary Cooper), is manipulated by an ambitious politician (Edward Arnold) and a newspaper writer (Barbara Stanwyck) to appeal to the masses, only to discover too late the nature of the deception.

Capra and frequent collaborator Robert Riskin's ode to populism once again makes its points with well-drawn characters, wonderful performances, and a number of powerful scenes, including a giant rally in the rain where Cooper is denounced as a fraud. Capra shot five different endings for the film and tested each one with an audience. The version finally used was suggested to Capra in an anonymous letter that was signed "John Doe." The great Warner Bros. cast includes Walter Brennan, Spring Byington, James Gleason and Gene Lockhart. (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Meet John Doe on TCM.com.

1 nomination