1939 – Claude Rains
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Claude Rains has been a great character actor in every movie I’ve ever seen him in. He is always competent, no matter what kind of role he is playing, and this movie is no exception. In this film, he plays one of the bad guys. He is an old friend of Mr. Smith’s father, and a sympathetic supporter of Smith, himself. That is, until Smith’s idealism starts to accidentally get in the way of the underhanded political scheme he is a part of. Then he turns on him in the worst way. He lies about his old friend’s son to discredit him and ruin his political career.
And Claude Rains, always the professional actor, does a fantastic job. And the film never tries to hide his lies from the audience, so we know, right from the start, what kind of a man he really is. Rains seemed to be perfect for the part. He has the kind of face that you just want to trust. And he hides his lies so well. And then after his criminal boss tells him to destroy Mr. Smith, he shows reluctance, but only a little, before doing just as he it told.
There was an ease about the actor that naturally came across in his performance. He seemed very practiced and intentional in every scene, knowing exactly how to lead the viewer along. And then, after witnessing the phenomenal courage and stamina of Mr. Smith, he has a final change of heart. He first tries to kill himself, then bursts into the Senate room, shouting his confession so the whole room can hear him. It was a very powerful scene. Rains yelling out his own admission of guilt as Mr. Smith’s unconscious body is carried from the chamber.
Whenever you see Claude Rain’s name appear in the cast of actors, you know you are in for an intense performance. He never seemed to do anything half-way, whether he is playing a good guy or a bad guy. He is one of those actors who seems to really dive into his performances, almost as if he feels very passionately about the film he is making. At least, that is what comes across whenever he is on the screen. Honestly, I am glad he was recognized for his work in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He seemed to really understand the emotional ins and outs of the character, and he looked good doing it.