Mixed reactions (of the movie “Mr. Smith goes to Washington” when released in 1939) from senator: While many attendees enjoyed the movie’s humor and its faithful setting, some were visibly displeased. Majority Leader Alben Barkley (D-Ky.) was the most outspoken critic, calling it “silly and stupid” and accusing it of making the Senate look like “a bunch of crooks” 02/26/2026