Maps of Movies

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Where Mr. Smith Goes to Washington says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

Much of the capital in the film was rebuilt in a studio, and only the station and the Capitol were filmed on the spot.

Scenes and places

The governor picks a senator (1939)

Governor Happy Hopper must name a replacement for a dead senator, and the political boss Jim Taylor wants his own stooge. The governor's children push for Jefferson Smith, head of the Boy Rangers, and the machine decides his naivety will make him easy to manage.

Set in The governor's office, an unnamed western state — Where Jefferson Smith is chosen for the Senate.

The film never names the state, so there is no real place to point to.

Smith steps off the train in Washington (1939)

Smith arrives in the capital full of wonder and keeps his pigeons in his luggage to send messages home. He sees the Capitol dome from the station, wanders off toward it and gets lost, leaving his handlers searching for him.

Set in Washington Union Station — Where the new senator arrives in Washington. Google Maps · Apple Maps

Washington's main railway terminal, opened in 1907.

Filmed at Washington Union Station — Wikipedia lists the station among the places used for location shooting in Washington, D.C.; the exact stretch is not given. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: Metro Red Line to Union Station.

Smith finds Lincoln (1939)

Smith spends his first hours in Washington on a sightseeing tour and is moved by the Lincoln Memorial. He later tells his new secretary it was like Lincoln was waiting for someone to come along.

Set in Lincoln Memorial — The monument that moves Smith on his first day. Google Maps · Apple Maps

The marble temple at the end of the National Mall, finished in 1922.

The Capitol at night (1939)

Smith settles into his new office with his secretary Clarissa Saunders, who dislikes him at first. The lit-up dome outside the window thrills him and he plans to see Mount Vernon before the Senate opens.

Set in United States Capitol — The dome Smith sees from his window, and the building where he will serve. Google Maps · Apple Maps

Home of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill.

Filmed at United States Capitol — Wikipedia says the Capitol was one of the Washington locations used for background shooting. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: Metro to Capitol South or Union Station; public tours start at the Visitor Center.

Smith meets Susan (1939)

At Senator Paine's home Smith fumbles through a conversation with Paine's daughter Susan, charmed and clumsy. Paine takes the new senator under his wing, though he is secretly crooked.

Set in Senator Paine's home — Where Smith meets Susan Paine.

A private Washington home in the story; the film gives no address.

The press makes fun of Smith (1939)

The Washington reporters tease Smith and print silly pictures and headlines calling him a yokel. His reputation takes a beating before he has done anything.

Set in Washington Press Club — Where reporters mock the new senator.

The press corps' hangout, rebuilt for the film.

Smith takes the floor of the Senate (1939)

Smith proposes a bill for a national boys' camp, but it threatens a dam graft scheme backed by Paine. Accused of fraud, he launches a filibuster to speak on the Senate floor, coached from the gallery by Saunders.

Set in United States Senate Chamber — The stage for the filibuster at the heart of the film. Google Maps · Apple Maps

The chamber of the U.S. Senate in the Capitol's north wing.

Characters

• Jefferson Smith — A naive Boy Rangers leader appointed to the U.S. Senate.
• Clarissa Saunders — Smith's secretary, a veteran of Washington politics.

Questions answered on the map

• Where in Washington was Mr. Smith's arrival really filmed?