MovieChat Forums > Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Discussion > What if Paine hadn't confessed?

What if Paine hadn't confessed?

posted 11 years ago by steely3000
2 replies | jump to latest

Suppose everything happened the way it did in the movie, except Paine doesn't try to kill himself and doesn't confess (which frankly seems more reasonable)?

Smith had given up the floor, by way of his fainting. Would the Senate then vote on his removal? Or would the Senate decide to adjourn for the day and reconvene the next, in the meantime perhaps deliberate on Smith's cause?

I also wonder what then happens to Smith, if he is kicked out? I assume he just goes back home in disgrace and lives out his life. I also assume then Paine becomes President at the next election.

For that matter, what do you think happens after Paine confesses? I assume he is removed from office, but I don't see Smith lasting as Senator either. I would think Smith sees he does not belong in Congress and goes home, but as a hero for what he did.

[–] pepperdog61 11 years ago

If no confession, my guess is the Senate adjourns, not wanting to be seen as hustling Smith out the door while he's passed out in an ambulance, then reconvenes the next day and votes him out.

I think Capra originally filmed a coda to the story in which Smith and Paine reconcile, and Smith encourages the people of his state to forgive Paine, seeing as he at least partially redeemed himself by confessing. They ride together in a motorcade in front of cheering crowds. Not sure if this "lost" scene makes clear what happens to Paine's career.

[–] Techto (1388) 3 months ago

Then Jeff’s filibuster gambit would have failed, Taylor would have won and Jeff would have been ousted from the Senate.