MEET JOHN DOE (1941)
Film of the Day #227 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #6
MEET JOHN DOE
1941 • Frank CapraCast: Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Arnold, Walter Brennan, Spring Byington, James Gleason, Gene Lockhart, Rod La Rocque, Irving Bacon, Regis Toomey
Screenplay: Robert Riskin; Story by Robert Presnell Sr.; Based on A Reputation 1922 story in Century Magazine by Richard Connell
Cinematography: George Barnes
Music: Dimitri Tiomkin
Producer: Frank Capra
Warner Bros.
Why can't that spirit, that warm Christmas spirit, last all year long?
After being fired from her job as a newspaper columnist, Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck) fakes a letter to the editor from the fictional “John Doe,” a disgruntled and unemployed would-be prophet who threatens to kill himself on Christmas Eve because of his dissatisfaction in the state of the country. Unexpectedly, “Doe” gains a huge following and the paper is forced to re-hire Mitchell as well as hire a homeless man, John Willoughby (Gary Cooper), to portray him for public appearances. Initially, both Ann and John are in it for the money, but they are soon caught up in the same rhetoric and philosophy they are selling to the public. The country unites behind John Doe, but DB Norton, the sinister media mogul, has other ideas for Doe…
Following Frank Capra's directorial successes with Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Capra cut ties with Columbia Pictures. John, Capra's signature ordinary citizen, becomes entangled in a complex web of manipulations and power struggles. Instead of focusing on politics like Washington, Capra instead explores a society marked by exploitation by the rich and powerful. However, it doesn't completely steer clear of the political arena. Enter the character of D.B. Norton, a wealthy blowhard who epitomizes the corrupt underbelly of power. In a plot development that feels almost too close to home, Norton, fueled by both wealth and political aspirations, sets his sights on the presidency. Capra doesn't shy away from highlighting the unsavory connections that often exist between economic powerhouses and political ambition. It's like Capra is saying, "Sure, we're delving into the struggles of the common man, but let's not forget the real-world dynamics at play here."
This movie is a perfect example of Frank Capra’s mastery of making populist entertainment. His heroes are likable, charming, and, of course, have loads of high moral standards. John Willoughby embodies the archetypal qualities that are characteristic of Capra's heroes. He is a relatable figure, an average Joe (or John, as it were) thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Like many of Capra's heroes, John Doe exudes inherent goodness and decency. His actions are guided by a moral compass that never wavers, even in the face of adversity. He’s naive as he becomes this phony character to sell newspapers, but then he starts to embody all of the wonderful traits of the fictional creation that is John Doe. Capra's heroes are designed to be affable and charming, endearing themselves to the audience. John’s charisma lies not in grandiosity but in his “aw shucks” sincerity. Unintentionally, John Doe becomes a champion of the common man. He comes to embrace sacrificial heroism, putting the collective welfare above his own desires. Capra was known for his idealistic portrayals of characters and society. John Willoughby embodies Capra's idealism, inspiring both the character and the audience to believe in the possibility of positive change.
While it's still got that Capra charm, Meet John Doe does get a little dark. After all, the premise revolves around someone promising to kill themselves on Christmas Eve. Now, here's where it gets interesting. If you've seen It’s a Wonderful Life, you'll catch a vibe of déjà vu. The Jimmy Stewart character, George Bailey, is also hanging on the edge of despair on Christmas Eve. The contrast between the festive holiday setting and the contemplation of dire actions adds a layer of darkness to the film. It's like Capra is showing us the shadows behind the feel-good, making us appreciate the light even more when it breaks through.
Gary Cooper’s John Willoughby/Doe is charming, but Cooper has always been good at playing the down-to-earth, humble do-gooders (Sergeant York). Cooper's on-screen charisma seamlessly blends with his character. Cooper's inherent ability to convey a sense of approachability and genuine goodwill is a trademark that defines his performances. Cooper infuses John with authenticity. Cooper's knack for portraying characters driven by a sense of duty and moral rectitude becomes a signature motif, creating a sense of continuity in his filmography.
Stanwyck, making her second appearance this month, is her usual delightful self… playing the jaded newspaper columnist with a heart of gold, and the two stars have a nice onscreen chemistry. She has a knack for making you root for the character who's been around the block a few times but still holds onto that glimmer of goodness. And let's talk about the on-screen chemistry with the two stars: Stanwyck and Cooper just click. You can feel it, that kind of connection that makes their scenes pop. It's not forced or over-the-top; it's just two actors making you believe in the growing affection between their characters.
Meet John Doe is an often-forgotten gem that should be watched every Christmas season to remind us what the season is all about. The film remains a quintessential Capra tale, exploring the human condition, from the individual “little punk” to the corruption of the DB Nortons of the world. Capra directs it with finesse, giving us a story that resonates on multiple levels. The film entered the public domain in the United States in 1969 due to Warner Bros.'s failure to renew its copyright registration within the 28th year after its initial publication. As a result, you can now find it online and watch it for free.
I don’t read no papers, and I don’t listen to radios either. I know the world’s been shaved by a drunken barber, and I don’t have to read it.
Awards & Notable Accomplishments
Academy Award Nominee: Best Story
Ranked #49 in AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Cheers
National Board of Review: Best Acting - James Gleason
Streaming: Prime, Fubo, MGM+, Paramount+, Roku, Vudu, Criterion Channel, Tubi, Kanopy, Crackle
Digital Rental/Purchase: Amazon, Vudu, Flix Fling
Physical Media: Available on DVD
