This 1939 James Stewart classic is a film I always show to my Film History and Appreciation class. My college students at Rowan are amazed by how cynically it presents both politics and the press in a movie so old – and they’re also very moved by the eventual optimism of the film, which insists that one noble and well-intentioned person, no matter how outnumbered and outflanked, can indeed make a difference. After this particularly ghastly week, Frank Capra’s directorial drama should be seen by everyone – and thanks to tonight’s prime-time TCM showing, it can. A special salute to Jean Arthur as Saunders, whose performance as Smith’s initially cynical, eventually supportive assistant will melt your heart.