Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A country bumpkin gets rich and decides to punch anyone who disagrees with his extremely generous and potentially disastrous philanthropic plans.

🍿 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Inheritance and Arrival in New York

Longfellow Deeds, a simple greeting card poet and tuba player from the small town of Mandrake Falls, Vermont, inherits a $20 million fortune from a deceased uncle he barely knew. Overwhelmed, Deeds travels to New York City to manage his newfound wealth, leaving behind his quiet life. He is immediately confronted by the hustle and bustle of the city and the many individuals eager to take advantage of his naiveté.

Exploitation and ‘Mary Dawson’

As Deeds struggles to navigate the complexities of managing his estate, he becomes a target for various schemers, including the corrupt lawyer John Cedar. He also attracts the attention of the press. Louise ‘Babe’ Bennett, a savvy reporter, poses as a down-on-her-luck woman named ‘Mary Dawson’ to get close to Deeds and write sensational stories about him, dubbing him the ‘Cinderella Man’.

Deeds’ Philanthropy and Betrayal

Despite the city’s cynicism, Deeds remains determined to use his wealth for good. Inspired by a struggling farmer, he decides to distribute his fortune to needy farming families. However, this plan is met with resistance and legal challenges, as his sanity is questioned by those who seek to control his wealth. Deeds discovers Babe’s deception, leaving him heartbroken and disillusioned.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper): An unassuming and kind-hearted greeting card poet from a small town inherits a fortune and faces exploitation in New York City.
• Louise ‘Babe’ Bennett (Jean Arthur): A cynical reporter who initially seeks to exploit Longfellow Deeds but ultimately falls in love with him.
• John Cedar (Douglass Dumbrille): The estate’s lawyer who tries to manipulate Longfellow Deeds and maintain control over the inherited fortune.
• Cornelius Cobb (Lionel Stander): An ex-newspaperman hired to protect Deeds but eventually becomes his loyal friend and advisor.
• MacWade (George Bancroft): The tough and loud newspaper editor who initially directs Babe to exploit Deeds for sensational stories.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Longfellow Deeds: “It’s like I’m out in a big boat, and I see one fellow in a rowboat who’s tired of rowing and wants a free ride, and another fellow who’s drowning. Who would you expect me to rescue?” – Deeds uses this analogy in court to explain why he wants to give his money to struggling farmers rather than those who simply want a handout.
• Longfellow Deeds: “I’m not crazy. I’m just… pixilated.” – Deeds explains that his behavior, seen as eccentric by city folk, is normal in his small town.
• Cornelius Cobb: “Get hot, get bothered, and stay away from dames.” – Cornelius Cobb is giving Longfellow Deeds advice about how to handle the big city and avoid trouble.
• Longfellow Deeds: “They created a lot of grand palaces here, but they forgot to create noblemen to put in them.” – Deeds reflects on the superficiality and lack of genuine character he observes among the wealthy in New York City.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $800,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $8,362

💥 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town’! Gary Cooper’s portrayal of Longfellow Deeds is just so endearing, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the whole movie. Jean Arthur is fantastic too. The courtroom scene had me laughing out loud and cheering at the same time. It’s just a feel-good film that reminds you of the importance of being true to yourself and helping others, really made me smile!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Those who appreciate feel-good stories with a moral compass”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on wealth and class”
  • “Admirers of Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence (brief scenes of punching)”
  • “Themes of social inequality”
  • “Some dated representations of mental health”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A heartwarming and delightful comedy-drama, ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town’ captures the essence of American values with its charming characters and engaging storyline. Frank Capra’s direction is masterful, creating a memorable and timeless film.
• The New York Times: “Gary Cooper shines in this classic Capra film, portraying a simple man navigating the complexities of city life. Jean Arthur’s performance adds depth, making it a compelling and enjoyable experience. A must-watch for fans of classic cinema.

Audience Reactions

Gary Cooper’s performance as the naive yet principled Longfellow Deeds resonated deeply with viewers.: The film’s heartwarming message and comedic elements made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.

Jean Arthur’s portrayal of the cynical reporter who finds love captured viewers’ hearts.: The chemistry between Cooper and Arthur added to the film’s charm and emotional impact.

Overall Consensus: A timeless classic that celebrates honesty, decency, and the triumph of the common man, ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town’ remains a beloved film for its heartwarming story and stellar performances.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1937

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The word ‘doodle,’ in the sense of absent-minded scribbling, entered the English language because of this movie. Screenwriter Robert Riskin coined the term.”
• “Frank Capra waited until Harry Cohn could get Gary Cooper from Paramount before making this film, as he believed Cooper was perfect for the role of Longfellow Deeds.”
• “Winthrop Oliver Warner, a studio musician, actually played the tuba for the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mr. Deeds Goes to Town?

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town is a classic film available for rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings, or consider purchasing a digital copy or DVD/Blu-ray for your collection to enjoy this timeless movie anytime.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939): Shares the theme of a naive, idealistic man entering the corrupt world of politics and fighting for his beliefs.
• You Can’t Take It With You (1938): Another Frank Capra film celebrating the values of ordinary people over wealth and social status, emphasizing the importance of happiness and family.
• It Happened One Night (1934): Another Capra film with a similar screwball comedic romance between a wealthy character and someone seemingly from a different world.
• Big (1988): A more modern take on a similar theme, with a child suddenly thrust into an adult world, retaining his innocent perspective and challenging societal norms.
• Being There (1979): A man with a simple mind, who suddenly becomes famous, who gives simple and direct advice

🛒 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town Related Products

• Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic film, digitally remastered for optimal viewing quality. A must-have for collectors and fans of classic cinema.
• Frank Capra: The Early Collection (DVD): A DVD collection featuring some of Frank Capra’s early works, including ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town’. A great way to explore the director’s iconic filmography.
• Gary Cooper: An American Hero (Biography): A detailed biography of Gary Cooper, exploring his life and career, including his memorable role in ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town’.
• Mandrake Falls – Inspired Tuba: A replica tuba, inspired by the town band in Mandrake Falls, this product brings the whimsy and joy into the home of collectors

🎧 Soundtrack

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” – performed by Traditional
• “Auld Lang Syne” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gary Cooper’s Scandalous Affair #shorts #hollywood

Did you know Gary Cooper, the charming Mr. Deeds, had a ‘scandalous’ side? This short video gives a peek into his personal life. It’s always interesting to see what actors are like when the cameras aren’t rolling!

“He’s Pixelated” – PROOF of Time Travel

Okay, this one is a little out there, but hilarious! Check out this clip from “Mr. Deeds” where they mention ‘pixels’… in 1936! Could it be… time travel? You be the judge!

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