When newspaper columnist Ann Mitchell learns she'll lose her job when a new Editor takes over, she decides to make her final column a farce. Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck) makes-up a story that is supposedly based on a letter from a depressed man known only as John Doe. He intends to commit suicide by jumping off the tallest building in town over ''the sorry state of mankind''.

After the article is published there is a firestorm reaction from readers, many whom want to help the anonymous man. On the other hand, politicians and journalists are suspicious about the story, all thinking it’s a negative reflection on them in some way. Now Mitchell and her Editor (James Gleason) are pressured to contact "John Doe", who doesn't exist! They then concoct a scheme to hire an unemployed drifter Long John Willoughby (Gary Cooper) as the down and out John Doe.

Willoughby initially relishes all the attention he is getting as the writer of the letter. But when he sees newspapers and politicians gaining benefit from the story, and his own lies multiplying rapidly, he has second thoughts about his role as John Doe. However, everyone involved soon realizes it won't be easy to walk away from a story that has so thoroughly captured the public's interest and spawned a political movement across the country.

Meet John Doe is directed by Frank Capra, who also directed such well known films as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It's A Wonderful Life. Like many of Capra's films, Meet John Doe has a theme of a little guy up against powerful forces and ultimately realizing there is a basic goodness in people.

Although Gary Cooper has top billing in this film, Barbara Stanwyck is really the main focus. I never realized how energetic she was in her early days before seeing this movie. She runs around talking a mile a minute, gossiping, making up schemes, and badgering people in a friendly manner. She plays the part of Mitchell perfectly. Cooper is very low key in this movie. While he does have a good screen presence, I didn’t think his performance was anything extraordinary.

There are several themes running in this film. One is a critique of the media, and how they will make-up stories using "anonymous sources". Another theme is how some people are dragged-down by all the troubles in the world and can't see any goodness in anyone. But ultimately I thought the film was a story about honesty and hope in life.

Overall Meet John Doe is an entertaining film that encompasses some themes that are common in Frank Capra films. The script is snappy and fast-moving and it provides a nice peek at a different era (it was released in 1941), although some dialogue is corny by today's standards. This black and white film has a good picture on the DVD, but I had some problems was disappointed with the sound quality at times. I recommend watching the film to just about anyone.

Running Time: 122 Minutes

© trailhound. 2007.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age