Watch Frank Capra's Meet John Doe

Set during the Great Depression, Frank Capra's Meet John Doe is a timeless classic that explores the power of the media and people's desire for hope and change. The movie follows the story of Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck), a newspaper columnist who is about to be fired due to budget cuts. In a desperate attempt to save her job, she writes a fake letter from a man named John Doe who threatens to jump off a building on Christmas Eve in protest of the state of society.

When the letter goes viral, Ann convinces her editor Mr. Connell (James Gleason) to hire a man to pose as John Doe and give a speech at a rally. Gary Cooper stars as John Willoughby, a down-on-his-luck baseball player, who is paid to play the part of the fictional character. Willoughby's speech becomes an overnight sensation, striking a chord with millions of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet.

As John Doe's popularity grows, so do the expectations of the people who believe in him. They form the John Doe club, a movement that demands change and refuses to accept the political status quo. However, this newfound success comes at a cost for Willoughby, who begins to question the authenticity of his role.

Edward Arnold plays D. B. Norton, a ruthless magnate who sees John Doe as a means to an end. He convinces Ann to help him exploit the John Doe movement for his own political gain. Norton's sinister motives ensure that things take a dark turn, setting up a poignant and unforgettable ending.

The movie's themes still resonate today, as it explores the way that politics and the media can be manipulated to create fake news and fake movements for personal gain. It also highlights the dangers of blindly following leaders without questioning their motives and reminds us of the power of the individual to bring about change.

Meet John Doe is a masterclass in storytelling, boasting an impressive cast, a strong script, and phenomenal direction from Frank Capra. The movie is filled with memorable scenes, including a thrilling climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat. At its heart, Meet John Doe is a movie about hope and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, making it a timeless classic that is still relevant today.