The movie's title references Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a film in which a naive but well-meaning man (named "Jefferson Smith") becomes a Senator and fights the cynical nature of Washington.
The film shares themes with other Capra films, namely Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town in that the central character gives up power and fortune for the sake of their principles.
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But it was Jimmy Stewart’s Mr. Smith Goes To Washington that would pique Horowitz’s interest in understanding how to develop good characters and make a difference through storytelling.
Working with writer Robert Riskin, he would develop, repeat and refine this blend in films like Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Meet John Doe, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.