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→The Cocktail Circuit
Capra also displays his utter contempt for the "Washington Cocktail Circuit." Susan Paine moves in that circuit, and her own behavior is a prize example. In Capra's opinion, women like Susan Paine are little better than prostitutes, using their attractiveness as a weapon for political advancement, either their own or that of the men who keep them. But even Susan Paine is an excusable example; the bevy of female hangers-on to Jim Taylor behave in a manner that is almost laughable, as when they all squeal with delight after Jim Taylor shows them some flashy [[jewel]]ry.
Capra also displays his utter contempt for the "Washington Cocktail Circuit." Susan Paine moves in that circuit, and her own behavior is a prize example. In Capra's opinion, women like Susan Paine are little better than prostitutes, using their attractiveness as a weapon for political advancement, either their own or that of the men who keep them. But even Susan Paine is an excusable example; the bevy of female hangers-on to Jim Taylor behave in a manner that is almost laughable, as when they all squeal with delight after Jim Taylor shows them some flashy [[jewel]]ry.
Clarissa Saunders is, of course, the anti-type of Susan Paine. As the film begins, she is a cynical player. As she explains to Senator Paine:{{cquote|When I first came to this town, my eyes were big blue question marks. Now they're big green dollar marks.}}
Clarissa Saunders is, of course, the opposite of Susan Paine. As the film begins, she is a cynical player. As she explains to Senator Paine:{{cquote|When I first came to this town, my eyes were big blue question marks. Now they're big green dollar marks.}}
But by film's end, Jefferson Smith's simple decency has won her affection and her loyalty. Curiously, Susan Paine is absent from the second half of the film, as she has clearly gained nothing.
But by film's end, Jefferson Smith's simple decency has won her affection and her loyalty. Curiously, Susan Paine is absent from the second half of the film, as she has clearly gained nothing.