The most famous
cinematic filibuster takes place in
Frank Capra's classic
1939 film
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, in which
Jimmy Stewart monopolizes the floor to block the passage of a
graft-laden bill. Since he has been framed for
corruption by
Claude Rains, he has no one to cede the floor to and must go the entire distance on his own.
There aren't many films that bring out the flag-waver in me, but seeing Stewart, hoarse, unshaven, and bleary-eyed from exhaustion yet still struggling to keep talking, always brings a lump to my throat.
You keep fightin', Jimmy! GOD BLESS AMERICA!