Meet John Doe [DVD] [1941] [NTSC]

Written by a discharged journalist as a publicity stunt, and as a parting shot at the paper's new editor, the premise of the letter unexpectedly fires the imagination of the Bulletin's readers and the wider American public. Its real author, Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck) who has fabricated the letter in her final column, is rehired, and now needs to find someone to play the part of the fictional "John Doe."

Gary Cooper is perfectly cast as Long John Willoughby, an injured and penniless former baseball pitcher lured into impersonating "John Doe" with the promise of medical treatment. In what would have undoubtedly been an Oscar winning performance, were it not for his own success that same year in Howard Hawks' "Sergeant York," Cooper excels himself here as Willoughby's initial indifference to his undertaking turns to genuine concern at his role. But, as he becomes an increasingly culpable pawn in an ever more treacherous game, just how can "John Doe" redeem himself?

With a supporting cast that includes Edward Arnold as ruthless newspaper tycoon and political aspirant D.B. Norton; James Gleason as the archetypal editor; and the inimitable Walter Brennan as Willoughby's best friend, this is classic Frank Capra.

Based upon Richard Connell's 1922 short-story, "A Reputation," "Meet John Doe" is often held to be part of a thematic trilogy that includes "Mister Deeds Goes To Town" and "Mister Smith Goes To Washington." As it explores a recurring notion in Capra's work, that of the universal everyman exploited by a corrupt and powerful establishment, the film's reflections on corporate control of both the media, and of ordinary people's lives is still as resonant a social commentary as ever.

"Meet John Doe" is presented here in its original aspect ratio and is Frank Capra's 1941 theatrical release version running at 123 minutes.

DVD Special Features:

Audio commentary (with optional English subtitles) by Laureate's Ken Barnes with archive contributions from Frank Capra.
The digital restoration of "Meet John Doe" (A before and after comparison)
Three Original Featurettes: Meet Mr. Capra, Meet Mr. Cooper, Meet Miss Stanwyck
2 Vintage "Lux Theatre" radio productions of "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "Sorry Wrong Number" starring Gary Cooper & Ingrid Bergman, and Barbara Stanwyck & Burt Lancaster
Extensive Cast and Crew Profiles
Production Background
Black and White
1.33:1 Original "Academy Frame" Aspect Ratio
Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German

Synopsis
In this Frank Capra film, Gary Cooper plays Long John Willoughby, an unemployed man who is duped into becoming an American symbol by D.B. Norton (Edward Arnold), an unscrupulous newspaper tycoon. When Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck) is fired by Norton, she sends a fake suicide note to the publisher signed by "John Doe." The letter is picked up by the public as a rallying point, since "Mr. Doe" claimed to be so distraught by the problems of society that he would end his life. But Norton uses the publicity as part of a secret plan. Capra's endearing classic also stars the great character actors Walter Brennan and James Gleason.

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