The Frank Capra film Meet John Doe may not be his most famous movie (It’s a Wonderful Life, It Happened One Night and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington), but it’s a film that goes against the typical Capra movie because it honors the anti-hero. Gary Cooper plays a down-on-his luck drifter who suddenly becomes the everyday common man in a fight against big business.
Long John Willoughby (Cooper) is convinced to play the role of “John Doe” by newspaper reporter Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck). Cooper conveys Long John’s sense of desperation and his reluctance to become a part of the John Doe movement. He is a man who has given up on life, and Cooper’s performance captures the character’s sense of defeat.
As the John Doe movement grows, Long John becomes increasingly conflicted about his role in the movement. Cooper expertly conveys Long John’s growing disillusionment with the movement, and his realization that he has become a pawn in a larger game. Cooper’s restrained performance captures Long John’s sense of isolation, as he begins to question the motives of those around him.
Cooper was one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for his roles in classic films such as High Noon and The Pride of the Yankees. However, Cooper’s role in Meet John Doe is different from many of his other roles. Long John is not a hero in the traditional sense, but rather a man who becomes a symbol of hope through circumstances beyond his control. Cooper’s portrayal of Long John shows that he was capable of playing complex and nuanced characters, and that he was not limited to playing traditional hero roles.
Watch “Meet John Doe” Friday, April 21 at 8P ET with encore presentation throughout the month.