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.An anonymous letter is sent to a newspaper protesting at the state of world affairs. Based on a story by Richard Connell.



























