Mr Smith/North by Northwest Parallels (B. Kraegel)

In "Mr. Smith" and "North by Northwest", there are parallel story lines. Both Jefferson Smith and Roger Thornhill, as the movies open, live quiet, almost idyllic lives with their mothers playing prominent roles in their lives. Both men are then thrust into situations not of their own choosing where others mistakenly ascribe character traits to both men. When both men turn to their mothers for help, their mothers can't fix their boys' troubles. Confused and disoriented, both men initially fumble the ball. But, at pivotal points, Jeff's second visit to see Mr. Lincoln, along with Saunder's encouragement, and Roger's visit to the plaza and his meeting with Eve Kendall on the train, both men take hold and assert their masculinity to control their situations. Both men not only win control and a happy ending for themselves but, also get the girl. Moral of the story-you've got to leave mommy's apron strings, face the cold cruel world by yourself, and then you get the girl of your dreams, and a real life in the world of men.