<P> In January 1938, both Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer and Paramount Pictures submitted Foster's story to the censors at the Hays Office, likely indicating that both studios had an interest in the project before Columbia purchased it . Joseph Breen, the head of that office, warned the studios: "(W) e would urge most earnestly that you take serious counsel before embarking on the production of any motion picture based on this story . It looks to us like one that might well be loaded with dynamite, both for the motion picture industry, and for the country at large ." Breen specifically objected to "the generally unflattering portrayal of our system of Government, which might well lead to such a picture being considered, both here, and more particularly abroad, as a covert attack on the Democratic form of government", and warned that the film should make clear that "the Senate is made up of a group of fine, upstanding citizens, who labor long and tirelessly for the best interests of the nation ..." </P> <P> Later, after the screenplay had been written and submitted, Breen reversed course, saying of the film, "It is a grand yarn that will do a great deal of good for all those who see it and, in my judgment, it is particularly fortunate that this kind of story is to be made at this time . Out of all Senator Jeff's difficulties there has been evolved the importance of a democracy and there is splendidly emphasized the rich and glorious heritage which is ours and which comes when you have a government' of the people, by the people, and for the people"'. </P> <P> The film was in production from April 3, 1939, to July 7 of that year . Some location shooting took place in Washington, D.C., at Union Station and at the United States Capitol, as well as other locations for background use . </P> <P> In the studio, to ensure authenticity, an elaborate set was created, consisting of Senate committee rooms, cloak rooms, and hotel suites, as well as specific Washington, D.C., monuments, all based on a trip Capra and his crew made to the capital . Even the Press Club of Washington was reproduced in minute detail, but the major effort went into a faithful reproduction of the Senate Chamber on the Columbia lot . James D. Preston, a former superintendent of the Senate gallery, acted as technical director for the Senate set, as well as advising on political protocol . The production also utilized the "New York street set" on the Warner Bros. lot, using 1,000 extras when that scene was shot . </P>

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