The Depression was interminable, war had begun in Asia and was imminent in Europe. Still, the robber-baron villain comes around in the end when faced with the overwhelming argument presented by simple human goodness just being itself. Can't Take it With You , is left unredeemed. The hero goes up against classic political bossism, but here the evil has become well- organized and wields the extra oomph of modern communications. Despair at first outruns victory, as in most Capra films.
Deeds stands silent in court.
It takes the people, usually assisted by a guilt-ridden retainer of the villain, to clear the way for good to prevail, or at least survive. In 1941's Meet John Doe , even the people turn on the hero, who again surrenders to despair. It's a good thing, because the stakes have become higher. The traditional evils of Wall Street manipulators and political bosses have given way to totalitarianism, with Edward Arnold now the leader of a fascist movement. Politically, this is as bad as it gets.