How does the newspaper owner in Meet John Doe plan to use the John Doe clubs?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Frank Capra (From left) Unidentified, Gary Cooper, and Frank Capra on the set of *Mr. Deeds Goes to Town*.

In the 1941 film Meet John Doe, directed by Frank Capra, the newspaper owner D.B. Norton intends to exploit the popularity of the John Doe movement to advance his own political ambitions.1

Rather than genuinely supporting the common man, Norton views the John Doe clubs as a vehicle to build a political power base that he can manipulate for his personal gain and influence. When the protagonist, Long John Willoughby, attempts to expose the deception behind the movement, Norton actively works to undermine him to protect his scheme.1