Magic Town cover art

Magic Town Details

1947 Certificate PG
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 159 members

Jimmy Stewart plays Lawrence Smith in this Capraesque tale in which an ambitious pollster finds a small town whose citizens' opinions accurately reflect those of America at large. On discovering this oddity in the darling town of Grandview, Smith plots to exploit this "mathematical miracle." Posing as an insurance salesman .. Read more

Starring James Stewart, Jane Wyman, Ann Doran, Donald Meek
Director William A. Wellman
Genres Drama

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Magic Town cover art

Magic Town

Jimmy Stewart plays Lawrence Smith in this Capraesque tale in which an ambitious pollster finds a small town whose citizens' opinions accurately reflect those of America at large. On discovering this oddity in the darling town of Grandview, Smith plots to exploit this "mathematical miracle." Posing as an insurance salesman along with his two sidekicks, Ike Sloan (Ned Sparks) and Mr. Twiddle (Donald Meek), he romances the local newspaper editor while trying to keep her from discovering his true intentions. The young editor, Mary Peterman (Jane Wyman), has hopes for improving the town with a new civics centre. Mary soon proves to be smarter than "Rip" ever anticipated. When she exposes the truth, the resulting publicity threatens to destroy the town and everything it stood for. Screenwriter Robert Riskin made his independent producing debut with this film directed by the great William Wellman.

Starring James Stewart, Jane Wyman, Ann Doran, Donald Meek, Kent Smith, Regis Toomey, Ann Shoemaker, Ned Sparks
Director William A. Wellman
Studio 2 ENTERTAIN VIDEO
Certificate Certificate PG
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 30 Jun 2003
Production year: 1947
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of Magic Town

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    An intriguing James Stewart/Jane Wyman comedy drama, directed by William A Wellman, which provides a fascinating insight into small-town America. Stewart is convinced that he can cash in on the fact that the white-picket-fence haven of Grandview is an exact statistical yardstick for the country as a whole. Wyman plays a strong, innovative newspaper editor and, of course, is the love interest. Wellman directs intelligently to produce a Capraesque tale that has some nice touches, but ultimately lacks that Capra magic.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • A bright Capraesque idea is extraordinarily dully scripted, the production looks dim, and all concerned are operating one degree under.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of Magic Town

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  • Rated - 4 stars

    1940's whimsy at its best

    Ok so you can never ever match 'A wonderful live', but this is pretty cute to lull away the afternoon.

    Can't remember ever seeing it on the telly, but if it were set around Dec 25th I'm sure it would be on every year.

      • Colin Gr from Northampton
      • Posted 29 Nov 2005 19:05

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Rating breakdown

159 Member ratings
  • 100
7
  • 90
10
  • 80
18
  • 70
26
  • 60
39
  • 50
19
  • 40
15
  • 30
10
  • 20
9
  • 10
6

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    • Magic Town

    • Magic Town
      Jimmy Stewart plays Lawrence Smith in this Capraesque tale in which an ambitious pollster finds a small town whose citizens' opinions accurately reflect those of America at large. On discovering this oddity in the darling town of Grandview, Smith plots to exploit this "mathematical miracle." Posing ...