Magic Town (1947)An opinion pollster finds a town which is a perfect mirror of U.S. opinions. Director:William A. Wellman |
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Magic Town (1947)An opinion pollster finds a town which is a perfect mirror of U.S. opinions. Director:William A. Wellman |
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| James Stewart | ... |
Rip Smith
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| Jane Wyman | ... |
Mary Peterman
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Kent Smith | ... |
Hoopendecker
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Ned Sparks | ... |
Ike
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Wallace Ford | ... |
Lou Dicketts
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| Regis Toomey | ... |
Ed Weaver
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| Ann Doran | ... |
Mrs. Weaver
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| Donald Meek | ... |
Mr. Twiddle
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E.J. Ballantine | ... |
Moody
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Ann Shoemaker | ... |
Ma Peterman
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Mickey Kuhn | ... |
Hank Nickleby
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| Howard Freeman | ... |
Nickleby
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Harry Holman | ... |
Mayor
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Mary Currier | ... |
Mrs. Frisby
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Mickey Roth | ... |
Bob Peterman
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Rip Smith's opinion-poll business is a failure...until he discovers that the small town of Grandview is statistically identical to the entire country. He and his assistants go there to run polls cheaply and easily, in total secrecy (it would be fatal to let the townsfolk get self-conscious). And of course, civic crusader Mary Peterman must be kept from changing things too much. But romantic involvement with Mary complicates life for Rip; then suddenly everything changes... Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
Certainly not one of the great comedies, but charming and rather whimsical in its own way. In this day and age of raucous and crude humour (if you can call it that), a movie like "Magic Town" will probably seem hopelessly old-fashioned and dated, but for those who prefer a quieter and more gentle humour, "Magic Town" will fill the bill very nicely. Very Frank Capra-like (not surprisingly since screenwriter Robert Riskin collaborated with Capra numerous times), "Magic Town" reminds us of a by-gone era, a time when living in a small town meant knowing your neighbours, pride in your community, and the moral values of common decency and humility were still part of everyday life. James Stewart as the pollster who discovers a town full of people whose opinions exactly mirror the national thinking gives his customary good performance, as does Jane Wyman as the newspaper publisher who wants to see change in the town. Many well-known character actors (Kent Smith, Wallace Ford, Ann Shoemaker and particularly Ned Sparks) provide capable support. A slight offering, perhaps, but quite worthwhile.