With Robert Riskin as screenwriter, director William Wellman proved in Magic Town that it was possible to make a Frank Capra-esque picture without Capra himself at the helm. James Stewart plays Rip Smith, a cynical pollster who comes across a small American town named Grandview, which represents a "perfect" balance of ethnic types, professions, political beliefs, and personal opinions (a parody of the then-current "Middletown" study). Smith publicizes this discovery, leading to a barrage of media attention and an onslaught ...
Read More
With Robert Riskin as screenwriter, director William Wellman proved in Magic Town that it was possible to make a Frank Capra-esque picture without Capra himself at the helm. James Stewart plays Rip Smith, a cynical pollster who comes across a small American town named Grandview, which represents a "perfect" balance of ethnic types, professions, political beliefs, and personal opinions (a parody of the then-current "Middletown" study). Smith publicizes this discovery, leading to a barrage of media attention and an onslaught of get-rich-quick entrepreneurs. Not surprisingly, all of this has an adverse effect on the heretofore "average" citizens of Grandview; it also seriously threatens Smith's blossoming romance with local girl Mary Peterman (Jane Wyman), who feels that her friends and neighbors are being used, exploited, and in some cases, corrupted. The satirical thrust of the film bogs down into sentimentality toward the end, but it's fun while it lasts. One of the colorful supporting characters is played by screwball-comedy favorite Donald Meek, who died during production, necessitating a number of hasty and not altogether successful rewrites. Though it pleases audiences today, Magic Town was a financial disappointment in 1947, prompting James Stewart to seek out "tougher" and more challenging roles to restore his box-office appeal. Hal Erickson, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Magic Town to cart. $17.87, good condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by RKO Radio Pictures.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
All our items include the original disc(s) in the original case. Any digital codes that may be included are not guaranteed to work. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of Magic Town to cart. $22.28, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by RKO Radio Pictures.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
E.J. Ballantine; James Stewart; Jane Wyman; Mary Currier; Julia Dean; Kent Smith; Ann Doran; Ned Sparks; Frank Fenton;... New. Run time: 103 mins. New in new packaging. USA Orders only! Brand New product! please allow delivery times of 3-7 business days within the USA. US orders only please.
Add this copy of Magic Town to cart. $25.27, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by RKO Radio Pictures.
Add this copy of Magic Town to cart. $25.50, new condition, Sold by groovaciousrecords rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Cedar City, UT, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Olive Films.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
E.J. Ballantine, James Stewart, Jane Wyman, Mary Currier, Julia Dean, Kent Smith, Ann Doran, Ned Sparks, Frank Fenton; ... New in new packaging. Language: English. Run time: 103 mins. Aspect ratio: 1.37: 1. Originally released: 1947. factory sealed brand new not a promo or cutout
![Magic Town [Blu-ray] - William Wellman](https://www2.alibris-static.com/magic-town-blu-ray/cover/v62038kg208_l.jpg)
![Magic Town [Blu-ray]](https://www0.alibris-static.com/magic-town-blu-ray/cover/v62038kg208.jpg)
