Magic Town 1947
"The guy with the dynamite heart meets the girl with the firecracker eyes!"
Directed by William A. Wellman, *Magic Town (1947)* blends comedy and romance into a clever satire of American politics and public opinion.
Director: William A. Wellman
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Magic Town (1947) about?
*Magic Town (1947)* follows Rip Smith, a down-on-his-luck opinion pollster who discovers a tiny town whose population perfectly matches the demographics of the entire U.S. Hoping to turn his struggling business around, he secretly uses the town for research—until an idealistic local activist threatens to disrupt his plans. As tensions rise, so does an unexpected romance between Rip and the crusader, forcing him to confront his own ideals.
Who directed Magic Town?
William A. Wellman, known for his versatility across genres including war films and crime dramas, directed *Magic Town (1947)*.
Who stars in Magic Town?
The film features James Stewart as Rip Smith, Jane Wyman as civic crusader Mary Peterman, Kent Smith, Ned Sparks, and Wallace Ford in key supporting roles.
Is Magic Town (1947) worth watching?
A lighthearted yet clever comedy with romantic undertones, *Magic Town (1947)* offers a nostalgic look at mid-century America through a witty lens. While not as widely remembered today, fans of James Stewart's everyman charm and classic Hollywood storytelling will find plenty to enjoy in its sharp dialogue and clever premise.
How long is Magic Town?
*Magic Town* runs for 103 minutes.
About Magic Town (1947) — A Pollster's Romantic Comedy with James Stewart
Directed by William A. Wellman, *Magic Town (1947)* blends comedy and romance into a clever satire of American politics and public opinion. James Stewart stars as Rip Smith, a struggling pollster who stumbles upon a quirky small town whose demographics magically mirror the entire nation. His idyllic plan to secretly conduct surveys unravels when he butts heads with the town's passionate civic crusader, played by Jane Wyman. As Rip navigates the tension between business and personal feelings, the film explores themes of authenticity, change, and the unpredictability of human nature under the microscope of public opinion.
Set against the backdrop of post-war America, *Magic Town (1947)* balances sharp wit with heartfelt charm, delivering a story that's as much about the folly of data-driven certainty as it is about the sparks that fly between two people who couldn't be more different. With a runtime of 103 minutes, it's a brisk, engaging romp that feels both timeless and timely—a snapshot of an era when polling was still in its infancy and the idea of a town perfectly representing the nation seemed like pure fantasy.