That's right. Magic Town is better than the sacrosanct "It's a Wonderful Life". Why? Because "It's a Wonderful Life" is much too frantic and overwrought, despite being the darling of the Carpaesque universe. Grandview was a lot more in sync with middle America (at the time) than Bedford Falls (patented after the real town of Seneca Falls in upstate New York). Bangor, Maine is probably the city closest to the place portrayed in this film. Current research bears this out. But Magic Town is told in a less frantic pace, and the events are far more believable; especially when it comes to people coming together for the benefit of the town. Stewart is far more believable in this film than the former, as are all the main characters. If there is a weakness in either of these productions, it would be the absence of representation of people of color; black, brown or yellow. For that omission, we must take off one star. But considering the time the film was made, it stands as an inspirational piece for all races and towns in the US.
Review of Magic Town
