This is a perfect example of Jimmy Stewart saving yet another movie. Many of his films would have been terrible if someone else were cast in his role, but his presence is enough to make them worth watching. In "Magic Town" pretty much all of the rest of the cast is mediocre, the plot is fragile, and the script is just OK, but Stewart saves the day with his brilliant handling of dialogue and charming display of wit. His performance alone saves the entire film from failing, and makes it all very enjoyable. This movie is classic Jimmy Stewart. He is terrific, showing his ability to seamlessly mix comedy with drama. One brilliant comedic moment occurs when Stewart and Wyman try to out-do each other in quoting poetry, with her rendition of "Hiawatha" being drowned out by his shouting of "The Charge of the Light Brigade." A startled janitor sees them and begins quoting Shakespeare, creating a chaotic moment of hilarity. Unfortunately, the latter half of the film takes the focus off of Stewart and places it on the female lead (Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan's first wife) and her situation. This leads to the film lagging a bit toward the end. If only the director had realized that Jimmy Stewart is to films as a star quarterback is to his football team; the more playing time he receives, the better the outcome. Still an enjoyable, charming way to spend an hour and a half.
Review of Magic Town
