Magic Town

Rip Smith, a former basketball player and ex-military, has become obsessed with finding a 'miracle formula' for perfect surveys. Lacking funds, he watches rival firms and plots a bold plan to outdo George Stringer. He believes a small-town demographic could mirror the nation and sets his sights on Grandview as the testing ground.

Rip discovers that Hoopendecker's Grandview survey exactly matches Stringer's national study. He concludes that Grandview could serve as a national microcosm. This discovery triggers his plan to test the theory in the field.

Rip and his team travel to Grandview undercover, posing as insurance salesmen to collect data. They aim to deliver results on par with Stringer's firm, hoping to prove the formula works. The town is infiltrated as they begin gathering impressions and numbers.

Rip overhears a conversation in which Mary Peterman argues with the mayor to approve a civic center expansion. He realizes Mary and her plan threaten the town's unaltered character, which his survey would rely on. He begins to view Mary as both obstacle and ally in his mission.

Rip delivers an electrifying speech that resonates with conservative council members. His pitch reframes Grandview as a model of stable demographics and small-town virtue. Mary’s proposal is sidelined as the council rallies around his approach.

Mary writes a bold editorial attacking Rip, published in the local newspaper owned by her family. The piece sparks talk across Grandview and forces Rip to reassess his undercover plan. The town's mood begins shifting toward unease about the deception.

Rip tries to win Mary over with charm while secretly gathering data for the survey. His dual role strains his relationships with colleagues who accuse him of getting too involved. The deception weighs on him as attraction to Mary deepens.

Rip coaches the school basketball team and attends a school dance, where he meets Mary's family. The interactions blur lines between professional research and personal feeling. The town's evolving attitudes gradually push him toward honesty.

Mary follows Rip when he steps away to talk on the phone and uncovers his true purpose in Grandview. She publishes the truth the next day, triggering a national media storm. Reporters flood the town and the once quiet town becomes a platform for consumer spectacle.

A major national paper picks up the story, and Grandview is ridiculed as the 'public opinion capital of the U.S.' The town's expansion plans stall under pressure and shame. Rip leaves Grandview and returns home, leaving Mary behind.

Despite the mess, Rip returns to Grandview to confess his true feelings and to try to fix what he and Mary broke. He seeks help from Senator Wilton to raise funds for saving the town. They present a plan to the city council in a formal meeting.

The council leader Nickleby opposes the plan, arguing it can't be done. Hank, Nickleby's son, reveals that his father has already sold the land needed for expansion to a private company. The revelation reframes the dispute as a moral and legal challenge.

Rip publishes parts of the old council speech that hinted at expanding the town 'with their own hands', sparking public outrage. Residents demand that the town pursue expansion in a transparent, community-driven way. The town rallies to reclaim control of its future.

The land sale agreement is found invalid, and the land is returned to the town. In a cooperative effort, residents rally to build a civic center on the designated site. Rip and Mary cement their relationship as they work together for Grandview.

With Grandview restored and the plan corrected, Rip and Mary become a couple. They vow to pursue honest, community-focused work rather than manipulation. The story ends on a note of reconciliation and renewed partnership.