THE MAGNIFICENT MACINNES

by Shepherd Mead ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 20, 1949

A spoof, and commentary, on recent opinion-getting, this poses a mental marvel against the scientific pollsters. Deep in his chosen field, Beecher's tabulatory mind is rocked when he learns an investigator can get the future answers to a poll without conducting interviews, and, connecting with the source of her information, learns her uncle, old MacInnes, is so sensitive he can really predict public opinion. Beecher and an enterprising friend latch on to the possibilities, get a Navy surplus machine that will offer the scientific facade and combine with MacInnes to beat the field. On their path up they collect a publisher who wants to publish books most popular in appeal, an agent-producer looking for the girl with perfect appeal, etc., and MacInnes tells them true. When the top blows off and MacInnes' part is revealed, the show still goes on. But the old man bows out for, with the public concentrating on him, he can no longer receive its directives and the game is over. Breezy and pleasant time-passing.

Pub Date: July 20, 1949

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar, Straus

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1949

Categories: FICTION