<p>Through the remarkable eye of first time film director, Greg Reitman, we get a first hand glimpse of The Magic Isle. While exploring historical, social, and environmental changes, the film captures the mystical splendors, natural beauty and romance of Santa Catalina Island. Using a mix of rare 16mm, archival film and old black and white stills, inter-cut with interviews of islanders, historians and celebrities; the viewer is taken on a journey during America&rsquo;s golden era. It begins with the acquisition of the Santa Catalina Island Company in 1919 led by William Wrigley, Jr. He set a course for Catalina&rsquo;s future in the world of art, sports, music and entertainment that was unmatched in US history even through present day.  <br />
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The film documents architectural achievements, many first of a kind buildings and innovations that transformed Catalina from a simple island into a modern day state-of-the-art playground. The film highlights many of the individuals including stars of the Big Band Era, Marilyn Monroe, and the island&rsquo;s role as Hollywood&rsquo;s secret playground for the stars. The island even played a role in helping to elect a President. We witness the island&rsquo;s tragedy and heartache &ndash; deftly captured in the film with heartfelt interviews and a score that tugs at the emotions. Utilizing interviews with Jean-Michel Cousteau, heirs of the Wrigley family, residents and visitors of the island; we learn of William Wrigley, Jr&rsquo;s dream of preserving the island&rsquo;s natural beauty as well as providing a magical place for all to enjoy. The film concludes with Art Good Jazz Trax, Fender&rsquo;s Catalina Island Blues Festival, and a visual kaleidoscope of modern day Catalina Island as an ecological paradise highlighting the revival of the island as a place of leisure and entertainment.</p>