Sternberg’s made The town for U.S. State department’s “American scene” series, which was designed to show the life and liberties of typical americans. His contribution took him to the mid-west – Madison, Indiana. According to the officiai records, this graceful documentary includes “Natural and architectural features that resemble foreign scenes,” without neglecting sternberg’s love of libraries and the cinema. Andrew Sarris: “There is not an ugly frame or an awkward cut or an unnecessary movement in the entire film. Sternberg’s sense of composition and continuity is beautiful to behold. The town is ultimately the director’s most sustained exposure to reality.