Lee Eisenberg
If you've read my reviews of musicals, then you know that I watch most of them only so that I can heckle them like Mike, Servo and Crow do to the crummy movies that Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank send them on "Mystery Science Theater 3000". One of my cracks to the arch-hokey "State Fair" was during the taste-testing scene: I said that one of the characters had put LSD in the punch. I heckled the equally hokey 1962 version to a lesser extent, just since I'm not tempted to heckle Ann-Margret.Yes, you probably think that I'm some sort of curmudgeon. Look, these big pompous movies set themselves up to get mocked. If we can make fun of famous people, then why not the movies in which they star? And no, you can't give me any of this "Golden Age of Cinema" mumbo-jumbo; there were just as many bad movies back then as there are now. It's just that we only remember the good movies. The point is that this is just the sort of movie that begs to get given a "Weird Al" Yankovic-style treatment. And just to remind you that I'm not playing favorites, I did the same with "My Dream Is Yours", "Show Boat", "Oklahoma!", "The King and I", "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music". "MST3K" would have a field day with all these flicks. As for me, I'd like to see Quentin Tarantino remake them.
TheLittleSongbird
This is not the best Rodgers and Hammerstein movie musical, however State Fair is still a truly lovely film. The plot is rather fluffy and lacklustre, but the characters are charming and the R&H tunes while not among their best are still wonderful. State Fair looks beautiful, with the photography lavish and Crain especially looking absolutely stunning in her costumes. The film is lovingly directed, has a corny but appealing script and it moves sprightly too. Nothing to complain about the performances either, Jeanne Crain is breathtaking and Dana Andrews is a more than dashing and competent leading man. As much as I loved Harry Morgan, Dick Haymes and Vivian Blaine, my favourite support performance is Charles Winninger who steals every scene he's in. Overall, a lovely movie and well worth watching. 9/10 Bethany Cox
wes-connors
Iowa farmer's daughter Jeanne Crain (as Margy Frake) and her singing brother Dick Haymes (as Wayne Frake) go to an annual "State Fair" and find romantic partners. She attracts older "Des Moines Register" reporter Dana Andrews (as Pat Gilbert) and he finds singer Vivian Blaine (as Emily Edwards) attractive. Only one of the couples can marry. A lengthy rural supporting cast is headed by mincemeat-making mother Fay Bainter (as Melissa Frake) and hog-minding father Charles Winninger (as Abel Frake)."It Might as Well Be Spring" / "That's for Me" was a big double-sided top ten hit recording for Mr. Haymes, but you won't hear him sing it here. Everything about this film is pretty and colorful, but the overall impression is simply that it's all fluff. "State Fair" really comes across as an average diversion. The Rodgers and Hammerstein soundtrack songs, while certainly not bad, seem like half a collection; when compared to the duo's other musicals, the songs don't advance musical art in their customary way.***** State Fair (8/29/45) Walter Lang ~ Jeanne Crain, Dick Haymes, Dana Andrews, Vivian Blaine
dpb-12
Brandy-spiked homemade mincemeat, patent-leather farmhouses, candy apples, cotton candy, roller coasters, budding romances, and stunning technicolor.....all drenched in Rogers and Hammerstein's unmistakable sound........a recipe for success? You didn't have any doubts, did you?? I rate this 1945 classic a solid ten out of ten stars. The awful remake in 1962 is a prime example of why remakes should never be attempted. This movie follows in the tradition of other great 1940's Fox musicals such as Down Argentine Way and Moon Over Miami. Don't you dare listen to any negative reviews of this wonderful movie. One of the reviewers commented that there wasn't much of a plot. Are you kidding me?? The plot is fantastic. Apparently, some people just don't get it. It's intentionally made to be light and fun. Don't over-analyze it. After all, it's a musical for crying out loud. In my opinion, this movie is simply one of the best musicals ever made. I like it more and more every time I see it if that's even possible! It's right up there in quality with The Sound Of Music. Walter Lang, the director, masterfully captures the magic with incredible flair in this innocent, mid-century gem. The songs are infectious and beautiful....some of the best Rogers and Hammerstein have ever written....and that's the truth! The movie will leave you feeling great. Watch it! You'll see what I mean. After all......it's a grand night for singing!!
AD
