Rating: 
Summary: Old Times
Review: In the whimsical times of the past ..we see on display a whole other era. In my state the grounds have long been replaced by an inspid shopping mall.Long before malls and long before what is called civility today..there were many state fairs. This film has nothing profound to say at all. Its just a short visit to a " Brigadoon" of the past. Was Ms. Crain ever more beautiful.?
Rating: 
Summary: Pleasant original R&H film musical
Review: Rodgers and Hammerstein only contributed six songs to their only original film musical but one of those songs became the Oscar-winning classic, IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SPRING. It is also the only song that grows out of the character and plot. The others are, uncharacteristically for R&H, just songs that could have been written for any film. The story is slight, the direction and performances are plesant, and it adds up to just another competent Fox Technicolor musical. Also nominated for Best Original Score by the Academy. Note: Compare it with the stark and dramatic original 1933 film - the best of all three versions - and the CinemaScope remake of 1962 with Pat Boone and Ann-Margret (a horror). This latter was available on video for about five years, then nose dove into oblivion. It did contain five songs written solely by Richard Rodgers. The Academy was not impressed.
Rating: 
Summary: It's another Rodgers and Hammerstein hit...
Review: Some "scholars" of Rodgers and Hammerstein's portfolio view "State Fair" as probably the composer and lyricist's weakest creation. Looking back some fifty-six years this film adaptation of Phil Stong's novel seems dated, but it's songs and beautiful score make the DVD a "must" acquisition, worthy of any collection of broadway and Hollywood musicals. The cast is incredibly strong, and I agree with those who've stated that Jeanne Crain is awesome, perfect for part. The disc's extra features, notes on the cast and the film's production add to the enjoyment of this musical classic.
Rating:
Summary: It's another Rodgers and Hammerstein hit...
Review: Some "scholars" of Rodgers and Hammerstein's portfolio view "State Fair" as probably the composer and lyricist's weakest creation. Looking back some fifty-six years this film adaptation of Phil Stong's novel seems dated, but it's songs and beautiful score make the DVD a "must" acquisition, worthy of any collection of broadway and Hollywood musicals. The cast is incredibly strong, and I agree with those who've stated that Jeanne Crain is awesome, perfect for part. The disc's extra features, notes on the cast and the film's production add to the enjoyment of this musical classic.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Movie!
Review: There's something incredibly heart-tugging about this story of a farm family's trip to the Iowa State Fair. Each family member is going for a different purpose: the mom to win a pickle contest, the dad to win the hog contest, the eldest son to win the ring-toss (and get revenge on the swindler holding it) and the young daughter to get away from the farm and the only available bachelor in the county, for whom she has little interest. The daughter is the focus of the story as she goes from moping and being uninterested in the fair to finding the love (and having the time) of her life.
For any romantics who have ever dreamt of having a fling or meeting the love of their life while on vacation, this story has an emotional irresistibility. Hopeless romantics watching alone will be hard-pressed to hold back tears and couples hard-pressed not to end up in each other's arms.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein music is a real treat -- both delightful and catchy. You may find that you don't realize how good the music and lyrics are until you catch yourself humming or singing the songs days later.
This is perhaps my favorite musical. It has the music, the charming setting and the emotionally-involving story. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age, but especially young couples and hopeless romantics (especially dreamy-eyed, young girls). It is truly a great musical and one of the first.
Rating:
Summary: STATE FAIR Like The One My Dad Took Me To
Review: This 1945 musical is pure family fun. It's a good film staring Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain, but I prefer the excellent 1962 remake also pure family fun. The kids will just love the scene when Tom Ewell sings to a pig in the 1962 version! That first-rate piece of Americana was filmed in 1961 at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. The CinemaScope photography was just beautiful and was a vast improvement over the 1945 version. Director, José Ferrer took full advantage of the fair grounds in Dallas where the Cotton Bowl is located. The Texas Hall of State building, an achievement of architectural Art Deco was prominently featured. Inside is the Great Hall and it has an Art Deco mural adorning both sides of its walls depicting the state's colorful history and these in turn are adorned by Texas' six flags: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, The Confederate States and The United States. The 1945 version has a stronger cast but the 1962 version holds its own in more realistic fashion. There are many excellent stars in it including Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Ann-Margret and Wally Cox. Alice Faye came out of retirement to play Pamela Tiffin's mother in a memorable performance. Walter Lang directed this 1945 version it too a remake from the 1933 version. Lang is a better director than Ferrer, but he doesn't have CinemaScope. All in all both films are strong on Americana and expound the virtues of man in harmony with his fellow man. This is great family fun and is great American nostalgia as we see a state fair when they used to look like a state fair.
Rating:
Summary: Isn't the film kinda fun?
Review: This is a better film for families to see, despite the kissing. It is better than Carousel(a nightmare,) but not as good as Chicago. The first time I saw it, it was fast, but now that I almost know it by heart, truthfully, it is going slower despite the running time being 100 minutes. Overall, an entertaing yet so-so film.
Rating:
Summary: A family's trip to the fair turns up awards and romance.
Review: This is my absolute favorite Rogers & Hammerstein musical. Its full of family fun, and great songs that you will find yourself singing to. The Frakes family goes to the Iowa state fair with hopes of awards and fun. A scary rollercoaster ride may mean that excitement and romantic dreams may come true for the young Margie, while a special singer brings romantic ideas to Wayne's mind. Watch for the unique attraction between Blue Boy and Esmerelda, and a delightful concoction of mincemeat is just the thing to one of the fair judges. It makes you want to go to a state fair of your own. END
Rating:
Summary: Don't Miss it Don't even be Late!
Review: This movie is pure delight. Yes, it has some of the corniest moments ever put on film -- but isn't that part of the charm of these old movies? The music is lovely (I just can't agree with those critics who call it weak), and even though Jeanne Crain and Dick Haymes look far too worldly and sophisticated to be smalltown Iowa farm kids, the movie has a colorful and homey feeling to it. It is about a time when people got excited about spending three days at a county fair, riding on ferris wheels and eating candy apples. Our world may be a lot more sophisticated and technologically savvy nowadays, but I can't help thinking that we've lost a lot of the fun that our grandparents had. This movie brings it back. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: A kinder, gentler era
Review: This movie is pure delight. Yes, it has some of the corniest moments ever put on film -- but isn't that part of the charm of these old movies? The music is lovely (I just can't agree with those critics who call it weak), and even though Jeanne Crain and Dick Haymes look far too worldly and sophisticated to be smalltown Iowa farm kids, the movie has a colorful and homey feeling to it. It is about a time when people got excited about spending three days at a county fair, riding on ferris wheels and eating candy apples. Our world may be a lot more sophisticated and technologically savvy nowadays, but I can't help thinking that we've lost a lot of the fun that our grandparents had. This movie brings it back. Enjoy!
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