State Fair

Rating:
Summary: A grand night
Review: This was the first movie I ever saw, at the age of four at the Victory Theatre in Wellston, Missouri (The Victory, a new name for the Mikado, dumped when World War II broke out for obvious reasons). During "It Might As Well Be Spring" I was horribly worried Jeanne Crain was going to fall out of the windowsill of her second story bedroom window. I was so relieved when the song was over. This is a colorful, sweet film, though it does demonstrate as so often was demonstrated that only M-G-M could make M-G-M musicals. Jeanne Crain, the mother of many, always seemed to be acting with her mind on what the kids would have for dinner that evening, but she was lovely, so totally natural (my favorite Jeanne Crain film is the totally forgotten "Take Care Of My Little Girl," about college sorority life). Poor Dick Haymes is totally out of his element, though a wonderful singer. Vivian Blaine pretty much steals the show. She should have enjoyed a much bigger movie career; it's Broadway that won her heart. I love the roller coaster scenes. The coaster in the closeups is not the coaster in the far shots. The studio had a limited budget and, because of World War II, even more limited resources to build the darned sets with. "State Fair" has a lot of pasted-together elements, consequently, but if you don't look close (so much doesn't match from shot to shot and the big, overall shots of the Fair clearly are shooting a miniature that if you think too much doesn't make any sense at all) you'll feel you are at the State Fair.

Rating:
Summary: Don't forget Vivian Blaine
Review: Unlike Jeanne Crain's, Vivian Blaine's singing voice is her own and she outclasses everyone in the film. Compare her magnetism and composure to her partner, Dick Haymes, in their duet "Isn't it Kinda Fun." Real talent shines through and Vivian's delivery of a song is the only thing in this movie that doesn't seem naive, contrived, and dated. And to the reviewer who told us to "listen for Harry Morgan's voice over as the barker," look closely: that's no voice over... that young face IS the young Harry (billed as Henry Morgan).

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous
Review: Who would've thought that a favorite movie of mine, more than 20 years ago, would become an often requested movie at home from my 5 and 7 year old children! They walk around humming the songs and pretending they are pickle tasters.

This show is 1st rate and its only crime was that it had to follow so closely behind Oklahoma. Jeane Craine was at her absolute best. You feel her 'boar'dom at home with fiancé Harry and the joy she feels with Pat. Wayne is almost convincing as a farm boy but looked more at home at the Manhatten style birthday party for Marty. And don't forget about the romance of Blue Boy and Esmerelda.

This is a great movie with wonderful music that the whole family will enjoy.