State Fair (1933)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Henry King

Writers:

Philip Stong (novel)
Sonya Levien (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

10 February 1933 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Plot Keywords:

Horse Racing | Contest | Band | Cynic | Acrobat

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Janet Gaynor	...	Margy Frake
Will Rogers	...	Abel Frake
Lew Ayres	...	Pat Gilbert
Sally Eilers	...	Emily Joyce
Norman Foster	...	Wayne Frake
Louise Dresser	...	Melissa Frake
Frank Craven	...	Storekeeper
Victor Jory	...	Hoop Toss Barker
Frank Melton	...	Harry Ware

Runtime:

USA:97 min (FMC Library Print) | 99 min (copyright length)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #1460-R, 4 September 1935 for re-release) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | USA:TV-G (TV rating)

Filming Locations:

Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Company:

Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Director Henry King and crew were invited to the 1932 State Fair and Exposition in Des Moines, Iowa to film background material, including the racing scenes and midway. After the fair, they purchased three hogs, including the grand champion, Dike of Rosedale, who was cast as Blue Boy.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Lest We Forget (1937)

Soundtrack:

Shanty or Levee Song

the original State Fair, still hogs and pickles but no music

This wonderful film from Fox is rarely seen these days, and it is such a shame. In the 1930s Janet Gaynor was a huge star, veteran of a number of silent features with Charles Farrell and others; while Will Rogers was one of the best-loved actors and personalities in the USA.

'State Fair' teams Gaynor and Rogers as daughter and father, and adds Norman Foster as her brother, and Louise Dresser (another silent screen veteran) as mother. They're all off to the State Fair; Wayne and Margie to look for fun and frolics, Mother to try to win a prize for mincemeat, and Father to get a prize for his hog, Blueboy. Will they all find the things they wish for? Lew Ayres and Sally Eilers might just have the answers! I really liked this version; I'm very familiar with both musical adaptations but this film is more folksy, more fireside, more farm ... and it works very well. It's a superior product which deserves a clean-up and a decent video release.

The print I have is not brilliant, but is watchable. From what I can see this looks like a film which had high production values and I'm sure it would look great if it is was in pristine condition.