State Fair (1933)

Having seen the rather sappy 1962 version of this story, I was intrigued by the cast of this film and decided to check it out. I knew I was in for something special when Janet Gaynor as Margy asks her brother Wayne, played by Norman Foster, if he ever feels like " raising hell " on the eve of their departure for a week at the state fair. Meanwhile Pa Frake ( Will Rogers ) obsesses over his prize pig Blue Bell and Ma Frake ( Louise Dresser ) spikes the mincemeat recipe in anticipation of scoring blue ribbons. Upon arrival at the fair, the Frake Family goes full Merry Prankster mode, setting up a tent and diving into the free love and entertainment festival full bore ( boar? ). Both kids are given loose rein by Ma and Pa who are hip to the fact that animal husbandry may necessarily involve human breeding as well as the four legged kind. Ma's mincemeat trips out a judge who lands in the psych ward while Blue Bell gets turned on by a hot sow and goes hog wild. A story this cool could only exist in pre - Hayes Hollywood and the sophisticated outlook of the Frakes runs counter to farm family character expectations. At the heart of this movie are fully developed, endearing figures who get lost in lust, love and longing just like real people. The conclusion of the fair features some fantastic cinematic shots of carnival barkers who remind us that, along with this movie, the good stuff has to wrap up eventually, like it or not.

The thing about summer love is that it is uncertain and often temporary. Normally, only the young are afflicted, and, as such a powerful emotion is a novelty to the recipient, it can be very hurtful. "State Fair" chronicles two of these.The Frake family is preparing for the Iowa state fair, all with different expectations. Pa (Will Rogers) hopes his prize boar, Blue Boy, can win first prize and Ma (Louise Dresser) pins her hopes on her pickles and mincemeat. Teenagers Wayne and Margy are just hoping for... they're not exactly sure, but something exciting.The nominal star here is Will Rogers and he gives a folksy, homespun performance as Pa - makes you wonder if he's acting or not. Louise Dresser is Ma just as you would imagine Ma would be. She was one of our best actresses and retired too soon. The story, though, focuses on the two young players, Norman Foster (Wayne) and Janet Gaynor (Margy) and their adventurous encounters with complete strangers.This is a 'Pre-Code' picture and tame by todays (lack of) standards, and so both are seen conversing in bedrooms with above-mentioned strangers (smelling salts, please), but the picture is so well-written that the breach of decorum is hardly noticeable. The story is true to life and shot through with vignettes of family life from an earlier time in America. If you were not alive in the 1930's and did not live in the Midwest, you should see this movie. It is a quintessential family picture with lots of heart, as well as exceptional performances by all parties.

State Fair is actually a pretty good movie that's mostly just a vehicle for Janet Gaynor. But it ends up being more than that with the help of Will Rogers and Lew Ayres.The story revolves around a farming family who enters a prize pig in the State Fair. The two children of the family go off on their own separate adventures while the two parents stay with the pig.Gaynor is one of the children and she meets and falls in love with Ayres. Their chemistry together is a very intriguing one. Will Rogers is the father who is mostly the comic relief. You'll most likely like the film and it deserves to be liked. Its a great gem from the early '30s that isn't seen much anymore.I was able to finally watch the film when it was on The Fox Movie Channel last year. It might be on again soon. I suggest you find out.

A farm family encounters situations both poignant & hilarious when they leave home to spend time at the exciting STATE FAIR.Janet Gaynor gives a sensitive performance as a country girl eager for romance amid the attractions of the Fair. She is both fetching and delightful. She was a big celebrity at the time and gets top billing here even over Will Rogers.Will gets his own back by deftly underplaying his role as her farmer father. By keeping the corniness to a minimum, he gives the film a special touch of bedrock sensibility and good humor.The Production Code had obviously not taken effect quite yet, as can be seen by some of the language and situations. These will come as a surprise to some, but were not rare before 1934.All of Will's scenes are fun - especially those with Miss Gaynor or the hogs. The formidable Louise Dresser appears as his wife. Lew Ayres makes a fine romantic interest for Gaynor & Victor Jory is very good in a small role as an honesty-challenged barker.