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Memorable, crazy movie

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Not quite as good as Oklahoma though.. But this movie definitely has some spellbinding numbers that gets everyone up and dancing.The last musical set in Iowa that I can recall was The Music Man. This one tries and entertains for the most part. Love and unrequited love abounds! There have been various versions with different casts as well. I am interested to see some of those!

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

I've lost track of how often I've seen this beautiful, corny gem but the last time won't be the last time."State Fair" has none of the complexities of most of R and H's work, but it still has excellent songs and lovable characters. Where to start? First of all, Dick Haymes was one of the best singers of his era. (His brother, Bob, made a few records, for Decca, I believe under the name of Hayme and eggs. Oh well).Back to the matter at hand. Jeanne Crain was a) beautiful b) gorgeous. She makes most of todays actresses look like mud. Vivian Blaine is lovely and talented, never getting the Hollywood recognition she deserved. Dana Andrews, who graces every third 20th Century Fox picture, proves charming and winning. The characters are unbeatable - Fay Bainter, Charles Winninger, Harry Morgan, Donald Meek, and Frank McHugh as a lovable songplugger (a contradiction in terms).The hog hogged its scenes (I had to say that). Nowadays, he would probably have lines rather than settling for snorting.One word that comes to mind about this movie is charming. I lived in Iowa for several years, but never made it to the state fair. The movie was second best.It is state great not just state fair.P.S. I loved the scene where Andrews, a reporter who doesn't take too many notes, comes to the end of a roller coaster ride and, when told to get off, flashes a press pass. My wife said something like how unethical. I've been a reporter for a major newspaper for 30 years (still writing free-lance) and I had to remind her of nice, free days we enjoyed at a major theme park whenever a new attraction was announced).

The 1962 version. This one is so much better.Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes, Vivian Blaine, Harry Morgan, Fay Bainter, and a few quirky characters and animals.Given the subject matter, a state fair where everyone is going to accomplish something for the summer. Fay Bainter as Mom, with her mincemeat pie competition; Dad and his prize hog: Blue Boy. And of course the siblings, who want only to find love. Agreed some of the Rogers and Hammerstein lyrics are a bit hard to swallow "Dollars to Donuts"" etc., but the surroundings give that sense of rural America and Iowa.Another good song is "I owe Iowa"...has a nice feel to it. Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain make an unlikely but pleasant couple. The visuals of the fair in the evening are effective and somewhat reminiscent of a dream sequence.All's well that ends well. It is a nice story and gives us a slice of Americana that is hard to find these days, although it still can be found in parts of the mid-south, and middle America if you look. Very good film for children and families. 9/10