State Fair

"State Fair" continues the trend of films that wanted the songs to be integrated into the plot without stopping the action--much the way Rodgers & Hammerstein did when they produced "Oklahoma" on Broadway. So they start the picture with "Our State Fair" sung by various characters and it goes on from there. Trouble is, there is almost no plot to speak of--the only suspense being, who will win the top prizes at the Fair and we all know the answer to that anyway. And who will end up with who at the finish--another easy one.

Despite the lackluster plot, it does give us a chance to view the young and gorgeous Jeanne Crain (then at the height of her popularity), Dana Andrews, Vivian Blaine and Dick Haymes--a pleasant enough foursome to carry any picture. And, of course, there are a couple of splendid songs by the famous songwriting team--including "It Might As Well Be Spring", dubbed for Jeanne Crain by Annette Warren (I believe), and "It's A Grand Night For Singing". Vivian Blaine gets a chance to sing "That's For Me" and is charming as the girl singer Dick Haymes takes a shine to. To complete the "American as apple pie" image of the story, we have Fay Bainter being motherly in the kitchen and fussing about her jams and Charles Winninger for comic relief.

No matter what anyone says, it's a pleasant film to watch, beautifully photographed in the rich Fox color of the mid-40s--and, after all, it does contain the Oscar winning song, "It Might As Well Be Spring."

Much better than the awful 1962 remake--and easier to take than the earlier 1930s version with Janet Gaynor.

A wonderful look at an America we will never see again-tuneful, romantic and a Happy Ending! State Fair never claims to be the end all and be all, just a sweet look at the tradition of the State Fair put to music. This movie (and the ensuing Broadway Musical) stand on their own next to Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, King and I, Sound of Music, etc.

Jeanie Crain and Dana Andrews play their scenes so effortlessly, you forget its just a 3 day romance. Dick Haymes and the eternal Vivian Blaine have a chemistry that works much better then the Pat Boone version.

I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a break from the tired old action/violence/cheesy comedies of today-it's as much an image of summer as cotton candy and candy apples!

OK, first, let's get the unimportant things out of the way. The 1945 musical remake of "State Fair" is indeed as corny as one might imagine (appropriate, perhaps, considering that Iowa, where the film transpires, is, according to the state song, "where the tall corn grows"). But it also features a cute story, concerning a farm family's visit to the eponymous fair; some sweet and unfailingly catchy tunes by Rodgers & Hammerstein; gorgeous, supersaturated Technicolor filming; and some amusing characters and situations. Now, then, for the important stuff: Jeanne Crain. Oh my gosh, IMDb viewers, you cannot believe how incredibly beautiful Ms. Crain is in this movie; truly, the idealized representation of the all-American girl, and the quintessence of pulchritudinous muliebrity. Her Margie Frake character just might be the prettiest gal I've ever seen in a movie, and she makes this musical, for me, something very special. That same year, Crain appeared in the Gene Tierney vehicle "Leave Her to Heaven," and managed the near-impossible task of even looking better than Tierney at her best. Why our GI's during WW2 hung up pictures of the comparatively dowdy Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth in their lockers, instead of Jeanne Crain, is a mystery to me. Anyway, if you think I'm going overboard here, rent out "State Fair" one night and put it to the test. If you don't find yourself freezing the images of Jeanne Crain a half dozen times to admire her remarkable looks, I would suggest a visit to your local doctor, as you might be half dead...

The simpleness, and wholesomeness of this film makes it a treat to watch. The music and songs make it even more enjoyable, and the beauty of Jeanne Crain in this film would make your eyes water. A rare film with Dick Haymes who was always underrated as a singer. I feel lucky to have a VHS copy of this film.

Not an academy award movie; BUT, one of my favorites. The characters are good, real country people of the time. So don't judge them against the 2003 world. There are many humerous parts, and as in most movies of that era,it ends with everyone happy and settled. Two of my favorites are Jeanne Crain and Dana Andrews. They went on to have long, and very successful movie careers. All in all, a very good, entertaining film.