The County Fair

It is remarkable how people repeat the same stereotypical comments about early films, even when there is clear evidence to the contrary. So this story did not seem in the least bit "fresh" in 1920 and the introduction to the film itself makes quite clear that it did not. "It was produced in every town and village in America time and time again over a period of twenty years" It was already rather "old fashioned and predictable" by the standards of 1920 and the purpose of the production (again clearly stated in the introduction) was to bring to the screen a famous old play that had been dear "to our fathers and mothers".

The play, described as a "bucolic farce" dates in fact from 1888 but had a rather particular claim to fame which is probably what incited Tourneur to make the film. It was apparently written by one Charles Barnard but was produced for the stage by an actor/inventor/impresario called Neil Burgess (the introduction pays very specific homage to him) whose real name was James William Knell. He was also a female impersonator and himself played Aunt Abigail Prue in the stage production but what made the fame of the play was the system of treadmills and panoramas invented by Knell/Burgess which gave an impression of movement during the racing-scenes (using real horses), a system which would again be used for the chariot-race in the stage production of Ben Hur. So even if the story is a little dire, the production was, in its way, like that of Ben Hur, an important theatrical forerunner of cinema and the interest of making a film, with suitable apologies for the old-fashioned "wholesome" material, is therefore clear.

It is true it is no worse than the average US film of 1920 (sentimentality and buckled swashes rather ruled the day) but very much more interesting films were being made that same year in Germany and Sweden.

film kept repeating unattractive leading lady Arthur Houseman Helen Jerome Eddy

While by today's standards "The County Fair" is very old fashioned and predictable, it's still a dandy film almost 100 years later. And, if you love old silent films like I do, it's well worth downloading the film for free at archive.org.

This film stars Helen Jerome Eddy. She certainly is not a household name and was not exactly the sort of young woman you'd expect in movies, as she's actually rather plain looking. This is NOT a criticism--in fact, I think this simplicity is something that is a strength in the movie. The only member of the cast you might recognize if you love old films is Arthur Houseman--though he normally played funny drunks instead of rich weasels like he does here!

"The County Fair" begins with a nasty rich guy threatening to turn an old lady onto the street--unless her niece (who lives with her) marries this man's son. While she's dead set against it, the niece is a sweet thing and would do anything to help her aunt--even marry the rich jerk. However, a possible way out is presented. When a poor young man is taken in and fed, he turns out (naturally) to be a jockey and thinks he can win the $3000 prize at the fair and save the farm.

While where it all goes next is quite predictable, the film manages to make that journey quite enjoyable, romantic and sweet. Plus, compared to the average film of 1920, this one compares very favorably. What's old fashioned now seemed very fresh at the time. Well produced, directed and acted, this one is definitely worth seeing.