Comfort Classics: State Fair {Movie Review}

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What’s better for this time of year than a musical about a state fair? I am excited to review one of my lifelong, top 5 favorite movies today – State Fair!

This is a classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical that I can watch over and over.

Rundown:

• Year: 1945
• Starring: Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes and Vivian Blaine

Synopsis from IMDB: The Frake family attends the annual Iowa State Fair; each member of the clan has their own reason for doing so.

Why I Love It:

• As stated in the synopsis, you follow each of the four family members through their experience at the fair – they’ll find fulfillment, love, validation, adventure and heartbreak.
• Movies set in this era are my favorite. I love the clothes, the hair, the set design and the music. The Frake’s home with the “geraniums cluttering the veranda” and cozy kitchen with built ins full of china is the house of my dreams. And I love how dressed up everyone is at the fair!
• It is a classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical, but it doesn’t have one of those weird “dream sequences” like all the others seem to have. That’s a huge plus and saves me some fast forwarding. Ha!
• [spoiler alert] The love story between Margy and Pat is my favorite part of the movie. One of my favorite scenes is at the end when Margy says, “Just get in your car and keep driving until you see me. And hurry! Please hurry!” I wish there was a sequel to see how their lives progressed as they made a life for their family in Chicago!
• This movie has a great supporting cast. The pickle and mincemeat judge, Mr. Hippenstahl, is one of my favorites along with Dave Miller. I love the scenes with Dave Miller and Mr. Frake – they’re so funny!

It’s Worth Mentioning That:

• This movie has been remade three times: 1933, 1945 and 1962. I’m reviewing the middle child from 1945 and have never seen the other two versions.
• I’ve been watching this movie all my life. As a child I wanted red hair just like Vivian Blaine (and I later learned that her hair only looked that red in Technicolor!).
• [spoiler alert] I always feel sorry for Eleanor. She just stayed home to take care of her ailing mother and ended up almost losing her man!

Here is a little taste of the movie:

Where To Watch It:

Currently it is available to rent on YouTube and Amazon, and if you have a DVD player you might be able to rent it from the library!

You might even be able to find it for free on YouTube. Just search the movie title or “[movie title] full movie.”

If You Like This, You Also Might Enjoy:

• Meet Me in St. Louis – A charming musical with Judy Garland
• There’s No Business Like Show Business

Have you seen State Fair? If not, have I convinced you to give it a watch?

Read More:

• Comfort Classics: Bringing Up Baby
• Comfort Classics: McLintock!