Cleveronix A different way of telling a story

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Geraldine The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

JohnHowardReid Wonderful! This first and best of Fox's three State Fairs certainly whets my appetite for more King films of this vintage. I always thought of him as a rather stodgy director. And certainly the scenes with Will Rogers and Blue Boy are handled in what I would term as typically lethargic fashion. Fortunately, they succeed because Rogers infuses them with his own gracious charisma, but from a purely filmic point of view, they are dull, static and uninteresting. But what a contrast with Miss Gaynor's scenes, with the camera tracking madly to disclose all the bizarre wonders of the fair! King's powerfully rapid pacing, his evocative sense of atmosphere, his masterful ability to punch the drama home, his documentary-like feeling for vivid realism are all in marvelous evidence here. And what great performances from many in the support cast, including Sally Eilers as the trapeze girl, Norman Foster as the awakened rube, and Victor Jory as the con artist of the hoopla! But it is Miss Gaynor's picture. Hers is a beautifully poignant, translucent performance. She portrays her Margy with a touching simplicity and honesty, far removed from the usual Hollywood trappings of glamour. Unattractively styled and made up, dowdily dressed, she transforms her heart-struck little farm girl into an ethereal creature of rare beauty and absolutely captivating naturalness. Lew Ayres is good too. Interestingly, King was first choice to direct the 1962 remake. He declined. A wise decision, as there was no way he could better his magnificent achievement with this one. Despite the film's disappointing reception in New York, it managed to gross a whopping $1.8 million in rentals throughout the U.S. and Canada in 1933, making it equal seventh of the domestic market's top movies for the year.

thewebbiest I was glad I caught this sweet movie on TCM. It is a marvellous early talkie, which seems a lot more real and honest that the subsequent musical version of State Fair. The movie captures the affections, frustrations and longings of the Frake family. In the case of the younger Frakes, it's a longing for love and sex. (The Frake parents are mostly concerned with winning blue ribbons for their preserves and hog.) The pre-code element is clearly seen in the son's scenes with the lady trapeze artist, which strongly suggest that they're having sex.The romance between Janet Gaynor and Lew Ayres is really touching. Gaynor is torn between her desire for fun and passion versus the security her beau at home will offer her. Ayres asks if she loves the hometown boy and she replies "I know he will always love me." Lew Ayres is just gorgeous in this movie. A real sharp dressed city sophisticate that Gaynor is terribly attracted to but also a little bit afraid of, particularly when he talks about having been with many other women.State Fair also conveys Will Rogers' tremendous likability better than his other cinematic outings. He was incredibly popular in his day, king of all media: the stage, print (through his syndicated newspaper column), radio and film.

bkoganbing Overshadowed in this day and age by the two musical film versions that succeeded it, this version of State Fair provides a great showcase for the personality and talent of American institutions Will Rogers. Although I was surprised to see that in the billing, Fox's main female star at the time, Janet Gaynor, was billed above him. The power of what winning the first Best Actress Oscar can get you.It was probably only natural that the two would eventually be in a project together. Gaynor always played good girls, fresh from the farm like Melissa Frake, her best example of that is Esther Blodgett in A Star Is Born. As for Rogers, his patented brand of homespun humor had already established his legend.When I did a review of Junior Bonner, I said that the film was simply the story of a rodeo family's day at the Presscott Frontier Rodeo. State Fair is a simple film, without any pretensions; the story of the Frake Family and its visit to the State Fair where all of them have an unforgettable time.I wouldn't believe it, but Will Rogers never had a better straight man than his prize hog Blue Boy who perks up and struts his stuff when an attractive sow comes to his attention. But he's far from the only one who finds romance.Janet Gaynor meets small city reporter Lew Ayres who says that even though the paper is a Republican one, don't blame him and the rest who have to work there to make a living. Republicans were not highly thought of in the wake of the Depression back in the day. Her wholesomeness attracts him.As for son Norman Foster he gets quite a lesson in love in a most explicit before the Code encounter with trapeze artist Sally Eilers. Surprising for a Will Rogers film in my humble opinion.Even Louise Dresser comes home a winner, taking first prize in just about everything she prepares due to Rogers spiking her cooking liberally with some schnapps. He knew the best way to the judge's heart.State Fair is a great piece of nostalgic Americana and a great showcase for that American institution named Will Rogers.

Ron Oliver 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.