Watch State Fair

State Fair is a charming musical film from 1933, directed by Henry King, and starring Janet Gaynor, Will Rogers, and Lew Ayres. The movie is an adaptation of the novel of the same title written by Phil Stong and tells the story of the Frake family and their visit to the Iowa State Fair. The movie begins with the Frake family, which consists of father Abel (Will Rogers), mother Melissa (Louise Dresser), daughter Margy (Janet Gaynor), and son Wayne (Frankie Darro), packing up their things and leaving for the Iowa State Fair. This is an event that they look forward to every year and have been attending for generations. They are all excited about the activities that await them there such as food, carnival rides, games, and concerts.

Once they arrive, they each go their separate ways to enjoy the fair during the day. Abel, the head of the family, spends most of his time viewing the prize-winning pigs and cows with his old friend Dave, but he also takes part in a humorous contest where he tries to throw the baseball and hit a target. Wayne, the younger son, is excited to go on the rides and play games, while Melissa shows her culinary skills by entering a mincemeat contest. Margy, on the other hand, is hesitant to go to the fair at first, but she eventually decides to join a newspaper reporter named Pat Gilbert (Lew Ayres) to report on the fair activities.

As the days go by, several potential love interests enter the picture for Margy and Wayne. Margy starts to fall for Pat, who is charming and witty in his coverage of the fair, while Wayne develops a crush on a young singer named Emily Edwards (Sally Eilers). Both of them have their moments of uncertainty, but they are ultimately drawn to each other.

The movie features several musical numbers, most notably "Our State Fair is a Great State Fair," a catchy tune that follows the family around the fairgrounds. Other memorable songs include "It Might as Well Be Spring," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1945, and "That's for Me," which showcases Gaynor's sweet and melodious voice.

One of the strengths of State Fair is its portrayal of Midwestern values, tradition, and family ties. The Frake family is a typical rural family, and their interactions and conversations reflect the sensibilities of the time. The movie also celebrates the joy of community fairs and the excitement of rural life, providing a window into a world that has drastically changed since the 1930s.

Ultimately, State Fair is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that transports its audience back to a simpler time. With its memorable songs and an endearing cast of characters, it's no wonder the movie has been remade several times over the years, including the 1945 and 1962 adaptations. The 1933 version remains a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone who wants to experience a slice of Americana from a bygone era.

State Fair is a 1933 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.