State Fair (1945) | Directed by Walter Lang

State Fair is a musical romantic comedy that follows the Frake family as they attend the Iowa State Fair, each hoping for success and romance. The father is determined to win a prize for his prize hog, the mother competes in the mincemeat contest, and the children, Margy and Wayne, each find unexpected love at the fairgrounds. The story captures the charm of small-town life, the excitement of the fair, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting romance.

Genre: Musical, romantic comedy

Director: Walter Lang

Walter Lang (1896–1972) was an American film director best known for his polished and colorful musicals during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Working primarily for 20th Century Fox, Lang brought to life several of the studio’s biggest musical hits, including The King and I and Desk Set. His style was marked by meticulous staging, visual elegance, and a light comedic touch.

Star cast:

* Jeanne Crain as Margy Frake
* Dana Andrews as Pat Gilbert
* Dick Haymes as Wayne Frake
* Vivian Blaine as Emily Edwards
* Charles Winninger as Abel Frake
* Fay Bainter as Melissa Frake

Upon release, State Fair was warmly received as a charming and wholesome musical, appealing to audiences during the final months of World War II. Critics praised its lighthearted story, strong cast performances, and catchy Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “It Might as Well Be Spring.”

Fun facts:

* This was the only Rodgers and Hammerstein musical written directly for the screen rather than adapted from a stage production.
* Jeanne Crain’s singing voice was dubbed by Louanne Hogan, though Crain’s acting was widely praised.
* The film was a Technicolor remake of the 1933 non-musical version directed by Henry King.
* Songs such as “It Might as Well Be Spring” and “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” became popular standards.
* A later remake was released in 1962, also featuring the Rodgers and Hammerstein score.

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