

Movie spotlight
State Fair
Texan farmers the Frake family head for the Texas State Fair in Dallas. The parents are focused on winning the competitions for livestock and cooking. However, their restless daughter Margy and her brother Wayne meet attractive new love interests.
Insights
Plot Summary
The story follows the McCarn family as they attend the annual Texas State Fair. Each family member hopes to win a prize and find romance during their visit. Young Emily seeks a kiss from the handsome "Champion", while her brother Wayne pursues his own romantic interests and dreams of winning the hog-calling contest. Their parents, Abel and Melissa, also experience their own personal triumphs and setbacks amidst the lively fair atmosphere.
Critical Reception
State Fair (1962) received a generally lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike. While praised for its vibrant musical numbers and the performances of its young cast, it was often seen as a lesser remake of the earlier versions. The film struggled to capture the nostalgic charm that made its predecessors successful, and some critics found its plot a bit too simplistic and dated.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its energetic musical sequences and the charm of its young stars.
Considered by many to be a less compelling adaptation compared to earlier versions.
The plot was often cited as being predictable and somewhat formulaic.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a general appreciation for the musical numbers and the youthful energy of the cast, particularly Bobby Darin and Ann-Margret. However, many viewers found the story to be somewhat old-fashioned and less engaging than other musicals of the era.
Fun Fact
This 1962 version is the third film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "State Fair"; the first was in 1933 (with a different plot and no music by Rodgers and Hammerstein), and the second, also titled "State Fair", was released in 1945 and is considered the most famous version.
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