State Fair
Melissa and Jim Bryant live on an Iowa farm with their adult son Chuck, their adult daughter Karen, and their teenage son Wayne, who is a high school sophomore. Wayne is a talented singer and guitarist who dreams of country music stardom. Karen, newly separated from her husband, has recently rejoined the family with her own young son Tommy, who misses his father. This was a pilot film for a proposed television series that was not picked up.
Insights
Plot Summary
The story follows the three Frapp family members as they attend the annual Texas State Fair. Eldest daughter, Melissa, hopes to win a blue ribbon for her blue-ribbon hog. Youngest daughter, Jenny, dreams of a romance with a handsome young singer she meets at the fair. Meanwhile, their mother, Emily, seeks to rekindle a past romance with a former flame she encounters at the fairgrounds.
Critical Reception
State Fair (1976) received a generally lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike. While its musical numbers and performances were sometimes praised, many found the plot predictable and the overall execution lacking in charm or impact compared to earlier versions of the story. It failed to make a significant cultural or critical mark.
What Reviewers Say
- The musical numbers offer some light entertainment.
- The plot is considered by many to be uninspired and derivative.
- Lacks the charm and impact of previous iterations.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this version of 'State Fair' are scarce. However, when available, comments tend to reflect a sentiment that while the film has its moments of musical enjoyment, it doesn't stand out and often falls short of expectations.
Fun Fact
This 1976 adaptation of 'State Fair' is actually the third film version of the story, following the 1933 and 1945 films, making it a remake of a remake. The 1945 version is generally considered the most beloved.
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