State Fair

US (1933): Comedy

State Fair is really a Janet Gaynor starring vehicle. She was a very big celebrity at the time and she gets top billing here even over Will Rogers. Will gets his own back, though, 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. Lew Ayres makes a fine romantic interest for Gaynor, and Victor Jory is very good in a small role as an honesty-challenged barker. Directed by Henry King. (IMDb)

· Best Picture 1932-33: Winfield Sheehan, studio head (Fox)
· Writing (Adaptation) 1932-33: Paul Green, Sonya Levien

2 nominations