The beloved Rogers & Hammerstein musical saw two previous incarnations in 1933 and again in 1945, but not until this remake did STATE FAIR leave Iowa. José Ferrer directed it in 1962 and brought the beloved story to the Lone Star State, filming it on site at Dallas’ Fair Park. This version starred Tom Ewell and Alice Faye as the country couple hoping for the best with their prize hog. Their children, played by Pamela Tiffin and Pat Boone, have other things on their teenage minds, especially when Bobby Darin and Ann-Margret appear. Rogers & Hammerstein’s traditional theme of cultural and generational change were softened for this film, possibly because it was their only musical written for the screen; they also wrote five new songs for this version, including “The Little Things in Texas.” Nevertheless, STATE FAIR belongs to Ann-Margret, as she lights up the screen with her endless exuberance and sultry charisma.
