State fair, adapted from the popular novel by Phil Stong, is wholesome, homely, astute comedy drama. It abounds in clean humor, bunkless performance and interesting incident.

| Nov 10, 2023

Its gay trappings are alluring to youth and although many of its pleasures prove to be as senseless as a ride on the merry-go-round, when the band stops playing and tents are struck one is loath to leave all of its excitements behind.

| Nov 10, 2023

[State Fair] is one of those agreeable little plays which doesn't get anywhere in particular but, being delightfully played by a big cast of favorite stars, it goes over with a real bang.

| Nov 10, 2023

A pleasant and satisfying little picture, devoid any smashing moments, but always running along smoothly and agreeably, and giving Rogers opportunity to provide one of those 100 percent rural types... which he always seems perfectly at home.

| Nov 10, 2023

[State Fair is] a fresh and delightful screen piece which will please customers of all acres. It is moulded to suit youth in its romantic episodes, and to be thoroughly appealing to the older generation in its abundant homey, domestic situations.

| Nov 10, 2023

[Director Henry King] has turned in a production that has the charm of naturalness and the virtue of sincerity. No villain, little suspense, but a straightforward story of a rural family who find their great moments at the state fair.

| Nov 10, 2023

Will Rogers... gives a most pleasing characterization of a farmer named Abel Frake, whose chief interest at the fair is in winning the blue ribbon with his hog, Blue Boy.

| Nov 10, 2023

State Fair is one of those rare films which must be seen. To pass it up is to miss motion picture entertainment at its very best.

| Nov 10, 2023

Henry King has made the most of everything at hand, and the photography of Hal Mohr invests the picture with visual beauty of an exceptionally high order.

| Nov 10, 2023

Will Rogers gives the performance of his life as the owner of "Blue Boy"-- proud, anxious, and tender by turns.

| Nov 10, 2023

The story has all the virtues of a national viewpoint, and the detail work of the fair scenes is honest and sincere. Henry King's direction is a marvel of intelligent compensation, and the smaller parts are well played.

| Nov 10, 2023

This is such a sensible, sympathetic film, so delicately told.

| Nov 10, 2023

Mr. Rogers forsakes his usual habit of telling the world what is wrong with it, and gives one of his most delightful performances as Abe Frake.

| Nov 9, 2023

From the first to last, it is the truth to life, the richness of human interest, which makes the story so absorbing. The characters have been brilliantly acted, under the experienced direction of Henry King.

| Nov 9, 2023

Will Rogers refrains from philosophizing and Janet Gaynor, with her wistfulness under control, gives a charming performance.

| Nov 9, 2023

It is a more or less accurate film transcription of Phil Stong's Literary Guild prize novel. As a motion picture, it provides human, sympathetic, and agreeable entertainment, with the all-star cast presenting some excellent characterizations.

| Nov 9, 2023

[State Fair] spoke eloquently to a small-town America feeling the pull of urban life.

| Nov 9, 2023