State Fair – SOUNDTRACK****

Overture & Main Title-Our State Fair/It Might As Well Be Spring/That’s For Me/More Than Just A Friend/ Isn’t It Kinda Fun/Willing & Eager/Never Say No To A Man/Its A Grand Night For Singing/This Isn’t Heaven/The Little Things In Texas/Our State Fair Finale

The remake of the romantic musical State Fair starred Pat Boone, Bobby Darin and Ann-Margret. Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. This version includes some new songs by Richard Rodgers. (US:12) >p> “The 1962 version of this film is rather unimpressive. Ann-Margret almost justifies the radical rearrangement of Isn't It Kinda Fun that turns it into a mambo halfway through, but the new Rodgers songs are a waste of talent.”

“Not up to the usual Rodgers & Hammerstein standard. Lots of repetitive instrumentals, not many vocals. Rather boring.”

“The rarely-seen (or heard) 1962 movie has the souped-up Isn't It Kinda Fun belted out by Ann-Margret for all its worth. Alice Faye sings a new number Never Say No To A Man while Bobby Darin croons a new ballad This Isn't Heaven.”

“The original Rodgers & Hammerstein score was composed at the height of their powers and still holds up after 60 plus years. The 1962 remake retains the best tunes and adds several new ones by Rodgers, all first class. Additionally it reintroduces the inimitable voice of Alice Faye.”

“The new songs, written by Rodgers alone, are a mixed bunch. Never Say No To A Man is just plain odd, although it is a nice number for Faye's voice. Sweet Hog Of Mine fits perfectly, although some of the others feel like padding.”

“Much has been written about the fact that Richard Rodgers' additional songs weren't up to the six originals, but they are necessary - the original score contained only one character driven song, and no love songs at all, so even if they are sub-par, Willing & Eager and This Isn't Heaven are welcome opportunities to allow the two couples to express themselves in song, and the charm of Faye and Ewell's It's The Little Things In Texas compensates somewhat for the loss of All I Owe Ioway. Moreover, the additional songs transform a mini-musical into a true musical.”