I was going through some DVDs recently and ran across a favorite old movie of mine, one that triggered some fond memories. The movie was the 1945 version of State Fair, starring Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, and Dick Haymes. It was actually the second of four movies made from the original book, but it was the first musical version, and in my opinion the best of the bunch.

The first State Fair, made in 1933 and starring Will Rogers, was actually a little darker and filled with symbolism. The third version, 1962's limp Pat Boone vehicle, is best known for Pat losing his innocence to a sultry Ann-Margret. ("You mean...you're a bad girl?") There was also a 1976 TV movie/pilot which disappeared quickly.

When the decision was made to redo the film during World War II, the producers followed the same blueprint as that of many other wartime movies - they made it light and uplifting, and completely transformed by gorgeous Technicolor. Hollywood saw their mission during this period as cheering up a war-weary public, while at the same time keeping an eye on box-office figures. This film did just fine on both counts.

It's a familiar story, even if you haven't seen the movie. A farm family works hard and makes a good life, then goes to the fair to showcase the fruits of their labor (hogs, pickles, whatever) and possibly learn a little about life outside the farm. That latter description applied especially to the kids, who had the opportunity to pitch a little woo.

We all know that real life wasn't as perfect as that shown in the film (or farm girls as well made-up and coiffed as Jeanne Crain), but the movie did have elements that were very familiar to me. I was never able to go to a state fair while growing up, but I certainly had some good times at numerous county fairs. Unfortunately no romances, but I can clearly remember the look, feel and smell of the midway - as well as that of the farm-animal pens. That was all part of Middle America at that time, and I suppose it still is.