Meet Me at the Fair (1953)

In 1904, Doc Tilbee, medicine show huckster and champion tall-tale teller, gives a ride to a young boy escaped from an orphanage, where bad conditions (the result of political graft) are ... See full summary »

Director:

Douglas Sirk

Writers:

Martin Berkeley, Gene Markey (novel),

Stars:

Dan Dailey, Diana Lynn, Chet Allen

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dan Dailey	...	Doc Tilbee
Diana Lynn	...	Zerelda Wing
Chet Allen	...	Tad Bayliss
Scatman Crothers	...	Enoch Jones
Hugh O'Brian	...	Chilton Corr
Carole Mathews	...	Clara Brink
Rhys Williams	...	Pete McCoy
Thomas E. Jackson	...	Billy Gray
Russell Simpson	...	Sheriff Evans
George Chandler	...	Deputy Leach
Virginia Brissac	...	Mrs. Spooner
John Maxwell	...	Mr. Spooner
Doris Packer	...	Mrs. Swaile
Edna Holland	...	Miss Burghey
George Spaulding	...	Governor

Storyline

In 1904, Doc Tilbee, medicine show huckster and champion tall-tale teller, gives a ride to a young boy escaped from an orphanage, where bad conditions (the result of political graft) are being investigated by new appointee Zerelda Wing, who doesn't know that her fiancée is one of the politicians responsible. Tad wants to stay with his new friend Doc, who is attracted to Zerelda, to the discomfiture of his old flame Clara...all amid nostalgic musical numbers.

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel

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Genres:

Musical

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 1953 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gøglervognen

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The singing voice for Carole Mathews was dubbed by noted vocalist Jo Ann Greer, who also sang in various films for Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, Esther Williams, June Allyson and Gloria Grahame.

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Soundtracks

"Ezekiel Saw de Wheel"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by Scatman Crothers

User Reviews

Good Natured early Sirk

The second part of Sirk's "Americana" trilogy after "Has Anybody Seen My Gal" and before "Take Me To Town". Like its predecessor, there is a strong critical streak; this time its of political corruption, but the film is imbued with tremendous affection for its characters delightfully played by Dan Dailey, Scatman Crothers and child actor Chet Allen.

The musical numbers are decidedly second rate and add little to the film as a whole. Nothing in this modest, very light weight film portends the great melodramas that Sirk would make a few years on.

Its very easy and pleasant viewing but only of real interest to Sirk enthusiasts.