Review of So Long at the Fair (1950) by Steve Allister F — 16 Apr 2009

Just caught the second half of it tonight and the first thing I fixated on was how splendidly decorated and filled up with the proper atmosphere it was for its plot setting. Second I was hooked by Jean Simmon's voice which is sweet, but deep and determined.

She looks beautiful in her costumes and she wears them well. The plot is mysterious and quirky, not what one would expect which brings an added bonus to the suspenseful parts as they come sneaking up on you.

There is little danger in overacting from the cast and when Jean's character cries, you agree that she is entitled to it. She always gets her bearings back and thats great to watch in a performance.

Its really just a smart little film that is smooth and genteel without being nauseating. Feels like a really fancy twilight zone episode. I don't think it would have been as successful had the story had been say, relocated to 30's, 40's New York.

The exhibition chaos brings it all to life.