The Farmer in the Dell (film)

Last updated
The Farmer in the Dell
TheFarmerintheDell.1936.Poster.jpg
Theatrical poster for the picture
Directed by Ben Holmes
Written by Sam Mintz
John Grey
Based onFarmer in the Dell
by Phil Stong
Produced by Robert Sisk
Starring Fred Stone
Jean Parker
Esther Dale
Cinematography Nick Musuraca
Edited by George Hively
Music by Alberto Colombo
Production
company
Release dates
  • March 5, 1936 (1936-03-05)(New York premiere) [1]
  • March 27, 1936 (1936-03-27) [2]
Running time
67 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Farmer in the Dell is a 1936 American comedy film directed by Ben Holmes from a screenplay by Sam Mintz and John Grey, adapted from Phil Stong's 1935 novel, which was similarly titled, Farmer in the Dell. The film was premiered by RKO Radio Pictures in New York City on March 6, 1936, and released widely later that month on March 27. It stars Fred Stone (making his film debut), Jean Parker, and Esther Dale.

Contents

Plot

Ma and Pa Boyer work a small farm in Iowa, where they live with their daughter, Adie. Adie is dating her high school sweetheart, Davy Davenport. Ma thinks that Adie is pretty enough to be in the movies, and convinces Pa to sell the farm and move the family to Hollywood. Once there, Ma obtains a pair of passes to a studio, and convinces Pa to take Adie the following day. Once on the set, they watch director Chester Hart as he films a scene about farm life. As the filming proceeds, Pa offers some common sense hints on how to do things correctly. Hart enjoys Pa's honesty and offers him a small role in the film.

Pa doesn't tell Ma about his acting job, and the following day Ma invites Nicky Ranovitch, whom she believes to be an important Hollywood producer over for dinner. Nicky, however, is not a producer, but a money hungry con-artist who believes that the Boyers are wealthy. Pa becomes infuriated with Ma's ambitions for Adie, and in frustration confesses that he was given a role in the film. Ma sees this as angle to help Adie break into pictures and is delighted by the news.

After a few days shooting the picture, Pa is disillusioned, and wants to quit. Hart, fearing that Pa is being lured away by another studio, talks his studio into offering Pa a $600 a week contract. Unable to turn down such a lucrative offer, Pa agrees. Ma is ecstatic at the news. Pa has to go film on location for a few days. While he is away, Ma begins spending money like it is going out of style. She buys a new house and many extras. When Pa returns home, he arrives in the midst of a lavish party Ma is throwing, whose guest list includes Ranovitch and many of his friends. Adie has become enamored by the slick-talking foreigner, and has begun to hang around with him. This is another shock for Pa, who announces that he's not rich, and intends to return to Iowa, hoping everything will then return to normal. Ranovitch, aware now of the financial situation of the Boyers, leaves, and Adie is reconciled with Davenport. Ma promises to amend her ways, and convinces Pa not to return to Iowa. He agrees, and resumes his acting career.

Cast

(cast list as per AFI database) [2]

Production

In August 1935 RKO bought the rights to the novel, The Farmer in the Dell, by Phil Stong. The book had been serialized in the Saturday Evening Post . [3] The following month, Fred Stone was cast in the leading role of Pa Boyer, while it was announced that Cliff Reid would assume the producing duties. [4] Initially the adaptation of the novel was given to John Twist and Joel Sayre. [5] By the end of September, Reid had been replaced by a new associate producer at RKO, Robert Sisk. It would be Sisk's second film as the supervising producer, after Chatterbox (originally titled Long Ago Ladies). [6] In late October, RKO announced that the film had begun pre-production, [7] and the studio selected Ben Holmes to direct the picture. [8] It would be Holmes first feature-length film; he had been directing shorts for the studio since 1929. [9] In December it was revealed that Twist and Sayre had been replaced on the screen adaptation by Sam Mintz and John Grey, which was scheduled to begin production on December 16. [10] Moroni Olsen was added to the cast in mid-December, [11] shortly after which RKO announced that Jean Parker and Frank Albertson would playing opposite one another in the film. [12] Filming on the picture began the last week of 1935. [13] In early January 1936 Spencer Charters and Margaret Armstrong joined the cast, at the same time it became known that Esther Dale was also part of the production. [14] By mid-January other cast members were revealed when Rafael Corjo was added to the cast, those actors were Ray Mayer, Maxine Jennings, and Lucille Ball. At that time it was also announced that Harry Jans and Horace Murphy were to be included in the cast, but they do not appear in the AFI's final cast list. [15] The film finished production in early February, three days ahead of schedule. [16] The film premiered at the Palace in New York City on Thursday, March 5, 1936. [1]

Reception

Harrison's Reports enjoyed the picture, calling it a nice "homespun comedy". They applauded Stone's performance, as well as the romantic chemistry between Parker and Albertson. They also complimented Olsen in his role as the movie director. They did not enjoy the film's pace however, finding it a bit slow. [17] "A wholly human, often highly amusing story," was how Motion Picture Daily described the film. They found it an engaging comedy, with tinges of drama interspersed throughout. The magazine particularly enjoyed the performance of Stone, who they compared favorably to Will Rogers. [18]

Related Research Articles

<i>Beau Ideal</i> 1931 film by Herbert Brenon

Beau Ideal is a 1931 American pre-Code adventure film directed by Herbert Brenon and released by RKO Radio Pictures. The film was based on the 1927 adventure novel Beau Ideal by P. C. Wren, the third novel in a series of five novels based around the same characters. Brenon had directed the first in the series, Beau Geste, which was a very successful silent film in 1926. The screenplay was adapted from Wren's novel by Paul Schofield, who had also written the screenplay for the 1926 Beau Geste, with contributions from Elizabeth Meehan and Marie Halvey.

<i>Transgression</i> (1931 film) 1931 film

Transgression is a 1931 Pre-Code American drama film directed by Herbert Brenon, using a screenplay written by Elizabeth Meehan, adapted from Kate Jordan's 1921 novel, The Next Corner. The film stars Kay Francis, Paul Cavanagh, and Ricardo Cortez, and deals with the romantic entanglements of a wealthy English businessman, his wife and a Spanish nobleman.

<i>Beyond Victory</i> 1931 film direct by John S. Robertson

Beyond Victory is a 1931 American pre-Code war film starring Bill Boyd, James Gleason, Lew Cody, and ZaSu Pitts. While John Robertson received directing credit, Edward H. Griffith supposedly took extensive re-takes after production ended and the film was deemed not audience ready. Two actresses with major roles in the original version were completely cut from the final release, Helen Twelvetrees and June Collyer. The original screenplay was written by Horace Jackson and James Gleason. While the film might not have made a profit at the box office, it was well received by critics.

<i>Suicide Fleet</i> 1931 film

Suicide Fleet is a 1931 American Pre-Code drama film directed by Albert S. Rogell, written by Lew Lipton and F. McGrew Willis, and starring William Boyd, Robert Armstrong, James Gleason, and Ginger Rogers. It was released on November 20, 1931, by RKO Pictures.

<i>The Crime Doctor</i> (1934 film) 1934 American crime drama directed by John Robertson

The Crime Doctor is a 1934 American crime drama directed by John Robertson from a screenplay by Jane Murfin, adapted from the novel The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill. The film stars Otto Kruger, Karen Morley, and Nils Asther. RKO Radio Pictures produced and distributed the film which was released on April 27, 1934.

<i>Cockeyed Cavaliers</i> 1934 American comedy film directed by Mark Sandrich

Cockeyed Cavaliers is a 1934 American pre-Code comedy film starring the comedy duo of Wheeler & Woolsey. Directed by Mark Sandrich from a screenplay by Edward Kaufman, Grant Garrett, Ralph Spence and Ben Holmes. Also featured in the cast were Dorothy Lee and Thelma Todd.

<i>Dangerous Corner</i> (1934 film) 1934 film directed by Phil Rosen

Dangerous Corner is a 1934 American mystery film directed by Phil Rosen, using a screenplay by Anne Morrison Chapin, Madeleine Ruthven, Ralph Berton, and Eugene Berton, which was based on a novel and play of the same name by J. B. Priestley. It starred Virginia Bruce, Conrad Nagel, and Melvyn Douglas.

<i>By Your Leave</i> 1934 American domestic comedy film directed by Lloyd Corrigan

By Your Leave is a 1934 American domestic comedy film directed by Lloyd Corrigan from a script by Allan Scott, Lewis Foster, and Sam Mintz. The screenplay was based on a play of the same name by Gladys Hurlbut and Emma B. C. Wells, which had a short run early in the year at the Morosco Theatre. The film was produced by Pandro S. Berman, and starred Frank Morgan and Genevieve Tobin, although several other actresses were initially scheduled to appear in the film, including Mary Astor and Ann Harding. Both stars were on loan to RKO from other studios. It marked the film debuts of two notable Broadway actors, Glenn Anders and Gene Lockhart, the latter of which had a lengthy Hollywood career. By Your Leave opened on November 9, 1934, and received mostly positive reviews.

<i>A Dog of Flanders</i> (1935 film) 1935 film directed by Edward Sloman

A Dog of Flanders is a 1935 American drama film directed by Edward Sloman, based on a screenplay by Ainsworth Morgan from the story by Dorothy Yost, which she adapted from the 1872 novel of the same name by Ouida. The film stars Frankie Thomas, appearing in only his second film.

<i>Freckles</i> (1935 film) 1935 film directed by Edward Killy and William Hamilton

Freckles is a 1935 American drama film directed by Edward Killy and William Hamilton from a screenplay written by Dorothy Yost, adapted by Mary Mayes from Gene Stratton-Porter's 1904 novel of the same name. Two earlier adaptations of Stratton-Porter's novel had been produced, the first by Paramount in 1917, and the second in 1928 by FBO, both were also titled Freckles. This 1935 version was released by RKO Radio Pictures on October 4, and stars Tom Brown, Virginia Weidler, and Carol Stone.

<i>Grand Jury</i> (film) 1936 film directed by Albert S. Rogell

Grand Jury is a 1936 American crime drama film directed by Albert S. Rogell using a script by Joseph A. Fields and Philip G. Epstein, based on a story by James Edward Grant and Thomas Lennon. Produced and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, it premiered in New York City on July 31, 1936, and was released nationwide the following week on August 7. The film stars Fred Stone, Louise Latimer and Owen Davis, Jr.

<i>Dont Turn Em Loose</i> 1936 film directed by Ben Stoloff

Don't Turn 'Em Loose is a 1936 American crime drama film directed by Ben Stoloff and produced by RKO Radio Pictures, who released the film on September 18, 1936. Written by Harry Segall and Ferdinand Reyher, the production’s screenplay is at least partially based on "Homecoming" by Thomas Walsh, a short story published in Collier's magazine in March 1936. The film costars Lewis Stone, James Gleason, Bruce Cabot, Louise Latimer and Betty Grable.

<i>The Big Game</i> (1936 film) 1936 film

The Big Game is a 1936 American sports drama film directed by George Nicholls, Jr. and produced by RKO Radio Pictures, which released the film on October 9, 1936. The screenplay was written by Irwin Shaw, adapted from the 1936 novel of the same name by Francis Wallace. The film stars Philip Huston, James Gleason, June Travis, Bruce Cabot and Andy Devine. Huston (1908-1980) was a respected New York stage actor, who also had prominent roles in a number of motion pictures and, later, acted in television productions, as well.

<i>Criminal Lawyer</i> (1937 film) 1937 American drama film directed by Christy Cabanne

Criminal Lawyer is a 1937 American drama film directed by Christy Cabanne from a screenplay by G. V. Atwater and Thomas Lennon, based on a story by Louis Stevens. The film stars Lee Tracy, Margot Grahame and Eduardo Ciannelli. RKO produced the film and premiered it on January 26, 1937 in New York City, with a national release a few days later on January 29. It was the second time Stevens' story had been used for a film, the first being 1932's State's Attorney, starring John Barrymore and Helen Twelvetrees, directed by George Archainbaud, and also produced and released by RKO.

Don't Tell the Wife is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Christy Cabanne using a screenplay by Nat Perrin adapted from the play, Once Over Lightly, written by George Holland. The film stars Guy Kibbee, Una Merkel, and Lynne Overman, with Lucille Ball, William Demarest, and Academy Award winner Hattie McDaniel in supporting roles. Produced by RKO Radio Pictures, it premiered in New York City on February 18, 1937, and was released nationwide on March 5.

Double Danger is a 1938 American crime drama directed by Lew Landers, using a screenplay by Arthur T. Horman and J. Robert Bren based on Horman's story. The film stars Preston Foster and Whitney Bourne, with supporting roles by Donald Meek and Samuel S. Hinds. Produced by RKO Radio Pictures, it was released on January 28, 1938.

<i>China Passage</i> 1937 American mystery film directed by Edward Killy

China Passage is a 1937 American mystery film directed by Edward Killy from a screenplay by Edmund L. Hartmann and J. Robert Bren, based on a story by Taylor Caven. RKO Radio Pictures produced the film, which stars Constance Worth, Vinton Haworth, Leslie Fenton and Gordon Jones. Haworth was injured in an automobile accident in January 1937, delaying the film's released until March 12, 1937.

<i>Danger Patrol</i> 1937 film directed by Lew Landers

Danger Patrol is a 1937 American drama film directed by Lew Landers from a screenplay by Sy Bartlett based on a story by Helen Vreeland and Hilda Vincent. Produced and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, it was released on December 3, 1937 and stars Sally Eilers, John Beal, and Harry Carey.

Lee Marcus, also known as Lee S. Marcus, was an American film producer of the 1930s and 1940s. During his fifteen-year career he produced over 85 films, most of them between 1934 and 1941 while he was at RKO Studios. Prior to his production career, Marcus worked for FBO and then RKO as a sales executive, reaching the level of vice president in both organizations. At RKO, he was head of production of the studio's b-films during the late 1930s and the beginning of the 1940s. He was also responsible for producing what many consider to be the first film noir, 1940's Stranger on the Third Floor.

<i>Behind the Mike</i> (film) 1937 American comedy film directed by Sidney Salkow

Behind the Mike is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Sidney Salkow, which stars William Gargan, Judith Barrett, Don Wilson, and Sterling Holloway. The screenplay was written by Barry Trivers from a story by Thomas Ahearn and Walton Butterfield. The film was released on September 26, 1937.

References

  1. 1 2 "Looking 'Em Over". Motion Picture Daily. March 6, 1936. p. 10. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  2. 1 2 "The Farmer of the Dell: Detail View". American Film Institute. Archived from the original on March 29, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  3. "RKO Buys Phil Stong Novel". The Film Daily. August 15, 1935. p. 10. Retrieved April 4, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  4. Wilk, Ralph (September 5, 1935). "A Little from "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 15. Retrieved April 4, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  5. Wilk, Ralph (September 14, 1935). "A Little from "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 8. Retrieved April 4, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  6. "First Two Productions Lined Up for Bob Sisk". The Film Daily. September 28, 1935. p. 1. Retrieved April 4, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. "13 Films Underway at RKO Radio Studio". The Film Daily. October 26, 1935. p. 1. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. "Out Hollywood Way". Motion Picture Daily. October 24, 1935. p. 11. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. Wilk, Ralph (December 2, 1935). "A "Little" from Hollywood "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 14. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. Wilk, Ralph (December 7, 1935). "A "Little" from Hollywood "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 7. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. Wilk, Ralph (December 18, 1935). "A Little from "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 10. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. Wilk, Ralph (December 24, 1935). "A "Little" from Hollywood "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 12. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  13. "RKO Studios Starting 3". The Film Daily. December 28, 1935. p. 1. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  14. Wilk, Ralph (January 2, 1936). "A Little from "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 13. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  15. Wilk, Ralph (January 16, 1936). "A "Little" from Hollywood "Lots"". The Film Daily. p. 14. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  16. "Out Hollywood Way". Motion Picture Daily. February 11, 1936. p. 13. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  17. ""Farmer in the Dell" with Fred Stone, Frank Albertson and Jean Parker". Harrison's Reports. March 21, 1936. p. 47. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  18. "Looking 'Em Over: "The Farmer in the Dell"". Motion Picture Daily. February 26, 1936. p. 11. Retrieved April 5, 2016. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg