The Farmer in the Dell
Cast & Crew
Ben Holmes
Fred Stone
Jean Parker
Esther Dale
Moroni Olsen
Frank Albertson
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
At the urging of his ambitious, domineering wife Loudellia ("Ma"), Ernest "Pa" Boyer sells his modest Iowa farm and moves the family to Hollywood. Soon after their arrival, Ma arranges through her milkman for a pass to a prominent movie studio, hoping that her pretty daughter Adie will meet the milkman's son, an assistant film director. Although Adie wants to marry Davy Davenport, an earnest but poor young Iowian, her mother insists that she go with Pa to the studio and try to "get into pictures." On the movie set, where a rural film is being shot, Pa casually advises Chester Hart, the director, about a britching strap on one of the horses and is given a bit part in the scene. Impressed by Pa's natural, unassuming acting style, Hart expands his role and offers him a $25-per-day salary. When he returns home, Pa is unable to confess his success to Ma and instead tells her that Adie was cast in the movie. The next day, Ma invites Nicky Ranovitch, a conniving Russian film extra, to dinner, believing that he is an important producer. Nicky fails to show up for the dinner, however, and Pa, frustrated by Ma's unbridled ambitions, explodes with anger and reveals the truth about his acting job. To Pa's surprise, Ma receives the news with glee, convinced that his success will mean greater success for Adie. Pa, however, announces that to save Adie from unhappiness, he is quitting the movies. Determined to keep his new "find," Hart convinces the studio's business manager to offer Pa as much money as he wants. In spite of Pa's repeated refusals, the studio head insists that he sign a contract, and Pa finally agrees to a $600-per-week salary. While Pa is shooting with Hart on location, Ma buys a new house and begins a spending spree that far exceeds Pa's salary. At the same time, Adie, overwhelmed by her new, lavish trappings, shuns Davy for the fortune-hunting Nicky. When Pa finally returns to Los Angeles, he is shocked by his new house and the pretentious party that Ma is giving for Nicky and his "Hollywood" friends. Depressed by Adie's transformation, Pa telephones the dejected Davy and arranges to leave for Iowa with him. Pa then confronts Ma and Adie and reveals to Nicky that he is not a rich man. Apprised of Pa's true finances, Nicky reveals himself as a fortune hunter and rejects Adie. While Adie reunites with Davy, Pa accepts Ma's apologies and agrees to stay in Hollywood and continue his acting career.
Director
Ben Holmes
Cast
Fred Stone
Jean Parker
Esther Dale
Moroni Olsen
Frank Albertson
Maxine Jennings
Ray Mayer
Lucille Ball
Rafael Corio
Frank Jenks
Spencer Charters
Fern Emmett
Margaret Armstrong
Edward Keane
Richard Tucker
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Phil Stong's novel was serialized in The Saturday Evening Post from 26 January to February 16, 1935. Some reviewers commented on the similarity between the screen persona of Fred Stone, who made his starring debut in this film, and that of popular Fox star, Will Rogers. RKO borrowed Jean Parker from M-G-M for the production. Motion Picture Herald's "New Films in the Cutting Room" adds Leonard Trainor to the cast, while Hollywood Reporter news items and production charts add Rose McQuoid, Alleen O'Malley, Oscar Apfel, Edward Burns, Reed Howes, Torben Meyer, Jane Hamilton, Jay Eaton, William Wagner and Jack Norton to the cast. The participation of these actors in the final film has not been confirmed. Modern sources add Tony Martin and John Beck to the cast.
