FARMER IN THE DELL

March 27, 1936

• Directed by Ben Holmes 
• Screenplay by Sam Mintz and John Grey, adapted from Phil Stong’s 1935 novel of the same name. 
• Produced by Robert Sisk for RKO Radio Pictures

The film premiered at the Palace in New York City on March 6, 1936, and released widely on March 27th. 

Synopsis ~ A farm family in Iowa lead an everyday existence until Ma decides  they must pull up stakes and head for Hollywood so their daughter can become a movie star. As it turns out, it is Pa who becomes the movie star, while Ma almost destroys her daughter’s love life with her obsession. To protect his family, Pa takes the family back to their peaceful farm.

PRINCIPAL CAST

Lucille Ball (Gloria Wilson) makes her 30th film since coming to Hollywood in 1933. [Note: The above photo is circa 1936, but not from Farmer in the Dell!]

Fred Stone (Ernest “Pa” Boyer) makes his screen debut with this picture.

Jean Parker (Adie Boyer) was born in Butte, Montana. At this point in her career, Lucille Ball also claims to be from Butte.

Esther Dale (Loudellia “Ma” Boyer) also appeared with Lucille Ball in I Dream Too Much (1935). 

Moroni Olsen (Chester Hart)

also appeared with Lucille Ball in That’s Right – You’re Wrong (1939).

In 1952, he appeared as the Judge on the “I Love Lucy” episode “The Courtroom” (ILL S2;E7). He also played Mr. Tewitt in the Arnazes The Long, Long Trailer (1954).

Frank Albertson (Davy Davenport) had appeared with Lucille Ball and the Marx Brothers in Room Service (1938). 

Maxine Jennings (Maud Durant) appeared in nine other films with Lucille Ball between 1935 and 1937. 

Ray Mayer (Spike) appeared with Lucille Ball in Jealousy (1934) and Follow the Fleet (1936). 

Rafael Corio (Nicky Ranovitch) makes his only appearance with Lucille Ball. 

Frank Jenks (Bill Crosby) did four other films with Lucille Ball between 1936 and 1937.

Spencer Charters (Crosby, the milkman) appeared with Lucille Ball in Joy of Living (1938) and Look Who’s Laughing (1943). 

UNCREDITED CAST

• Oscar Apfel (H.F. Davis) 

• Margaret Armstrong (Iowa Neighbor) 
• Vernon Downing (Rowland Jamison)
• Fern Emmett (Apartment Manager) 
• Harrison Greene (Studio Executive) 
• Eddie Hart (Eric, Chauffeur) 
• Reed Howes (Assistant Director)
• Edward Keane (Robert F. Heath) 
• Tony Martin (Studio Reception Clerk)

• Torben Mayer (Party Guest) played Albert in Roberta (1935) in which Lucille Ball appeared as an uncredited fashion model. Meyer played the unnamed Swiss bandleader in “Lucy and the Swiss Alps” (ILL S5;E21).
• Jack Norton (Mr. Gleason) 
• Jack Rice (Charlie) 
• Richard Tucker (Lou Wagner) 
• with John Beck, Edward W. Burns, Jay Eaton,  Jane Hamilton and William Wagner

‘FARMER’ TRIVIA

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. 

Filming on the picture began the last week of 1935. By mid-January other cast members were revealed: Ray Mayer, Maxine Jennings, and Lucille Ball. The film finished production in early February, three days ahead of schedule. 

In Spain, the title was changed to Gloria’s Lie, putting Ball’s character in the title, and on the posters! In France, the film was known as Hollywood Surprise!  In Italy, it was known as Golden Dreams.  In Brazil, it was known as The Easy Life.