Verdict:It Happened at the World's Fair is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 5.7/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy, Music, Romance genre.
Answer: Maybe not, It Happened at the World's Fair is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1963, It Happened at the World's Fair enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Mike and Danny fly a cropduster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff takes custody of it. Under the direction of Norman Taurog, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Elvis Presley, Joan O'Brien, Gary Lockwood. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, It Happened at the World's Fair offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, It Happened at the World's Fair resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, It Happened at the World's Fair is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of It Happened at the World's Fair centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. Mike and Danny fly a cropduster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff takes custody of it. Trying to earn money, they hitch-hike to the World's Fair in Seattle and, while Danny tries to earn money playing poker, Mike takes care of a small girl whose father has disappeared. Being a ladies' man, he also finds the time to court a young nurse. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1963 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of It Happened at the World's Fair has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a It Happened at the World's Fair sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for It Happened at the World's Fair (1963): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Music, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, It Happened at the World's Fair stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1963 cinematic year.
It Happened at the World's Fair has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
It Happened at the World's Fair is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Music, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
It Happened at the World's Fair is a Comedy, Music, Romance movie that Mike and Danny fly a cropduster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff takes custody of it. Trying to earn money, they hitch-hike to ...
It Happened at the World's Fair has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
It Happened at the World's Fair is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Music, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
It Happened at the World's Fair is a Comedy, Music, Romance movie that Mike and Danny fly a cropduster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff takes custody of it. Trying to earn money, they hitch-hike to ...
Yes, It Happened at the World's Fair is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Comedy, Music, Romance genre.
You can find streaming options and availability for It Happened at the World's Fair on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
It Happened at the World's Fair features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of It Happened at the World's Fair are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
_**Elvis as a small plane pilot at the World’s Fair in Seattle**_ Because of the gambling debts of his partner (Gary Lockwood), a crop-dusting pilot in Washington State (Presley) is forced to hitchhike to the World’s Fair in Seattle to find work to get his plane back. While Danny tries to get cash playing poker, Mike takes care of a small Asian girl while pursuing an attractive hard-to-get nurse (Joan O'Brien). "It Happened at the World's Fair" (1963) was Elvis' 12th movie of the 31 he did. He was in his prime here, lean and charismatic. Unfortunately, this is one of the lesser Presley flicks. Sure, it’s interesting seeing the real-life World’s Fair in Seattle, 1962, and there are some interesting bits, like the song “Relax,” a brawl with gamblers, the two protagonists hitchhiking to Seattle, and Elvis as a babysitter, but the story somehow lacks pizzazz. On the female front, Joan O'Brien is too straight-laced and standoffish to stir interest, not to mention she seems too old for the role even though she’s a year younger than Elvis. Thankfully, a youthful Yvonne Craig is on hand for an amusing sequence early on. Despite the negatives, like most Elvis flicks this one takes you back to more innocent, fun times. It’s pleasant enough, but kinda dull and deservedly obscure in his oeuvre. The film runs 1 hour, 45 minutes, and was shot in the greater Seattle area with other stuff done at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Culver City, California. GRADE C
