College (1927)

To reconcile with his girlfriend, a bookish college student tries to become an athlete.

Directors:

James W. Horne, Buster Keaton (uncredited)

Writers:

Carl Harbaugh (story), Bryan Foy (story)

Stars:

Buster Keaton, Anne Cornwall, Flora Bramley

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Buster Keaton	...	A Son
Anne Cornwall	...	The Girl
Flora Bramley	...	Her Friend
Harold Goodwin	...	A Rival
Snitz Edwards	...	The Dean
Carl Harbaugh	...	Crew Coach
Sam Crawford	...	Baseball Coach
Florence Turner	...	A Mother

Storyline

Ronald's high school valedictory address praises books and condemns sports. His girlfriend Mary condemns his attitude. He fears losing her to rival Jeff, decides to go to college and pay more attention to sports.

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Plot Keywords:

college | student | athlete | college student | school | 

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Taglines:

HEY! HEY!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the American Film Institute's 2000 list of the 500 movies nominated for the Top 100 Funniest American Movies.

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Quotes

The Girl: Your speech was ridiculous. Anyone prefers an athlete to a weak-kneed, teacher's pet. When you change your mind about athletes, then I'll change my mind about you.

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Connections

Referenced in Un Chien Andalou (1929)

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Soundtracks

The Entertainer
written by Scott Joplin

User Reviews

Keaton's Interesting Achievement

"In films that combined comedy with extraordinary physical risks, Buster Keaton played a brave spirit who took the universe on its own terms, and gave no quarter" (Roger Ebert)

Among many silent movies which we are lucky to see these days (and which have not been lost after all), COLLEGE by James W. Horne and Buster Keaton was a real surprise for the audiences in my town's movie theater. Seeing silent comedies on the big screen exceptionally proves to be an uncommon experience. I think that there are hardly any viewers who may leave the cinema disappointed. Simply because the humor of COLLEGE seems to have stood a test of time combining comedy features with some notions of what a good movie entertainment is all about. What is it about?

It is to amuse us, to bring relief, to educate a bit being at the same time not too tense. Roger Ebert, in the quotations that marks the beginning of my review, nicely observes that Keaton was able to execute tremendous physical abilities, which makes his films interesting even today. That is particularly noticeable in COLLEGE and calls our attention throughout. His character of young Ronald who does anything to make himself attractive to Mary (Anne Cornwall), the girl he loves, executes much of timeless humor. Combined with wit, the effect is outstanding: awe and laughter go in pairs and substitute each other. Who can forget the hilarious scenes on the sports field? How can you remain indifferent to his efforts? A lot of such moments when he moves like a true athlete do not allow you to concentrate elsewhere. That makes COLLEGE vibrant and surprising.

Keaton's character is quite different than Charlie Chaplin's roles. He is quite a flamboyant young man who makes us laugh but ALSO makes us identify with his dilemma. Just to note what there is at the heart of his efforts: to win the heart of his 'sweetheart.' Consider the scenes with his mother (Florence Turner) when the humor is somehow directed towards his umbrella but also supplied with a clue of such a young man's personality, his dealing with the world and his dealing with simple situations. When he is in the arms of his Mary at last (the moment that he reaches thanks to extraordinary pains taken), it is a truly genuine moment, a moment of a dream fulfilled...expressed in the face of a performer.

Among the supporting cast, Snitz Edwards is fabulously funny as the Dean, the old bachelor who only claims to be indifferent to a woman's love.

To draw a humorous conclusion, COLLEGE is a light hearted entertainment which, though it is silent, does not let you resort to silence. Having seen it, you still feel a desire to share your thoughts with other people. A gem of its time!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 1927 (USA)

Also Known As:

College

Filming Locations:

Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Joseph M. Schenck Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1