THE FRESHMAN, new to Tate University, is desperate to join the football team and gain instant popularity with the other students.
Silent film legend Harold Lloyd had a tremendous box-office hit with this exceptionally funny film. His character, the all-American fellow, eager to please and fiercely determined to succeed, but hampered by a broad streak of naiveté, is instantly compelling and grabs the audience's sympathy from the start. His physical comedy set-pieces - acting as the replacement tackling dummy for the football squad, hosting a lavish banquet with his fancy clothes literally falling apart - are merely the preludes to the wonderful gridiron game which climaxes the action. Through it all Harold, peering perplexedly at life through his trademark horn rimmed glasses, never wearies the viewers or wears out his welcome with the audience.
The rest of the cast help move the story along and provide able support to the star. Pretty Jobyna Ralston plays the landlady's daughter who encourages Harold when he needs it most. Brooks Benedict is appropriately caddish as the college bully. Pat Harmon gnashes his teeth with gusto as the intimidating football coach & diminutive Joseph Harrington brings big laughs to his role as a harried tailor given to dizzy spells at the worst possible times.
Composer Robert Israel has created an excellent orchestral score which perfectly complements Lloyd's antics on the screen.
Silent film legend Harold Lloyd had a tremendous box-office hit with this exceptionally funny film. His character, the all-American fellow, eager to please and fiercely determined to succeed, but hampered by a broad streak of naiveté, is instantly compelling and grabs the audience's sympathy from the start. His physical comedy set-pieces - acting as the replacement tackling dummy for the football squad, hosting a lavish banquet with his fancy clothes literally falling apart - are merely the preludes to the wonderful gridiron game which climaxes the action. Through it all Harold, peering perplexedly at life through his trademark horn rimmed glasses, never wearies the viewers or wears out his welcome with the audience.
The rest of the cast help move the story along and provide able support to the star. Pretty Jobyna Ralston plays the landlady's daughter who encourages Harold when he needs it most. Brooks Benedict is appropriately caddish as the college bully. Pat Harmon gnashes his teeth with gusto as the intimidating football coach & diminutive Joseph Harrington brings big laughs to his role as a harried tailor given to dizzy spells at the worst possible times.
Composer Robert Israel has created an excellent orchestral score which perfectly complements Lloyd's antics on the screen.