College

Plot

Ronald (Buster Keaton) is a bookish high school graduate who gives a valedictorian speech condemning athletics as a waste of time. When his girlfriend Mary (Anne Cornwall) announces she's attending Clayton College and prefers athletic men, Ronald immediately enrolls to win her affection. Despite being completely uncoordinated and physically unsuited for sports, Ronald attempts every athletic endeavor including baseball, track and field, and crew, resulting in spectacular comedic failures. When Mary becomes involved with the arrogant athlete Jeff, Ronald must use his intelligence to rescue her from a dangerous situation, ultimately proving that book smarts can be just as heroic as athletic prowess.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'College' emerged during the peak of the Roaring Twenties, a period when college culture was becoming increasingly romanticized in American society. The film reflected the growing emphasis on athletics in higher education, as universities were building their reputations around sports programs. This was also a pivotal year in cinema history, as 'The Jazz Singer' would soon revolutionize the industry with sound, making 'College' one of the last great silent comedies before the transition to talkies. The film's themes of intellectual versus physical prowess resonated with a society grappling with modernization and changing values about masculinity and education.

Making Of

The production of 'College' was marked by Keaton's characteristic dedication to physical comedy and dangerous stunts. During the pole vaulting scene, Keaton insisted on performing the stunt himself despite the studio's concerns about safety. The resulting fall caused him to land on his head, leading to a genuine concussion that wasn't discovered until years later. The baseball sequence was particularly complex, requiring Keaton to appear as multiple players on the field simultaneously through strategic camera placement and editing. Director James W. Horne, known for his work with Laurel and Hardy, brought a more frantic comedic pace to this film compared to Keaton's previous work. The production team spent weeks coordinating with USC administration to film on campus, often shooting between classes to avoid disrupting student life. The climactic rescue scene involved elaborate rigging and precise timing, with Keaton hanging from a building facade while performing complex maneuvers.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Bert Haines and Devereaux Jennings showcases the sophisticated visual language of late silent cinema. The camera work during athletic sequences uses wide shots to capture the full scope of Keaton's physical comedy, while intimate close-ups highlight his expressive deadpan reactions. The baseball sequence employs innovative camera placement to create the illusion of Keaton playing multiple positions simultaneously. The film's visual style emphasizes the contrast between the orderly world of academics and the chaotic world of sports, using framing and composition to reinforce this thematic dichotomy.

Innovations

The film showcases remarkable technical innovations in stunt coordination and camera work. The pole vaulting sequence required precise timing between Keaton's performance and the camera movement to create the illusion of height and danger. The baseball scene's continuous take technique was groundbreaking for its time, demonstrating sophisticated understanding of spatial continuity. The film's use of actual university locations and real athletes as extras created an unprecedented level of authenticity in sports sequences. The complex rigging for the climactic rescue scene demonstrated advanced understanding of safety and visual effects in the pre-special effects era.

Music

As a silent film, 'College' was originally accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The typical score would have included popular songs of the 1920s, classical pieces, and original compositions tailored to the on-screen action. Modern releases feature newly composed scores by artists like Robert Israel, who created period-appropriate orchestrations that enhance the film's comedic timing and emotional moments. The music typically incorporates jazz elements popular in the 1920s, reflecting the college setting and youthful energy of the story.

Memorable Scenes

• The baseball sequence where Keaton plays every position on the field in a single continuous take, culminating in him being chased by the entire opposing team
• The pole vaulting attempt where Keaton repeatedly fails in increasingly spectacular ways
• The track and field montage showing Ronald's disastrous attempts at various events
• The climactic rescue sequence where Ronald uses his intelligence to save Mary from a dangerous situation
• The opening graduation scene where Ronald delivers his anti-athletics valedictorian speech

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'College' as one of Keaton's finest works, with Variety noting that 'Keaton has never been funnier' and highlighting the film's perfect balance of physical comedy and heartfelt romance. The New York Times called it 'a masterful blend of athletics and laughs' that showcased Keaton's unique talents. Modern critics have reevaluated the film as a classic of silent comedy, with many considering it among Keaton's top five works. The Criterion Collection's release notes emphasize the film's sophisticated commentary on American values and its flawless execution of visual gags. Contemporary film scholars often cite the baseball sequence as one of the most brilliantly choreographed comedy scenes in cinema history.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a box office success in 1927, earning nearly three times its production cost. Audiences particularly loved Keaton's athletic attempts and the film's romantic elements. The baseball and track sequences became so popular that they were often shown separately as short subjects in subsequent years. Modern audiences continue to embrace the film through revival screenings and home video releases, with many considering it more accessible than some of Keaton's more complex feature films. The film's themes of trying to change oneself for love remain relatable to contemporary viewers.

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