The Fair Co-Ed

Plot

The Fair Co-Ed follows the adventures of Marilyn (Marion Davies), a wealthy young woman who enrolls at Stancliffe College primarily to be near handsome basketball coach Bob (Johnny Mack Brown). Despite having no athletic ability, Marilyn manages to join the women's basketball team through her father's influence, instantly becoming the rival of Betty (Jane Winton), a talented player who is also romantically interested in Bob. Marilyn's lack of sports skills creates numerous comedic situations as she attempts to win both the game and Bob's affection. Through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, Marilyn eventually learns the value of teamwork and genuine effort rather than relying on her wealth and social status. The film culminates in a crucial basketball game where Marilyn must prove herself both on the court and in matters of the heart, ultimately finding that true success comes from personal growth rather than manipulation.

Historical Background

The Fair Co-Ed was produced during the golden age of silent cinema in 1927, just as the industry was on the brink of the sound revolution that would dramatically change filmmaking. This period saw the peak of the studio system's power, with major studios like MGM dominating the industry. The film reflected the growing popularity of college sports in American culture, particularly basketball, which was gaining mainstream acceptance in the 1920s. The Roaring Twenties was also a time of changing social attitudes toward women's roles in society, with increasing participation in sports and higher education. The film's release came just months before the October 1929 stock market crash that would end the decade's prosperity and alter the film industry's economic landscape. The production also occurred during the height of Marion Davies' career, when her relationship with William Randolph Hearst made her one of the most powerful and well-financed actresses in Hollywood.

Making Of

The production of The Fair Co-Ed was marked by William Randolph Hearst's intense involvement in every aspect of the film, as he was determined to make Marion Davies a major comedy star despite her background in dramatic roles. Director Sam Wood had to balance Hearst's demands with the practical needs of production, particularly during the basketball sequences which required extensive choreography and athletic training for the cast. Davies, who was naturally graceful but not athletic, spent several weeks working with basketball coaches to learn the fundamentals of the game. The film's basketball games were staged with the help of professional players from local women's teams, who served as both technical advisors and background players. The production faced challenges in creating convincing basketball action on the limited studio space, requiring innovative camera placement and editing techniques. The chemistry between Davies and newcomer Johnny Mack Brown was carefully cultivated through multiple rehearsals and social events arranged by the studio. The film's costume design required special attention to create sportswear that was both authentic to the 1920s era and allowed for the physical demands of the basketball sequences.

Visual Style

The cinematography of The Fair Co-Ed was notable for its dynamic handling of the basketball sequences, which required innovative camera techniques to capture the fast-paced action. Cinematographer Sidney Hickox employed moving camera shots and multiple angles to create a sense of movement and excitement during the game scenes, techniques that were relatively advanced for 1927. The film used wide shots to establish the basketball court setting and then employed closer shots to highlight the emotional reactions of the characters during crucial moments. The visual style contrasted the energetic, mobile camera work during sports sequences with more traditional, static compositions for the dramatic and romantic scenes. The lighting design emphasized the bright, optimistic tone of the college setting while creating dramatic shadows during moments of conflict and tension. The film's visual approach helped establish conventions for filming sports that would influence later productions.

Innovations

The Fair Co-Ed featured several technical achievements for its time, particularly in the filming of basketball sequences. The production employed innovative camera mounting techniques to capture the fast-paced sports action, including cameras placed on moving platforms that could follow the players across the court. The film's editing during game sequences was notably sophisticated for 1927, using rapid cuts and varied shot sizes to create excitement and maintain narrative clarity during the basketball games. The production also developed special techniques for filming athletic action in the confined space of studio sets, using careful choreography and camera placement to create the illusion of a full-sized basketball court. The film's special effects, while minimal, included creative use of double exposure and matte shots to enhance certain sequences. The basketball scenes required precise timing between actors and camera movement, representing an early example of complex action choreography in comedy films.

Music

As a silent film, The Fair Co-Ed would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its theatrical run. The original score was likely compiled from standard photoplay music libraries, with selections chosen to match the mood of each scene. Upbeat, energetic music would have accompanied the basketball sequences, while romantic themes would have underscored the scenes between Davies and Brown. The film's musical accompaniment would have varied from theater to theater, with larger cinemas employing full orchestras while smaller venues might have used a piano or organ. The score would have included popular songs of the era as well as classical pieces adapted for the film's various moods. The musical presentation was crucial to silent films' emotional impact, and The Fair Co-Ed's comedy and sports elements would have required particularly dynamic musical accompaniment to enhance the on-screen action and humor.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Marilyn arrives at Stancliffe College in a chauffeur-driven limousine, immediately establishing her wealthy background and contrasting her with the other students.
• The disastrous first basketball practice where Marilyn's complete lack of athletic ability becomes comically apparent, resulting in chaos on the court.
• The pivotal locker room scene where Marilyn realizes that her wealth and influence cannot substitute for genuine skill and teamwork.
• The climactic championship game where Marilyn must overcome her limitations to help her team win, demonstrating her character growth throughout the film.
• The romantic resolution scene where Bob recognizes Marilyn's true worth beyond her social status and athletic abilities.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised The Fair Co-Ed for Marion Davies' comedic timing and the film's entertaining basketball sequences, with many reviewers noting that Davies had found her true calling in comedy rather than drama. The New York Times highlighted the film's fresh take on college life and sports, calling it 'a delightful romp through academia and athletics.' Variety appreciated the film's pacing and the chemistry between Davies and Brown, though some critics felt the plot was somewhat predictable. Modern critics and film historians have reassessed the film as an important example of 1920s comedy and a showcase for Davies' underrated talents. The film is often cited in retrospectives on sports cinema and women's roles in silent film. Contemporary analysis often focuses on the film's reflection of changing attitudes toward women's participation in sports and higher education during the 1920s.

What Audiences Thought

The Fair Co-Ed was well-received by audiences upon its release in 1927, particularly among younger viewers who related to the college setting and sports themes. The film performed solidly at the box office, benefiting from Marion Davies' star power and the growing popularity of sports films. Audience response was especially positive toward the basketball sequences, which were considered exciting and innovative for the time. The film's romantic elements and Davies' comedic performance resonated with mainstream audiences of the era. Contemporary accounts suggest that the film was particularly popular in college towns and among sports enthusiasts. The success of The Fair Co-Ed helped establish Davies as a reliable box office draw in comedy roles and paved the way for similar sports-themed comedies in the late silent period. The film's audience reception demonstrated the growing market for films that combined romance, comedy, and sports elements.

You Might Also Like