The Freshman

(1925) director Fred C. Newmeyer, Sam Taylor
viewed: 08/13/2011

After watching Harold Lloyd’s The Kid Brother (1927), we went on to watch his 1925 film, The Freshman.  It’s another of Lloyd’s most well-known films, his biggest success in the day and one that has endured as well.  While I’m pretty sure that I’d never seen it, parts of it seemed more familiar, so maybe I had at some point.  The kids loved it too.

As everything (almost) in a film more than 80 years old, it’s of a different era.  Set as it is in the world of the college campus, it’s all about the trends of the day.  The kids asked why everyone was wearing these weird little beanie caps.  That’s just what they did back then.

Harold again plays Harold, this time he’s the titular “Freshman”, so excited to be going to college, having watched a film about the bully fun of being a BMOC, he’s taught himself all of the team cheers, has emulated the quirky habits of the film’s star (which include a silly little jig prior to an introductory handshake), and strives to be just like the Most Popular Man on campus, the hero of the football team.

In this sense, things haven’t changed immensely.  Seeking popularity, but being played for a fool, hazing freshmen, the rubes of the campus, and the insane popularity of football.  Of course, Harold is as earnest as they come, gets duped into spending lots of money in trying to grow friends, and tries to host the biggest party shindig.  Mostly, this happens while everyone shines him on.  The coach of the football team even allows him to think he’s part of the team when he’s really only the water-boy.

Of course, this is Hollywood, so you know he’s going to somehow surpass his problems, win the big football game, and get the girl.  And it’s a lot of fun getting there.  While I think I preferred The Kid Brother, the kids hooted with laughter and really enjoyed the football game sequence.  An excellent, fun, funny film, another classic from the silent era, another legend of Hollywood comedy.