Ronald graduates from high school as the “brightest student” and delivers a memorable graduation speech where he criticizes “the curse of the athlete,” proclaiming that books and learning are far more important than sports. However, his romantic life takes an unexpected turn: Ronald is deeply in love with Mary, who dismisses him because she adores athletes over bookworms. Determined to win her heart, Mary enrolls at Clayton University—a school the dean humorously describes as “infested with athletes.” In a bid to impress her, Ronald heads to Clayton and embarks on a humorous journey to become an athlete, leading to a series of comic misadventures in the world of college life.

College dives into the realm of collegiate comedy with a light and playful approach. Although it is one of Buster Keaton’s lesser-known films—and notably one in which he did not contribute to the direction or script—his on-screen charisma and natural humor still shine through. Reminiscent in part of Harold Lloyd’s The Freshman (1925), the film juxtaposes the world of academia against the glitz of athletic prowess, forcing the brilliant yet unathletic Ronald to reinvent himself to win over the girl he loves.
The movie humorously exposes the absurdity of college life, where athletic prowess often overshadows academic achievements. Ronald finds himself in a series of unexpected challenges, from struggling to master sports techniques to facing the jeers of his new peers, all of which lead to a cascade of physical comedy and delightful chaos.

While College may not rank among Keaton’s most groundbreaking works, it stands as one of the early masterpieces of campus comedy, paving the way for later films in the genre. The film captures the transformation of a young man forced to confront a world that values brawn over brains, creating a satirical look at societal stereotypes.

Over time, many viewers have noted its thematic parallels with Harold Lloyd’s The Freshman, sparking interesting comparisons between two silent film comedy legends. College is remembered for its blend of romance, rivalry, and personal growth, and it remains a noteworthy early example of college comedy on the big screen.

It may be not his most original work but it is one of the great masterpieces of college comedy.  

Trivia

• College is one of the rare films in which Buster Keaton did not have a hand in directing or writing, making it a unique entry in his filmography.

• The film exaggerates collegiate stereotypes—portraying an environment where athletic fame overshadows academic brilliance—with tongue-in-cheek humor.

• Ronald’s graduation speech about “the curse of the athlete” became an ironic catchphrase for the film, symbolizing the clash between intellectual pursuits and athletic prowess.

• Despite being overshadowed by other blockbuster hits of the era, College laid the groundwork for the college comedy genre in Hollywood.

• Critics and audiences have frequently compared it to Harold Lloyd’s The Freshman (1925), highlighting the similar themes of transformation and the struggle of a non-athlete trying to fit into a sports-dominated world.

The Soundtrack

College was Buster Keaton's last film set to music by Caspervek, in the Fall of 2020 originally composed for saxophone, piano and percussion. In addition to using the traditional blend of classical jazz and Dixieland, the soundtrack also explores some Afro-Latin rhythms and the music of the American Marching Bands.