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I’ve seen almost as many Harold Lloyd films as I’ve seen Charlie Chaplin films now. I’m sadly behind on watching Buster Keaton films, which I will remedy as soon as I can. This film is Lloyd’s masterpiece. It perfectly balances story, gags and pathos.

Lloyd plays Harold Lamb, a teenager who is extremely excited to be attending Tate College. He over prepares himself for school and ends up looking like a fool to the upperclassman. Harold desperately wants to be as popular as the football captain Chet (James Anderson, FLEETWING). He throws his savings at the other students to make friends, but unbeknownst to him the college cad (Brooks Benedict, SPEEDY) ridicules him behind his back. This all saddens the young maid Peggy (Jobyna Ralston, WHY WORRY?), who meets Harold on the train and over time falls for him.

The story acts as a send-up of both college life and sports. Some of my favorite scenes include: the crossword puzzle moment, Harold’s “wardrobe malfunctions” during the dance and the big football game. Lloyd’s clueless determination and eternal optimism make the viewer relate to the character instantly. There’s also a wonderful visual moment when Harold cuts his picture out of the paper and tacks it to the wall next to Chet’s picture from the yearbook. This is revisited two times later with the last being sad and funny at the same time.

The movie is fun, smart and had some of the most humorous title cards I’ve ever seen in a silent comedy. Lloyd’s SAFETY LAST! will amaze you, but THE FRESHMAN will win your heart.