Life Begins in College Reviews

One of several 1930s football comedies, LIFE BEGINS IN COLLEGE features the zany Ritz Brothers as seventh-year undergraduates working their way through school as tailors and longing for gridiron stardom. A number of subplots involving a wealthy Native American player (Nat Pendleton), the coach (Fred Stone), his daughter (Gloria Stuart), and her boy friend (Dick Baldwin) lead up to an injury in the big game that finally gives the Ritzes a chance to strut their stuff on the field, culminating in a predictably wacky finish. Although not in the same class as the Marx Brothers' HORSE FEATHERS (1932), this well-paced song-and dance-filled film is fun in its own way and contains "Spirit of '76," the Ritzes' minor classic comedy routine. Edward Thorgersen, who was the regular sports announcer for Movietone newsreels, makes a cameo appearance as the football radio announcer.