A Yank at Oxford

A Yank at Oxford

18/2/1938 1h 42m 6.7/10

Overview

A brash young American aristocrat attending Oxford University gets a chance to prove himself and win the heart of his antagonist's sister.

Director

Jack Conway

Top Billed Cast

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh

Elsa Craddock

Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor

Lee Sheridan

Maureen O'Sullivan

Maureen O'Sullivan

Molly Beaumont

Edmund Gwenn

Edmund Gwenn

Dean of Cardinal

Lionel Barrymore

Lionel Barrymore

Dan Sheridan

Griffith Jones

Griffith Jones

Paul Beaumont

Reviews

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

6/20/2022

6/10

Robert Taylor is the eponymous character who arrives from the USA to study at Oxford University. This independent, spirited and competitive young man ("Sheridan") isn't immediately a natural fit for this berth of ancient traditions, and shortly afterwards he attracts the enmity of the all-important rowing captain "Beaumont" (Griffith Jones) - and thereby, pretty much the whole place. Things don't improve for him when he and his nemesis' sister "Molly" (Maureen O'Sullivan) begins courting. What now ensues are a series of mildly amusing scenarios that serve to illustrate the clash of cultures as much as they do of personalities, and though pleasantly engaging enough, they don't really do much more than reinforce some stereotypes all round - none that really show anyone in a particularly good light. Sadly, Taylor and neither Vivien Leigh (who's part adds little to this mix) nor O'Sullivan have much chemistry, which leaves the pace a but listless at times. There are some nice supporting efforts from CV France as the "Dean"; Edmund Gwenn; Edward Rigby as his Dickensianly-monikered, sagely, steward "Scatters" and the scene stealing Lionel Barrymore as his father. It culminates in some fine rowing scenes that reminded my of why I ever watched the famous Varsity (Oxford v Cambridge) Boat Race - I always wanted one of them to sink! It's gently light-hearted and fun - an interesting observation on two nations separated by the same tongue.

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