Oxford Blues

After ensemble pictures like The Outsiders, Class, and The Hotel New Hampshire, Rob Lowe was given the chance to headline a film. That movie was 1984's Oxford Blues.

Lowe plays Nick, a slick talking parking valet in Las Vegas. After seeing a picture of Lady Victoria Wingate, Amanda Pays, in a magazine, Nick becomes infatuated with her. he finds out that she is attending Oxford University. He fakes his high school grades and cons his way into the University. He even earns the tuition by prostituting himself out to an older woman, Gail Strickland.

Once there, his brash Ameican ways rub Victoria and his British classmates the wrong way. His only real friend is a fellow American named Rona, fellow brat packer Ally Sheedy. Once he finds that Victoria is involved with a rower from another school, Julian Sands, Nick lands a spot on the Oxford rowing team. This gets Victoria's attention, but as he becomes more involved with the sport and his team, Nick begins to learn what's really important to him.

This movie, a remake of A Yank At Oxford, is mainly just a vehicle for Lowe. Unfortunately, his character is so obnoxious in the beginning that it makes it hard to root for him. The supporting cast doesn't have a lot to do and doesn't add much to the proceedings.

I can't say I hated this movie. It did hold my interest, but it's easily forgettable.

It's available on dvd via Warner Archive.