Oxford Blues, released in theaters on August 24, 1984, is a romantic drama that follows Nick Di Angelo (Rob Lowe), a high school dropout from a working-class background in Arizona who has a talent for rowing. He travels to Oxford University in an attempt to romance a wealthy socialite Lady Victoria Wingate (Amanda Pays).
To do so, he needs to get into the university, and with the help of a scholarship, he enrolls and tries out for the prestigious rowing team.
Nick quickly finds himself in a clash of cultures and struggles to fit in with the British elite, who see him as a crude American outsider. He also has to deal with the animosity of his rival for the affection of Lady Victoria, the arrogant Colin Gilchrist (Julian Sands).
His friendship with fellow American student Rona (Ally Sheedy) provides a much-needed support system. He also has to deal with the challenges of his new life, including the academic rigor of Oxford and the snobbery of his peers.
Oxford Blues features a solid supporting cast including Michael Gough, Cary Elwes and Bruce Payne.
The film’s strength lies in its charming and youthful cast as Lowe is perfectly cast as the rebellious American, and his chemistry with Sheedy and Pays is a highlight.
The movie is a fun and lighthearted look at a classic fish-out-of-water story and the rowing scenes are also well-staged and exciting, adding a sense of competition to the romantic drama.
Oxford Blues (Photo/MGM/UA)
Reception for Oxford Blues
Oxford Blues grossed $2.5 million on its opening weekend, finishing eighth at the box office. The top film of the weekend was Tightrope, which earned $7.2 million on its second weekend.
The film would gross $8.8 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Oxford Blues is a quintessential 1980s teen drama and is remembered for its charming cast and its lighthearted take on the American dream. It’s a nostalgic film that perfectly captures the spirit of the early 80s.
