Film & Television

Click on any title below to watch the clip and read more about the item. You can also use the Genre or Star indexes to find items that suit your interest.

77 Sunset Strip Posted in: 1960s - Classic television’s L.A.-private detective show has this scene between two regulars: one of the PIs and the hipster valet attendant at the club next door to their office.
The A-Team Posted in: 1980s - The quintessential ‘80s action show brings our heroes to an unnamed North African country to protect the princess at her upcoming wedding.
Acapulco Posted in: 2025– - A sweet streamer about a Mexican businessman telling the story of his young years coming up in 1980s Acapulco. In these two scenes, the college-bound daughter of the family has some normal worries about heading out into the world.
The Addams Family Posted in: 1960s - Another classic ‘60s sitcom and another Vassar joke.
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Posted in: 2003–2005 - A popular kids’ show set in the future, here the principal of the school (a regular character) is directing Macbeth in Space.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet Posted in: 1950s - A nice pairing with Leave It to Beaver, as another early family sitcom. This is fun as well since Nancy Kulp, best known for her portrayal of Vassar graduate Jane Hathaway on the Beverly Hillbillies, is also here a decade earlier, also as a Vassar graduate now chairing the ladies' auxiliary for their town.
AJ & the Queen Posted in: 2020–2022 - The 2020s kicks off with a lovely, campy Vassar reference in this RuPaul-led show.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents Posted in: 1950s - The famous anthology series brings us a dark tale where callow Brad wants to cut off his ex-girlfriend Leslie so he can marry Janice. Leslie has some other ideas about the situation, including a few unkind things to say about Janice.
The Alienist Posted in: 2016–2019 - Set in the late 19th-century, a psychological thriller based on the popular novel, calls in the help of a psychologist, who confronts the curiously steampunk secretary.
All My Children Posted in: 2003–2005 - Vassar’s probably shown up on the soaps more often than we’ve been able to identify.
American Dad Posted in: 2006–2009 - Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame also has this show about a superpatriot CIA agent.
American Dreams Posted in: 2003–2005 - This family dramedy set in the 1960s had a character departing for Vassar right at the end of its run.
American Horror Story Posted in: 2016–2019 - The anthology horror series‘ seventh season is set against the backdrop of the 2016 election (a horror story indeed).
American Housewife Posted in: 2016–2019 - Another tired sitcom amid a glut of them in the 2010s, with something of a random Vassar joke.
American Princess Posted in: 2016–2019 - This weak Lifetime sitcom is centered on another wealthy, Jewish Vassar graduate protagonist, here described as an “Upper East Side socialite”, ditching her fiancé at the altar on discovering he’s been cheating, escaping into the country and ending up stranded at a Renaissance fair.
American Psycho Posted in: 2000–2002 - For this period, it’s unusual to see Vassar as a character point for a white-glove, prudish, debutante. A deleted scene on the DVD, the movie follows a young investment banker who also murders people for fun after dark.
Another World Posted in: 1980s - A throwaway line during some cocktail chitchat on a longrunning soap.
April Fool’s Day Posted in: 1980s - A classic ’80s cheesy slasher film in the vein of Friday the 13th.
April in Paris Posted in: 1950s - In a lesser-light MGM musical from 1952, Ray Bolger inexplicably has caught the romantic attention of both Doris Day’s earthy chorus girl and a longstanding fiancée whose father is the Secretary of State.
The Avenger (a.k.a. A Nanny’s Revenge) Posted in: 2010–2012 - In a very early scene in this TV movie, a young woman kids around with her parents who are shortly thereafter murdered, after which she becomes a nanny to the killer’s children to seek revenge.
Babylon 5 Posted in: 1990s - One of two scenes in the collection set far in the future. Good to know Vassar’s still around in the 23rd century! (And the 31st; see Futurama.
The Bachelor Party Posted in: 1950s - This Paddy Chayevsky-penned drama from his own television play finds a young married accountant at a bachelor party and struggling to remain faithful. He's here trying to encourage Carolyn Jones to go upstairs with him at a Greenwich Village party.
The Banger Sisters Posted in: 2000–2002 - Comedy about a reunion of two friends who were groupies together when they were younger.
Batman Posted in: 1960s - A campy, self-knowing show, the villains were often played for comic effect.
Being Mary Jane Posted in: 2016–2019 - This BET drama about a news anchor in Atlanta and her romantic entanglements asserts a Vassar-going daughter to someone with a hoity-toity accent.
The Best of Everything Posted in: 1950s - Fans of Mad Men might enjoy this melodrama from 1959 that features some scenes of women in a Manhattan skyscraper office building, as many design elements are precisely the same. Our scene is interesting to see that it would be assumed a very capable secretary would have gone to a high-end women’s college.
Best Sellers Posted in: 2020–2022 - Aubrey Plaza is a young book publisher who is on a book tour with Michael Caine, a cantankerous old author, in an effort to save her company.
The Beverly Hillbillies Posted in: 1960s - It’s fairly well known in TV circles that the Beverly Hillbillies character Miss Jane Hathaway was a Vassar graduate.
Beverly Hills 90210 Posted in: 1990s - This teen drama follows a group of affluent high school students in Beverly Hills through their struggles with friendship, sex, drugs, and other social issues.
Bewitched Posted in: 1970s - Vassar jokes continue unabated in ’70s sitcoms. This episode from the series about a domesticated witch in suburbia is late in the run of the series. Not the usual sort of joke.
The Big Black Pill Posted in: 1980s - A low-budget TV movie co-written and starring Robert Blake as an L.A. private detective; in this early scene, he checks in with his office to learn about his next case.
Billy on the Street Posted in: 2016–2019 - At the height of Hamilton mania, Billy Eichner tries to find some inspiration on the streets of New York with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Black Widow Posted in: 1980s - A cat-and-mouse detective movie, Debra Winger’s on the trail of a woman she believes seduces rich men, marries them, and kills them.
The Blacklist Posted in: 2013–2015 - Another “Vassar cracks the case,” here our heroes get the tip that leads them to realize the person they’re chasing, known as the Judge, who runs an underground operation dispensing “eye for an eye” justice on officials who have wrongly convicted people, is a Vassar grad.
Blossom Posted in: 1990s - Another family sitcom with a smart daughter looking at colleges. Vassar makes the list of possible options. Vassar as character point for smart, as we’re seeing more often in this period. With a little twist in a joke around how expensive it is.
Bojack Horseman Posted in: 2013–2015 - A wonderful, animated Hollywood satire of a town populated by anthropomorphic animals and humans, Bojack Horseman is a washed-up actor from a popular ‘90s sitcom now trying to make a comeback.
Book of Daniel Posted in: 2006–2009 - Points for obscurity on this one—it’s a show that lasted only four episodes in 2006.
The Boys Posted in: 2020–2022 - This dark satire of superhero movies/media and the culture around it has a TV magazine show update on one douchebaggy Aquaman-like superhero, who fell out of favor and ended up getting sucked into a church that sounds quite a bit like Scientology.
The Brass Teapot Posted in: 2010–2012 - An establishing shot of the Library and a scene which looks to have been shot inside are the only reason to pay any attention to this movie, which sold (literally) a hundred tickets on its release in two theaters.
Breaking In Posted in: 2010–2012 - This sitcom about a security company of various misfits and miscreants didn’t really go anywhere but did give us a spectacularly random Vassar joke.
Brockmire Posted in: 2016–2019 - This IFC show follows a major league baseball announcer who destroyed his career after having an on-air meltdown, and washes up in a small town calling games for the Morristown Frackers.
Brother Rat and a Baby Posted in: 1940s - The second of the “Brother Rat” films about military academy cadets (now out in the workplace).
Burns & Allen TV Show Posted in: 1950s - This is really a fun one, from the mid-’50s TV show of George Burns and Gracie Allen.
Cain and Mabel Posted in: 1920s–1930s - A romantic comedy with Clark Gable and Marion Davies.
Castle Posted in: 2010–2012 - This comedy-drama has father Nathan Fillion coming to terms with his daughter’s leaving for college.
Casual Posted in: 2016–2019 - A comedy-drama about a divorced woman dealing with her wastrel rich brother living with her after his life crashes.
Cedric the Entertainer Presents Posted in: 2000–2002 - This short-lived television variety show features a recurring character—the sassy Cafeteria Lady.
Charlie Sheen’s Torpedo of Truth Posted in: 2010–2012 - Charlie Sheen had a major drug-fueled public meltdown in 2011, and made this video to push back at his bad press.
Chasing Life Posted in: 2013–2015 - A family show centering on a young and ambitious reporter who is diagnosed with cancer.
Childrens Hospital Posted in: 2016–2019 - The very clever Adult Swim short offers a devastating(ly accurate?) portrayal of Vassar a cappella.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Posted in: 2020–2022 - One of the late episodes in this coming-of-age supernatural show finds the teenage witch running for school president, and considering her future plans.
Circle Posted in: 2013–2015 - A high-concept science fiction movie where fifty strangers are taken by aliens and placed in a room where they are forced to vote on who among them is the next to die.
City on Fire Posted in: 2023–2024 - A poorly reviewed streaming series, based on the 2015 novel of the same name and produced by the same team that did the original Gossip Girl. .
The Cleaner Posted in: 2006–2009 - This short-lived A&E show about a, wait for it, rogue underground substance abuse counselor, has people hiring Benjamin Bratt to get their loved ones off drugs when they can’t go through above-board channels.
The Cleveland Show Posted in: 2010–2012 - This Family Guy spinoff has Cleveland Brown pretending to be homeless.
Cold Case Posted in: 2006–2009 - This procedural investigates old cases and uses dramatic re-enactments.
College Humor: Superhero Auditions Posted in: 2010–2012 - This web sketch comedy has a running series of auditions for people aspiring to be superheros.
Coming Soon Posted in: 1990s - This was a teen sex comedy with a major plotline following a number of Manhattan prep-school girls applying to college.
Criminal Minds Posted in: 2013–2015 - Toward the end of the episode of this long-running FBI procedural show, the intrepid investigators discover the culprit behind this week’s kidnapping by realizing that her Vassar background makes her smart enough, and manipulative enough, to do e-e-e-e-e-vil.
Cupid Posted in: 1990s - A high-concept, low-rated show (remade a decade later) where Jeremy Piven believes he is—and might actually be—Cupid, sent to earth without his godly powers. To return to Olympus, he must unite 100 couples in love, but just through his bro-y charm and the power of Bartending.
Curse of the Jade Scorpion Posted in: 2000–2002 - Woody Allen wrote one of the best Vassar jokes in his essay “The Whore of Mensa; this 2001 feature makes a similar riff on the idea of Vassar as a place for smart women.
Daddy Long Legs Posted in: 1950s - A slight, later Astaire musical.
The Daily Show Posted in: 2000–2002 - It’s hard to remember Stephen Colbert back when he was playing characters other than “Stephen Colbert" but he appears in a bit from an old Daily Show episode as a Vassar professor.
Dallas Posted in: 1980s - One of the classic 80’s primetime soaps, this episode has protagonist J.R. Ewing preparing for an interview and learning how to ingratiate himself with the reporter.
Dare Posted in: 2006–2009 - An indie teen romance, somewhat dark and better than average, has a trio of teens exploring their sexuality and determining the next step in their lives.
A Day at the Races Posted in: 1920s–1930s - This is one of the great entries in the collection, and certainly quite well-known.
The Daytrippers Posted in: 1990s - A funny indie movie starring Hope Davis ’86. Davis is looking for her husband, who’s lied to her about his whereabouts; she tracks him to a party and finds a drunk Marcia Gay Harden. Vassar as character point to no real purpose, except perhaps as an in-joke since Davis is actually an alum.
Death and Other Details Posted in: 2023–2024 - In the first episode of this somewhat twee murder mystery series set aboard a cruise ship, we are introduced to various characters/suspects via a briefing given by the ship's staffing lead to her crew.
Designing Women Posted in: 1990s - Another iconic ’80s sitcom.
Dexter Posted in: 2010–2012 - Sharp eyes caught this boat named the Vassar Vixen appearing in establishing shots for a couple of scene set in a Miami police station in the popular thriller about a serial killer.
Dharma & Greg Posted in: 1990s - This sitcom follows a seemingly mismatched couple—a free-spirited yoga instructor and a strait-laced U.S. Attorney—who get married on their first date.
Disaster Date Posted in: 2010–2012 - An MTV reality show where someone sets up their friend for a terrible date; the actor playing the date knows everything the poor friend hates and he works those things hard.
The District Posted in: 2000–2002 - Yet another cop show, this one set in DC, yet another Vassar girl tangled in a web of crime.
Doe Posted in: 2016–2019 - This film finds a man who wakes up with no memory of who he is but has a savant-like affinity for languages.
Dolores Claiborne Posted in: 1990s - Another famous one, based on a Stephen King novel. The character point was retained for the screenplay, but this is far from the typical presentation of a Vassar girl—an angry, embittered, dark, jittery, and heavily self-medicated woman who went to Vassar on scholarship.
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead Posted in: 1990s - Christina Applegate has faked her resume in order to get a job at a fashion house. Her Vassar status is part of what gives her entrée, and makes the boss believe she can do great work. A character point for intelligent, determined, and capable.
Dovey’s Promise Posted in: 2025– - This awkwardly acted indie tells the story of Dovey Roundtree, the lawyer who acquitted Ray Crump, Jr., accused of murdering Mary Pinchot Meyer '42 in Georgetown. Meyer's story is intriguing—a confidante and lover of JFK, with implications that she kept a diary that she was potentially murdered to keep quiet, with Crump being framed.
Down and Out in Beverly Hills Posted in: 1980s - A famous reference from '80s films, here's Vassar as a place where a wealthy and young woman of the world at the time might want to go..
Dress Gray Posted in: 1980s - A TV miniseries about dishonorable behavior at a military academy, based on the novel of the same name.
Dynasty Posted in: 1980s - In this scene from the classic ’80s soap, we learn a little about Fallon’s background.
Ed Posted in: 2000–2002 - Justin Long hires an escort to be his prom date in this sweet family show.
The Education of Charlie Banks Posted in: 2006–2009 - This movie takes place at an unnamed college, but as it's set in Poughkeepsie, it's probably supposed to be Vassar.
Escape From Angola Posted in: 1970s - Super low-budget adventure film with a white family involved in animal conservation fleeing from some kind of terrorist/insurgent group. An early scene here establishes a character point about the absent mother.
The Exes Posted in: 2013–2015 - Seems like every sitcom in the 2010s squeezed a Vassar joke in somewhere.
The Facts of Life Posted in: 1980s - Sitcoms frequently used Vassar as a punchline, especially in the 80s and the 2010s; this is notable for referencing men as attending simply as a fact, not a joke.
Fantasy Island Posted in: 1960s - At the beginning of every episode of this hard-to-categorize show, Mr. Roark (Ricardo Montalban) and Tattoo (Herve Villechaize) would go down to the dock, where Roark would introduce the characters whose deepest wishes are to be fulfilled that week. This includes the first and only appearance of Vassar staff.
A Fine Madness Posted in: 1960s - This swinging-60’s sex comedy shows “genius, poet, and carpet cleaner” Sean Connery hard at work seducing secretaries.
Fired On Mars Posted in: 2023–2024 - This adult animated show for HBO Max follows a graphic designer living and working on Mars.
The Flamingo Kid Posted in: 1980s - A Matt Dillon coming-of-age movie, we find him at dinner with his girlfriend’s family, who come from a vastly different social class than he does.
Flirtation Walk Posted in: 1920s–1930s - A 1934 Dick Powell/Ruby Keeler musical set at West Point, the cadets in this scene are getting ready to plan the 100th Night show, a tradition for cadets in their final year.
The Four Deuces Posted in: 1970s - This is a strange one! A sex scene with Jack Palance in a very obscure movie set in the world of Prohibition. Palance is a nightclub owner with some curious ideas of foreplay banter.
The Four Seasons Posted in: 2025– - The Tina Fey remake for Netflix of the Alan Alda 1971 film has a great cast; beautifully shot at Vassar at its fall best.
Frances Ha Posted in: 2010–2012 - Vassar alum and much-loved indie filmmaker Noah Baumbach ‘91 shot a lengthy sequence of his 2012 film on campus.
Frasier (2023) Posted in: 2023–2024 - In the rebooted Frasier show, Dr. Crane meets another therapist who’s a fan of his, and is kooky.
Friday Night Lights Posted in: 2006–2009 - A popular tv drama set in the world of Texas high-school football, here a substitute guidance counselor is learning the ropes from a veteran.
Friends Posted in: 1990s - One of the most iconic sitcoms of the ’90s, and no great surprise to find a Vassar reference here since Lisa Kudrow ’85 had a starring role. Our scene doesn’t feature her, though. It’s a bit of a strained joke about Vassar and football.
Fugly! Posted in: 2013–2015 - John Leguizamo—who in real life is a Vassar parent—co-wrote and starred in this film about an unattractive man rejected by women who finds his way, in an early scene, to love at Vassar.
Futurama Posted in: 2010–2012 - On the 2010 holiday special, Bender the robot describes his favorite holiday, a robot version of Hannukah.
Gator Posted in: 1970s - Here’s Burt Reynolds being a sexist and obnoxious cop/investigator/renegade working outside the law. Vassar as character point for a woman who can handle herself.
General Hospital Posted in: 2010–2012 - The longest running soap opera, here's Vassar as a character point for intelligent young women, and also for a (seeming) grifter.
Generation Kill Posted in: 2006–2009 - David Simon’s series about modern warfare, following a company of Marines through Iraq is a very rough, crude ride.
Genius Posted in: 2016–2019 - This film came and went without much notice but has a great cast and focuses on Thomas Wolfe’s time in New York around publisher Maxwell Perkins, and authors Fitzgerald and Hemingway.
Gentlemen’s Agreement Posted in: 1940s - Gregory Peck’s love interest in this drama about antisemitism is a Vassar graduate from an upper-crust Protestant New York family who through the course of the movie has trouble reconciling the prejudice she didn’t fully know she had.
Georgia Rule Posted in: 2006–2009 - Wild child Lindsay Lohan’s sexual forwardness is at odds with the chaste Mormon lifestyle of the nice young man she meets when spending the summer in Idaho.
The Ghost Breakers Posted in: 1940s - The first of two Bob Hope clips with Vassar quips.
Ghost Stories Posted in: 2000–2002 - An anime series a girl who returns to the hometown of her deceased mother, to find an abandoned school stuffed full of ghosts who used to haunt the school and the town. Our heroine’s not a Vassar student but it sounds like she wants to be; a character point for a determined, ambitious young woman.
A Gifted Man Posted in: 2010–2012 - Here’s a very earnest show where a brilliant doctor does good.
Gilligan’s Island Posted in: 1960s - What’s a major ’60s sitcom without a reference? Drawn from two episodes, both scenes of course involve the wealthy, stuffy Howells.
Gilmore Girls Posted in: 2000–2002 - Vassar showed up three times in this popular show about a young mom raising a teenager in an idyllic New England town.
Girl Happy Posted in: 1960s, Music & Radio - The King himself sings about Vassar in a tune by Lenore Rosenblatt and Victor Millrose.
Girlfriends Posted in: 2006–2009 - This is a late episode in a long-running sitcom focusing on Black middle-class characters.
Girls Town Posted in: 1950s - This is a juvenile-delinquent movie, a common theme in the 1950s—with a little twist in that this one was about bad girls. In our scene, the nun who runs the reformatory Girls Town jokes with a cop about her charges.
Girls Will Be Girls Posted in: 2003–2005 - A super-campy movie with drag queens playing their own personas.
The Godfather Buck Posted in: 2020–2022 - Some male bonding at a hunting lodge among brothers brings up Vassar, nothing much to see here.
The Goldbergs Posted in: 2016–2019 - Another 2010s sitcom, another random reference.
The Good Fight Posted in: 2016–2019 - The popular Trump-era legal show tackles sexual harassment on a Bachelor-like reality show.
Good Girls Revolt Posted in: 2016–2019 - This show focuses on women clawing a place for themselves in the male-dominated industry of news, in the 1960s.
The Good Student (a.k.a. Mr. Gibb) Posted in: 2006–2009 - IMDB indicates Vassar was a filming location, and while nothing here looks like campus, Vassar is thanked in the credits so perhaps there is something.
Goodbye Charlie Posted in: 1960s - Debbie Reynolds plays a man—Tony Curtis’s partner in various criminal enterprises –who died and came back in the body of a gorgeous blonde.
Goodbye, My Fancy Posted in: 1950s - A late-career Joan Crawford vehicle finds a spunky congresswoman heading back to her alma mater for an honorary degree.
Gossip Girl (2007) Posted in: 2010–2012 - The iconic rich New York prep-school show, a chance encounter at the “Millbrook Inn” in Poughkeepsie finds some characters having had a romantic date that involved Vassar.
Gossip Girl (2021) Posted in: 2020–2022 - Some drama is happening using college applications for one character to get close to another.
The Grafenberg Spot Posted in: 1980s - One of four pornographic movies here—the scene here is non-sexual, and delightful in its stereotypically wooden acting.
Grand Canyon Posted in: 1990s - Thanks to Evelyn Starr for this incredible catch—those are Vassar running shorts and you can see it if you pause it at just the right point. Evelyn says she read an article where Mary McDonnell pointedly wanted the character to be a graduate, and ordered the shorts from the bookstore herself.
The Great K&A Train Robbery Posted in: 1920s–1930s - The earliest clip in the collection, this silent Tom Mix-starring western introduces one of the major tropes: a joke about a man going to Vassar while it was an all-women’s school.
Gunsmoke Posted in: 1970s - The collection's earliest-set clip, in the 1870s, from this long-running Western series has a scene with a wealthy rancher giving his wife some good news about their daughter coming home from Vassar. This is especially delightful because of some choice comments about the expense.
Hacksaw Posted in: 1970s - Sweet little unremembered live-action Disney film, where our protagonist is camping in the Canadian Rockies and connects up with a ranch hand trying to capture a particular wild horse. Gorgeous cinematography of the landscape, less great acting, but Vassar's fame extends even to Calgary cattle ranchers.
HairBrained Posted in: 2013–2015 - An oddball comedy in the Napoleon Dynamite vein of a teenage genius at college.
Hamlet 2 Posted in: 2006–2009 - A funny film with English comedian Steve Coogan creating a very crazy theatrical production that stirs up some community ire in Tucson.
Happy Days Posted in: 1980s - Another sitcom appearance, with an easy punchline about men attending Vassar.
The Happy Sad Posted in: 2013–2015 - Indie melodrama with a hacky Vassar-is-full-of-lesbians joke.
Hart to Hart Posted in: 1980s - This was a popular, extremely 80s show of a rich, married couple trotting around the globe solving mysteries.
A Hatful of Rain Posted in: 1950s - The Vassar joke in this film about a young man hooked on drugs is almost impossible to hear.
Hawaii Five-O Posted in: 1970s - More iconic 70s television, here with a family of grifters who just made a big score.
The Hebrew Hammer Posted in: 2003–2005 - The Hammer is a Jewish parody of a Shaft-like tough detective supporting his community. This scene, where he and his girlfriend begin to get intimate, leads to a brilliant Vassar joke.
High Maintenance Posted in: 2016–2019 - Here’s a side of our campus culture we haven’t seen much of in these clips, from a stoner comedy.
Highlander Posted in: 1990s - A science-fiction series based off the camp-classic movie, about a group of immortals who fight each other with swords until only one is left. In the course of this episode, the hero meets a wealthy businessman with a Vassar daughter. Vassar as character point for a smart and wealthy woman.
House of Cards Posted in: 2013–2015 - This clip—from the U.S. version of a show about the seamy side of politics—pretty much speaks for itself.
House On Bare Mountain Posted in: 1960s - Frankenstein and Dracula watch nude bathing beauties in this stag film.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Posted in: 1960s, Music & Radio - The classic Frank Loesser musical has a fairly funny Vassar joke that only appears in the stage version.
Hunter Posted in: 1980s - In this mid-‘80’s detective show our leads are interviewing a crime victim who’s reminiscing about his day, amid his grief.
I Know This Much Is True Posted in: 2020–2022 - A strong limited series about mental illness, starring Mark Ruffalo and based on the Wally Lamb novel, had a few scenes shot on campus.
I Was a Mail-Order Bride Posted in: 1980s - A TV movie starring Valerie Bertinelli, gentle sexual hijinks, assorted obscured identities.
if you believe Posted in: 1990s - A TV movie about a woman who gets a bump on the head and goes back in time to meet her younger, more carefree, and not-embittered self.
Igby Goes Down Posted in: 2000–2002 - Unusual and interesting movie about some quirky young New Yorkers.
Imperfect Women Posted in: 2025– - A starry streamer based on Araminta Hall's 2020 novel Imperfect Women, focusing on a murder investigation that tears apart a group of friends.
In the Bedroom Posted in: 2000–2002 - This is an excellent drama about a young man involved with an older woman; her violent ex-husband beats, and later kills him. This scene comes after the beating; his parents worry over the situation and seem to imply he’s a Vassar student. A character point of no particular moment, save that he’s sensitive and intelligent.
In Treatment Posted in: 2010–2012 - An HBO drama drawn from an Israeli series, features therapist Gabriel Byrne meeting patients in weekly sessions and juggling his own family life.
Infinity Train Posted in: 2016–2019 - Sort of a riff on Snowpiercer, this Cartoon Network series of shorts follows Tulip, a 12-year-old game designer as she goes from car to car—each one differently themed—in a seemingly endless train traveling through a barren landscape.
The Inside Story Posted in: 1940s - A gentle story in the vein of It’s a Wonderful Life about money from a bank in a small town going missing—it’s actually being circulated in town and doing good all along the way before being returned.
Jane Austen’s Mafia! Posted in: 1990s - This is a broad Godfather parody from the folks who made Airplane! and The Naked Gun. It may not be entirely clear in the clip but the film is set, as was The Godfather, in the late ’50s/early ’60s, and so there were no men at Vassar.
Jericho Posted in: 2006–2009 - The scene doesn’t really look it, but the show is about a post-nuclear-war America, with the survivors rebuilding life in the Midwest.
Jersey Boys Posted in: 2013–2015 - The story of the Four Seasons, this scene has a rather odd Vassar joke, apparently meant as a gay slur.
Kate & Leopold Posted in: 2000–2002 - Hugh Jackman plays a wealthy New York playboy from the 1870s who has traveled through time to present-day Manhattan where he meets and falls in love with Meg Ryan.
Kingpin Posted in: 1990s - We’ve seen little digs at Vassar being a hotbed of sexual activity, but here that idea is writ large. Woody Harrelson has a rubber prosthetic hand and is known on the competitive bowling circuit as “Rubberman”; this fact has attracted a new sponsor.
Kojak Posted in: 1970s - Here’s New York’s toughest cop from the iconic '70s show first getting an assist from another intelligent and multilingual Vassar girl, and second making some gentle fun of Detective Crocker's date.
The Kominsky Method Posted in: 2016–2019 - Alan Arkin plays a successful Hollywood agent lamenting the path of his extended family.
The L Word Posted in: 2006–2009 - Drama about a group of LGBT people—emphasis on the L.
Lady in the Dark (1944) Posted in: 1940s - This Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin musical featured a song with a wonderful, dry joke about Vassar in the lyrics. The scene is a dream sequence where the lead, Ginger Rogers, is beginning to understand the psychological underpinnings to her indecisiveness. It’s a trial scene set in a circus—and yes, it’s how the musical was really written..
Lady in the Dark (1954) Posted in: 1950s, Music & Radio - This was a live presentation from the very early days of television of the same Weill/Gershwin musical we have elsewhere in the collection (from 1944, starring Ginger Rogers and in the movie Star! with Julie Andrews).
Larry Crowne Posted in: 2010–2012 - In this Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts vehicle, Julia is a teacher at the fictional East Valley Community College.
The Last Hurrah Posted in: 1950s - This Spencer Tracy film based on an Edwin O'Connor novel tracks a powerful New England mayor in his election campaign. Aware of the coming effects of television and radio in how people understand politics, he asks his sportswriter nephew for some help. The Vassar line is a bit hard to hear—it's at 0:41.
Last Week Tonight Posted in: 2013–2015 - John Oliver’s long-running comedy news program had a bit in its first season about passwords comprised of words that would never go together.
The Late Show with David Letterman Posted in: 2000–2002 - On Oct. 29, 2002, David Letterman did a Top Ten list about jailed publicist Lizzie Grubman which included a punchline about Vassar; it then became a running gag through the week.
Laugh-In Posted in: 1960s - The enormously popular sketch show is wildly dated now and the four Vassar jokes that came up in the second and third seasons range from hacky to incomprehensible.
Law & Order / Law & Order: SVU Posted in: 1990s, 2000–2002 - There must have been some grads among the writers of this long-running NY-based show. Here’s a bunch of quick shots of the Vassar grads who have populated the L & O world…victims, friends, witnesses, and people of interest to the investigators.
Leap of Faith Posted in: 2000–2002 - Early aughts laughtrack-free sitcon on life in the big city for a single woman, starring Sarah Paulson.
Leave It to Beaver Posted in: 1960s - Sitcoms are a major component of the collection, and most of the major early ones, such as Leave it to Beaver, make a Vassar joke at some point in their run.
A Letter to Three Wives Posted in: 1940s - A well-regarded melodrama, Linda Darnell here notes that a uniform is a great leveler—no one knows your background or social class.
Liar’s Moon Posted in: 1980s - Early Matt Dillon movie about a dirt-poor farm boy and a banker’s daughter who fall in love in a small Texas town in 1949.
Life in Pieces Posted in: 2013–2015 - A single-camera comedy with a decent Vassar joke in its first episode, at the expense of Sarah Lawrence grad Jordan Peele.
Life Like Posted in: 2016–2019 - Two bored rich people bring an android into their home to help around the house and the wife.
Living Single Posted in: 1990s - The earliest of three Black-focused sitcoms to reference Vassar.
Looks Can Kill Posted in: 2023–2024 - An apparently unreleased movie, this trailer for a low-budget horror movie has lots of fun stuff about Vassar.
Lost Posted in: 2003–2005 - Well, not exactly Lost, but an extra from a set of audition tapes.
Love Is News Posted in: 1920s–1930s - As with many comedies in the '30s, this Tyrone Power comedy has a quick joke about men at Vassar.
Lovejoy Posted in: 1980s - Loveable rogue and antiques dealer Ian McShane solves crimes in this excruciatingly British series.
The Lucy Show Posted in: 1960s - Lucille Ball’s followup to I Love Lucy, this scene has her trying to scam the stingy bank manager into providing money to help her friend.
Madam Secretary Posted in: 2016–2019 - Secretary of State and her husband consider college options for their horny, anarchist son.
Malcolm in the Middle Posted in: 2000–2002 - A top early aughts sitcom, and a curious instance where the writers could really have chosen any college, but opted for Vassar.
Man of the House Posted in: 2003–2005 - This light comedy puts tough-guy lawman Tommy Lee Jones in a house to protect a bunch of cheerleaders, the only witnesses to a crime.
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis Posted in: 1960s - A popular early sitcom in the vein of Leave It To Beaver, with a bit more zip, sees in this clip the spoiled rich kid contemplating what happens if he doesn’t go to Yale.
Marvel’s Runaways Posted in: 2016–2019 - Vassar enters the MCU, or at least this part of the multiverse, in a superhero tv show.
Master Posted in: 2020–2022 - Indie horror film in the vein of Get Out, literalizing some of the horrors of racism as tropes of a horror movie.
Me & Orson Welles Posted in: 2006–2009 - Claire Danes leads in this period piece about Welles’s Mercury Theater.
The Middle Posted in: 2010–2012 - Yet another sitcom reference—and a bit of a running plot point—that the dopey teenage boy’s quasi-girlfriend left home to go to Vassar.
Minx Posted in: 2020–2022 - The lead character of the HBO Max show about the first erotic magazine aimed at women in the 1970s is a graduate of the college, and one episode has a long plotline set on campus.
Miss Congeniality Posted in: 2000–2002 - In this light comedy, Benjamin Bratt is trying to impress Sandra Bullock with his sexual prowess and his very young Vassar-student girlfriend. Bullock is a smart, tough FBI agent with no feminine side (at this point in the movie). It’s an unusual choice to make Vassar a character point for a ditz.
Mission to Moscow Posted in: 1940s - Made in 1943 as a pro-Stalinist film to support our ally in the war, this is something of a travelogue and pedantic visit through the wonders of Russian culture as a group of Americans around the U.S. Ambassador interact with Russian society.
Modern Love Posted in: 2016–2019 - Actual Vassar matriculate Anne Hathaway plays a manic depressive who went to Vassar, and details her illness in this stylized walk through her life.
Mogambo Posted in: 1950s - More big stars talking about Vassar: Ava Gardner and Clark Gable.
Monk Posted in: 2006–2009 - This comedy series about a detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder finds him needing to question a chess master.
The Monkees Posted in: 1960s - More ’60s icons, the Monkees on this episode of their TV show won a contest and are posing for a high-fashion mag.
Moonraker Posted in: 1970s - James Bond investigates the theft of a space shuttle, uncovering a plot by an industrialist to destroy the world and repopulate it with a master race from space.
More Dead Than Alive Posted in: 1960s - A minor Western with ex-convict Clint Walker trying to find work and purpose after being released from jail.
The Morning Show Posted in: 2016–2019 - A popular streaming workplace drama about a morning TV magazine/news show; here the discussion is on coming forward about an accusation of sexual harassment behind the scenes.
Mrs. Fletcher Posted in: 2016–2019 - The HBO limited series on Tom Perrotta’s novel in part follows a vapid college freshman figuring his way in the world and with women.
The Munsters Posted in: 1960s - A sitcom to cash in on the popularity of The Addams Family, this family of movie monsters had a horny grandfather.
The Muppets Take Manhattan Posted in: 1980s - Frank Oz found Vassar an idyllic enough setting to make this marvelous opening for the third Muppets film, soaring over the quad and landing in front of Gordon Commons [then ACDC].
Murder Me, Murder You Posted in: 1980s - A TV movie featuring Stacy Keach as hard-boiled New York City cop Mickey Spillane.
Mystery Science Theater 3000 Posted in: 1990s - This show has a curious science-fiction premise, where Earth's worst movies are screened by the bad guys for our hero and two robots. They would then make snarky comments about the movie. (And the movies are all real, Z-grade schlock films.)
The Naked City Posted in: 1940s - Another clip where Vassar is used as a class marker, and also to note a woman’s independence.
The Nanny Posted in: 1990s - Another prominent ’90s sitcom, about a wealthy, highbrow family and their lowbrow, Queens-born nanny. Nothing too special, just Vassar as a character point for a place for elite girls.
Nasty Lady Posted in: 1980s - In the trailer for this porn movie, we hear where our heroine came from. The movie itself includes no such backstory.
NCIS Posted in: 2003–2005 - Here’s yet another criminal procedural show with yet another Vassar victim.
The Newsroom Posted in: 2013–2015 - This is a confluence of Vassar tropes, in Aaron Sorkin’s pre-Trump, preachy show about a cable news network.
The Night Agent Posted in: 2023–2024 - Popular streaming thriller of spies and counterspies, Vassar arises in an irrelevant aside as character backstory.
Ninja in the Claws of the CIA Posted in: 1980s - A delightfully bad chopsocky film features a badly dubbed martial arts master training a badly dubbed new recruit for the CIA.
No Questions Asked Posted in: 1950s - Obscure noir written by a young Sidney Sheldon, this scene has our heroine being threatened by a smartmouth mobster who knows his colleges.
Not Fade Away Posted in: 2010–2012 - David Chase’s coming-of-age story of young musicians in 1960s New Jersey has two old friends reconnecting and starting a romance.
Nothing But the Truth Posted in: 2006–2009 - This terrible, self-important film is based loosely on the story of Judith Miller, the New York Times journalist who went to jail to protect her source, mixed in with the Valerie Plame story about outing a CIA agent.
NYC Prep Posted in: 2006–2009 - Vassar's earliest appearance on reality television.
NYPD Blue Posted in: 2000–2002 - All these police procedural shows seem to bring in a Vassar character at some point. Our Vassar character is writing an article for an art magazine and has some information about the disappearance of the dealer who is the subject of her article.
Obsessed Posted in: 2000–2002 - An original movie for Lifetime, Jenna Elfman is on trial in this scene for stalking her married boyfriend.
Once Upon a Time Posted in: 2016–2019 - Fantasy show with storybook characters living in the real world.
One Night at Vassar (1990) Posted in: 1990s - This was the video the Office of Admissions sent out in 1990 and 1991 to college applicants with their acceptance letter.
Open Window Posted in: 2006–2009 - Strong indie drama, directed by Mia Goldman ‘77, with a young couple dealing with the aftermath of the wife having been assaulted by a home intruder.
Orange Is the New Black Posted in: 2013–2015 - The earliest streaming hit series about life in a women's prison, this scene of a prisoner's relatives working on a business idea, speaks for itself.
Ordinary Joe Posted in: 2020–2022 - This failed NBC show takes you through three possible lives of our protagonist, one as a cop, one as a nurse, and one as a music star.
The Paper Chase Posted in: 1980s - In this episode of the drama series set at a law school, Hart thinks his professor has probably plagiarized an article he submitted for the Law Review, but he has trouble proving it.
Party of Five Posted in: 2000–2002 - A popular teen drama about five children orphaned when their parents are killed. In this scene late in the run, the youngest member of the family struggles with whether to sleep with her boyfriend; she’s also preoccupied about college options.
Perry Mason Posted in: 1960s - On this classic legal drama of ‘60s television, the wonderful James Coburn meets someone’s wife, and she’s not what he expected in a Vassar grad.
The Phyllis Diller Show Posted in: 1960s - A comedy icon of the 60s, the conceit of this show was a Beverly Hillbillies in reverse (sort of)—they’re an eccentric wealthy family but the IRS came after them for back taxes.
Physical Evidence Posted in: 1980s - Burt Reynolds appears, as he often does, as sexist and obnoxious, this time as a cop who makes bad jokes about Vassar girls.
Pictures of Your Dick (Rachel Bloom) Posted in: 2010–2012 - Fantastic comedian/singer Rachel Bloom has a very funny song with a hard-to-spot Vassar reference at 0:44
Pitch Perfect Posted in: 2010–2012 - This comedy about a college a cappella group uses a lovely establishing shot of Vassar to set the scene of the fictional Barden College.
Police Academy Posted in: 1980s - A surprising entry in the Vassar villains group.
The Politician Posted in: 2016–2019 - It goes a little fast, but there’s a bit of snark about the type of person who goes to Vassar in this oddball Netflix show.
Poltergeist: The Legacy Posted in: 1990s - Sort of a supernatural NCIS, investigators in this episode of this cable horror show (in both senses) are looking into reports of witchcraft at an elite boarding school. One of the teachers was particularly creepy in an interview and here the team is pulling her background.
The Portrait Posted in: 1990s - An obscure movie adaptation of the Pulitzer-finalist play, Painting Churches, about an artist daughter and her aging parents. Great cast here, and a decently funny if out-of-date riff on the stuck-up Vassar girl.
Pretty Little Liars Posted in: 2010–2012 - A show about murder and intrigue among teenagers, here one of the members of the clique confronts her boyfriend about a secret of his past.
Pushing Daisies Posted in: 2006–2009 - This short-lived quirky genre-fluid show developed a devoted but small fan base and alas lived for only two short seasons.
Quantum Leap Posted in: 1990s - The earliest science-fiction entry, where the hero travels through time and embodies someone in that time period. This episode is set in the 1950s on a luxury vessel, and Vassar, as it so often is, is a character point for wealthy and well-bred.
Rachel Bloom Stand-Up: Cake Farts Posted in: 2016–2019 - A stand-up bit from comedian Rachel Bloom, with Vassar appearing in an original song.
Rags to Riches Posted in: 1980s - A TV movie later made into a series about a rich man caring for a group of orphans.
A Rainy Day In New York Posted in: 2016–2019 - Woody Allen’s straight-to-video feature has this uncomfortable scene with Timothée Chalamet running into a former high school classmate and reminiscing about their peers.
Reaching for the Moon Posted in: 2013–2015 - A biopic of poet and author Elizabeth Bishop ’34, who traveled widely, but extended a two-week stay in Brazil to fifteen years, beginning in 1951, in part due to her relationship with Maria Carlota Costallat de Macedo Soares.
Real Time with Bill Maher Posted in: 2003–2005 - In this very first episode of the HBO political talk show, comedian Chris Rock strips the hide off conservative attack poodle Ann Coulter about George W. Bush’s SAT scores.
The Rebound Posted in: 2006–2009 - A direct-to-DVD romantic comedy has the male lead occasionally job hunting; this brief scan of his resume reveals him as a Vassar grad.
Remington Steele Posted in: 1980s - A Vassar trustee is here the victim of harassment.
The Resident Posted in: 2016–2019 - A popular medical show, but this scene doesn't make much sense.
Ride ’em Cowboy Posted in: 1940s - This is an Abbot & Costello western comedy.
The Road to Bali Posted in: 1950s - Here’s one of the later of the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby “Road” movies—slight on plot, heavy on jokes and repartee between the two principals.
Roadhouse ’66 Posted in: 1980s - Light comedy where Judge Reinhold is a buttoned-up business boy, learning to live a little when stranded for a bit with car trouble in Bowman, Arizona.
Robin and the 7 Hoods Posted in: 1960s - The Rat Pack was fun in spirit but their movies could be a slog.
Rogue Posted in: 2013–2015 - A Canadian detective drama where the object of the search—a former undercover operative—has stolen a bunch of money and has fled to Vancouver.
Rosalie Posted in: 1920s–1930s - The second-earliest musical with a reference, and a really fun one, with two whole song-and-dance scenes actually set at Vassar.
Rules of Engagement Posted in: 2010–2012 - Sitcoms with hacky references were thick on the ground in the 2010s, and here's a very strained joke about Vassar girls being drunk and easy.
Running With Scissors Posted in: 2006–2009 - Semi-autobiographical film on Augusten Burroughs’s childhood, with him living under the care of an oddball psychiatrist in the doctor’s home.
S.W.A.T. Posted in: 2025– - This long-running network police show finds our protagonist cops visiting a known sex offender when a child goes missing, with hilarious (for purposes of this site) results.
Sabrina Posted in: 1950s - Here’s another well-known one, with great actors in the scene.
The Sand Pebbles Posted in: 1960s - Sailors are visiting the local bar/brothel in this drama set in early 20th-century China, and the new girl—who’s uncommonly pretty and has better English than most—occasions comment.
Sanford and Son Posted in: 1960s - A cantankerous, African-American junk dealer in Watts, Los Angeles, constantly tries to scheme his way out of work while his son attempts to keep the business and their lives running smoothly.
Saturday Night Live Posted in: 1990s, 2006–2009, 2016–2019 - The definitive late-night sketch comedy show that features a rotating cast of comedians performing parodies of contemporary culture and politics.
Saturday Night Live (3rd Season) Posted in: 1970s - In 1977 Saturday Night Live ran a contest for individuals who wanted to be the guest host; 150,000 people sent in a postcard application and five finalists were chosen, one of which was actual Vassar freshman, Connie Crawford '81.
Saving Milly Posted in: 2003–2005 - Made-for-TV docudrama based on journalist Morton Kondracke’s memoir about his wife, who died of Parkinson’s in 2004.
Scandal Sheet Posted in: 1950s - A noir potboiler, based on Samuel Fuller’s The Dark Page; this clip sets Vassar as a character point for reporter/feature writer Donna Reed (not in the scene), as ace reporter John Derek discusses with his boss, Broderick Crawford.
Schooled Posted in: 2016–2019 - This sitcom—a spinoff of The Goldbergs, which also has a Vassar reference-—features Tim Meadows making some rather unlovely statements about students at the “Vassar Graduate School of Education.
Second Act Posted in: 2016–2019 - A Jennifer Lopez romantic comedy finds her getting a corporate job because a friend doctored her resume.
Set Fire to the Stars Posted in: 2013–2015 - This British movie, about Dylan Thomas, centers on John Brinnin.
The Sex Lives of College Girls Posted in: 2020–2022 - Mindy Kaling’s HBO Max show was partially shot at Vassar, though set at a fictional college, and follows four roommates from very different backgrounds as they adjust to college life.
Shadow of the Thin Man Posted in: 1940s - This is the fourth in the Thin Man series, the detective series featuring Myrna Loy and William Powell as Nick and Nora—and their terrier, Asta.
Sharper Posted in: 2023–2024 - A slick, smart con-artist movie co-written by alum Alessandro Tanaka ‘96.
She Goes to Vassar (1931) Posted in: 1920s–1930s -
She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown Posted in: 1980s - Did anybody know there were 50 (!) Peanuts specials? And one of the ones you’ve never heard of had a weirdly timed punchline about Vassar?
Shining Through Posted in: 1990s - An unusual contrary, negative viewpoint about Vassar. Melanie Griffith in this World War II drama is not a member of the upper class; here she is confronted with being shut out of a job because of that and she throws back the line about the quality of Vassar students into the interviewer’s face, and then later doing some digging into her new boss.
Shirley Posted in: 2020–2022 - Solid drama about writer Shirley Jackson, portrayed as mentally unstable and in a complicated relationship her husband, a professor at Bennington.
Shrinking Posted in: 2023–2024 - A streaming series starring Harrison Ford and Jason Segal has Vassar on a not-uncommon list of good schools being considered by a high school student.
Silicon Valley Posted in: 2013–2015 - Mike Judge’s satire of the tech development/venture-capital world offers a wide taxonomy of geeks; this scene nails the interaction of two particular phyla.
The Simpsons Posted in: 1990s, 2003–2005, 2013–2015, 2016–2019 - The ur-text of this collection, almost everyone knows at least one of these references, which now are a running joke/character point across all 30+ years of this show’s run.
Skidoo Posted in: 1960s - A legendary mess, this '60s counterculture comedy has hippies and gangsters and Groucho Marx playing a gang kingpin named God.
Sledge Hammer Posted in: 1980s - Fans of Succession will recognize a young David Rasche, who plays a parody of a gun-happy, right-wing, daft, fairly crazy cop in this broad '80s sitcom.
Some Like it Hot Posted in: 1950s - This is perhaps the most well-known reference of all, which is surprising since it’s not really that interesting a scene. (But a great movie!) Many people seem to erroneously recall that Marilyn Monroe’s character is a Vassar girl, but as you’ll see she’s only pretending to be such to impress Tony Curtis—who in turn is pretending to be wealthy to impress her.
The Sopranos Posted in: 2000–2002 - A wildly popular and critically acclaimed show about the mafia in suburban New Jersey.
Spin City Posted in: 1990s - The show is about the mayoral staff in New York’s City Hall. There’s not too much to say here; it’s just a character point for a smart, ambitious career woman.
The Spy Who Dumped Me Posted in: 2016–2019 - This clip from the 2018 comedy starring Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis finds Mila having just been told by the FBI that her douche-y ex-boyfriend was in fact a CIA spy.
St. Elsewhere Posted in: 1980s - This montage from the popular '80s medical drama covers the whole plot arc around the daughter of one of the lead doctors departing for Vassar and having a tough time of it.
The Star Wagon Posted in: 1960s - A filmed play from 1966 with Dustin Hoffman in a very early role.
Star! Posted in: 1960s, Music & Radio - This is a fairly bloated screen musical about Gertrude Lawrence, starring Julie Andrews at the height of her career.
The State Posted in: 1990s - This was a sketch comedy show from the mid-90s with a lot of great people. Its very first episode had a Vassar joke, as a marker for "high-class." Plus it sounds funny.
State’s Attorney Posted in: 1920s–1930s - This fun pre-code John Barrymore film finds him as a prosecutor with some shady connections.
The Substance of Fire Posted in: 1990s - The film, based on the play by Jon Robin Baitz, follows three children of a Holocaust survivor and book publishing magnate who is beginning to lose his mind to dementia.
Suburgatory Posted in: 2013–2015 - Here’s a fairly standard sitcom reference, just putting forward Vassar as a metonym for a good college.
Sugar Posted in: 2023–2024 - This hard-boiled L.A. neo-noir contemporary detective show from Apple has a couple of people trying to learn more about the titular detective, John Sugar, who has secrets of his own.
Suits Posted in: 2013–2015 - Drama about a corporate law firm, and this is fairly self-explanatory.
Suits Posted in: 1990s - Another small indie film, but noteworthy here for being the first time Vassar is a character point for a gay man.
Summer Catch Posted in: 2000–2002 - This slight baseball romantic comedy has a fairly basic rich-girl/poor-boy dynamic between a rich Vassar girl and her summer boyfriend.
Supernatural Posted in: 2010–2012 - This series is about a couple of brothers who hunt demons.
Susan Slept Here Posted in: 1950s - This light comedy from 1954 puts Hollywood screenwriter Dick Powell in charge of a delinquent Debbie Reynolds.
The Swimmer Posted in: 1960s - A rather maudlin entry, as a depressed Burt Lancaster reminisces about an old affair with his former, embittered mistress.
Take Her, She’s Mine Posted in: 1960s - The early ’60s youth culture was starting to drift into movies aimed at squares.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game Posted in: 1940s, Music & Radio - Delightful musical with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, and we have a new Vassar song by Roger Edens, who contributed many songs to the great MGM musicals, with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
Taking Woodstock Posted in: 2006–2009 - This Ang Lee film focuses on a poor Jewish family in 1969 who are neighbors to Mr. Yasgur, whose farm famously hosted Woodstock.
Tanner ’88 Posted in: 1980s - Director Robert Altman did this 10-episode cynical satire of the Presidential primary process, going from New Hampshire to the convention in the run-up to the Bush-Dukakis election.
A Taste of Money Posted in: 1980s - Vassar has appeared in an awful lot of genres—silent, science fiction, animation, and horror, to name a few—but showing up in hardcore porn is definitely a surprise!
That’s My Boy Posted in: 1950s - Jerry Lewis in college, meeting a saleslady that Dean Martin has his eye on.
This is Vassar (2023) Posted in: 2023–2024 -
Thunder and Lightning Posted in: 1970s - Action comedy set in the world of redneck moonshine gangsters. This family is discussing their daughter's college plans and get caught in the crossfire of the gang warfare.
Thursday Posted in: 1990s - An obscure attempt to copy Pulp Fiction, but without being nearly as intelligent or funny. Our scene, though, offers a somewhat unusual take on a Vassar girl. Vassar as character point for a hard-partying grifter.
’Til Death Posted in: 2010–2012 - Another 2010s sitcom, another Vassar-girls-are-oversexed joke, this one more random than most.
The Time Machine Posted in: 2000–2002 - This scene was shot at Vassar—according to the Quarterly, they filmed in Rockefeller and New England, but this little bit is all that made it into the movie.
Too Many Girls Posted in: 1940s - The movie where Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball met, this light musical comedy is based on a Rodgers/Hart play.
Tricks of the Trade Posted in: 1980s - An ’80s TV movie comedy about a sex worker solving a murder, with sitcom stars Markie Post (of Night Court) and Cindy Williams (of Laverne & Shirley).
Trouble Along the Way Posted in: 1950s - This unusual John Wayne film finds him as a former football star who takes a job at a seminary coaching their football team.
Uncommon Women…and Others Posted in: 1970s - This is a filmed play by Wendy Wasserstein, written originally as her Yale thesis. Focusing on six women reminiscing about their senior year at Mt. Holyoke, the play moves back to present that time in their lives. Featuring Meryl Streep and Swoosie Kurtz, in this scene Vassar is compared to some of the other Seven Sisters.
Undercover Christmas Posted in: 2003–2005 - A wretched made-for-tv movie, where cocktail waitress Jami Gertz witnesses a crime, and is taken home for Christmas by the investigating detective for protection.
Undressed Posted in: 2000–2002 - This was an MTV late-night soap opera with plotlines around sex. Cassidy is a spoiled prom queen who wants to go to Vassar to stay with Max, who seems to have already been accepted. She is the villain of the arc, ultimately; a mean girl who tries to play a power game with Max and ends up losing.
Unforgettable Posted in: 2013–2015 - A twice-canceled police procedural about a woman with a perfect memory who helps the cops.
United States of Tara Posted in: 2010–2012 - This Showtime original series is about a woman with DID—dissociative identity disorder, colloquially known as multiple-personality disorder.
An Unmarried Woman Posted in: 1970s - A sad and bitter scene from a well-known drama. Jill Clayburgh has left her husband, and is here confronting him about having him pay for her and their daughter’s therapy. Vassar as character point for someone smart, beautiful, and sophisticated.
UnREAL Posted in: 2013–2015 - This is a scripted drama taking place on the set of a Bachelor-style reality show; the main characters here are the producers, who manipulate the contestants into creating the kinds of character archetypes (villain, good girl, etc.
Varian’s War Posted in: 2000–2002 - Virtually unknown WWII TV movie with a great cast, focusing on the so-called American Schindler.
Vassar College (1939) Posted in: 1920s–1930s -
“The Vassar Girl” 1933–1974 Posted in: 1970s -
Vassar Today (1971) Posted in: 1970s -
Veep Posted in: 2016–2019 - The wonderful, high-velocity satire of our political system opened its fifth season with a great Vassar joke.
Veronica Mars Posted in: 2006–2009 - In the second-season finale of this detective show set in a high-school context, Veronica Mars is having a dream where she’s seeing her friend who was killed in the prior season.
Viva Las Vegas Posted in: 1960s, Music & Radio - Another musical clip, from one of the collection’s two Elvis films.
The Waltons Posted in: 1970s - The show was set in the 1930s in rural, mountain Virginia. John Boy meets an old friend, who’s come home from college “up North.” She’s a little wild—and Vassar equestrians in particular might like this one. Vassar as character point, for a free-spirited and demonstrative woman.
Washington Merry-Go-Round Posted in: 1920s–1930s - A 1932 political drama, a character mentions the Vassar daisy chain in complaining that his wife’s experience of Washington is a superficial one.
The Watchful Eye Posted in: 2023–2024 - A positive twist on the Vassar as sexually free trope, and timely for 2023.
Web Therapy Posted in: 2010–2012 - Lisa Kudrow ‘85 and Dan Bucatinsky ’87 made this special piece for Vassar to promote their improvised web series, which eventually became a Showtime show.
Whitney Posted in: 2010–2012 - Here’s yet another not-great 2010s sitcom, fronted by Whitney Cummings, with some tired jokes about college.
Who’s That Girl? Posted in: 1980s - Here’s a fun one from a Madonna vehicle, where she’s posing as Griffin Dunne’s wife for an interview with a stuffy, upper-crust panel.
Wise Girl Posted in: 1920s–1930s - Wealthy Miriam Hopkins discovers her niece and nephew have spurned their inheritance and run off to a bohemian lifestyle in Greenwich Village.
Without a Trace Posted in: 2003–2005 - Investigators check into a suspect’s background, whose Vassar alumnus status is seen as enviable.
A Woman Named Jackie Posted in: 1990s - Three scenes from this TV movie on the life of Jackie Kennedy meet her at different stages of her life: just out of college, being courted by the Kennedys, and as the First Lady.
Women & Men: Stories of Seduction Posted in: 1990s - This was a made-for-HBO movie of three famous love stories. Mary McCarthy—one of the college’s more famous alumna–has her story treated here with Beau Bridges discussing his wife with the woman he hopes to be his mistress as they cross the country on a train. Vassar as character point for smart, radical, and worldly.
Wonder Man Posted in: 1940s - A ’40s movie musical, the plot of this one’s a little nutsy and not worth describing here.
Work In Progress Posted in: 2020–2022 - This Showtime showcase for comedian Abby McEnany has an episode where she, a white woman, is tasked with writing her company’s “Black Lives Matter solidarity statement,” our exhausted protagonist journeys into her own mind, and visits with her college self listening to a police safety lecture.
You Can’t Do That On Television Posted in: 1980s - Each episode of this Canadian kids’ show had a collection of sketches organized around a common theme.
The Young Savages Posted in: 1960s - Burt Lancaster stars in a strong drama, directed by John Frankenheimer; he plays an assistant D.A. helping an ex-girlfriend’s son who has been accused of murdering a member of a rival street gang.
Younger Posted in: 2016–2019 - Teacher-student relationships make an appearance on this popular sitcom.