Variety also praised Brando's performance as Sabatini and noted, "Marlon Brando's sublime comedy performance elevates The Freshman from screwball comedy to a quirky niche in film history."
Variety taler ngalemin penampilan Brando pinaka Sabatini taler nyurat, "aktinngnyané ring komedi agung Marlon Brando ngangkat carita The Freshman saking komedi romantis ka segmen sané  unik taler nembé kawentenannyané ring sajeroning sejarah pilem."