Why Be Good? (1929) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

“Why Be Good?” centers on the life of Pert Kelly (played by Colleen Moore), a vivacious department store clerk who spends her nights dancing away in jazz clubs. By day, she is a competent and diligent worker, but by night, she embodies the free-spirited independence of the Jazz Age youth. The plot thickens when Pert catches the eye of Winthrop Peabody Jr. (Neil Hamilton), the son of the department store’s owner.

Their burgeoning romance is put to the test when Winthrop’s father demands that his son marries a ‘moral’ woman, prompting an investigation into Pert’s nightlife to determine her suitability as a wife. The film explores themes of personal freedom, the clash between hedonism and traditional values, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of societal expectations.

Meet the Characters that ask Why Be Good?

Colleen Moore shines brightly as Pert Kelly, bringing a blend of charisma, warmth, and depth to her character. Moore’s Pert Kelly is not just a symbol of the modern woman but also a deeply relatable character whose desires and challenges resonate with the audience. Her performance skillfully balances the exuberance of her nightlife with her serious, moral core, challenging the era’s stereotypes about the morality of flapper girls.

Neil Hamilton as Winthrop Peabody Jr. provides a suitable counterpart to Moore’s vibrant Pert. His portrayal reflects the conflict of a young man caught between his personal desires and his duties to family and business. The chemistry between Moore and Hamilton is palpable and lends credibility to their on-screen romance, making the stakes of their societal challenges feel genuinely significant.

William A. Seiter as a director

William A. Seiter’s direction in “Why Be Good?” adeptly captures the spirit of the Jazz Age. Seiter employs a dynamic use of montage to juxtapose the daytime world of work and the nighttime revelries, illustrating the dual lives led by many young people of the era. His direction highlights the vitality of the jazz clubs with fast-paced editing and close-ups that capture the emotions of his characters amidst the chaos of their celebrations.

The film’s use of Vitaphone technology for its soundtrack was revolutionary at the time, making “Why Be Good?” one of the early examples of movies where the sound is used effectively to enhance the viewing experience. The jazz soundtrack is not merely background music but an integral part of the narrative, reflecting the emotional dynamics and tensions within the story.

The social commentary of Prohibition

“Why Be Good?” is rife with social commentary, much of it revolving around the generational tensions of the 1920s. The film addresses the moral panic about the younger generation’s perceived immorality, questioning the fairness and validity of these concerns through Pert’s character, who is both a ‘good girl’ and a ‘flapper.’

Furthermore, the film explores the concept of ‘respectability’ and its impact on women’s freedom. Pert’s struggle to reconcile her love for nightlife with the need to conform to societal expectations for her romance speaks volumes about the pressures faced by women during this era.

Some Final Thoughts

“Why Be Good?” remains a delightful and insightful film that not only entertains but also provides a window into the societal changes of the late 1920s. Colleen Moore’s performance, combined with effective direction and a lively soundtrack, makes this film a captivating watch. It eloquently captures the clash between traditional values and the new morality of the Jazz Age, making it a valuable piece of cinematic history for both its historical content and its engaging narrative.

Let’s talk about that Why Be Good Warner Archive Blu-ray?

Why Be Good arrives as part of this Silent Film Double Feature from Warner Archive. It’s a new offering with a clean 1080p transfer and DTS-HD mono mix that impressed me. However, modern audiences worry me with what they will accept and what they won’t watch freely. So, I guess this belongs to the academic and collector markets.

There are no special features, but I’d be stunned if we got any. That being said, the fact that we’re getting restored and saved silent films to physical media is a godsend in 2024. Keep it up, Warner Archive.

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