Back to the collection

OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1309

Why Be Good?

192984 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: English
This copy runs: 81:22
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · William A. Seiter · Public domain

Synopsis

A young department-store employee enjoys dancing and nightlife, but her reputation attracts unfair assumptions. When she falls for the owner's son, both families' suspicions and his attempt to test her character put their relationship at risk.

Cast

Colleen Moore

DirectorsWilliam A. Seiter

Behind the scenes

The film has synchronized music, effects and some singing rather than spoken dialogue. A surviving print and the Vitaphone soundtrack made a later restoration possible after the picture had long been considered lost.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 16, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

Colleen Moore — Bain News Service · Public domain

Audience rating

Loading ratings…