Review: Why be Good: Sexuality and Censorship in early cinema

Why be Good?: Sexuality and Censorship in early Cinema

Executive Producer: Hugh Hefner

Producer: Elaina Archer

Also produced by Warner Brothers and TCM

This documentary premiered at the Egyptian Theatre last week, which I had the pleasure of watching. First off can I say I think its awesome how helpful Hugh Hefner is to film history (he also executive produced a documentary on Olive Thomas). However I wish he'd keep his ugly hag looking girlfriends out of it. There's annoying little title cards, with them dancing around in what looks like very bad flapper costumes. I coulda done without that. But for Hef...I guess.

Why be Good is a documentary that follows attitudes about sexuality and censorship through the beginning of film to about 1934 when stricter codes were put in place. I'd say 90% of it is about silents, or silent stars. Quit a nice figure, and overall a pretty good documentary.

However I have a few complaints. Sexuality was a main theme yet anti miscegenation information was limited to a few sentences at best. I dont think I even SEEN Anna May Wong...which just isn't right. Sessue Hayakawa was mentioned for all of 2 seconds, but the effect of anti miscegenation on his career was barely discussed at all.

Valentino had a good bit devoted to him, however it also did not speak of anti miscegenation and seemed far too short for the effect Valentino had on sexuality in early cinema (same for Sessue). Valentino and Hayakawa were the only male actors mentioned, making that also lacking.

Anti miscegenation aside there also seemed to be too much focus on certain stars and not enough on others. Clara Bow and Louise Brooks are done to death, but Theda Bara is barely mentioned and Olive Thomas gets one pictured flashed...she isn't even mentioned! How Hef could sponsor a documentary on sexuality that doesn't include Miss Thomas well...I for one am perplexed.

Despite my complaints maybe it's just asking too much. Why be Good is extremely interesting and crams as much possible in the time allotted. It is an excellent introduction to the culture of Silent Cinema...but I still say there needs to be more Valentino!