Why Is It? (1948) User Reviews (2)

Cause for Alarm

[wes-connors · 5/10 · 12 July 2012]

This is "A Pete Smith Specialty" short, narrated and produced by Pete Smith and starring Dave O'Brien, "Why Is It?" attempts to answer some often asked questions. In the opening segment, Mr. O'Brien is unable to sleep due to an important job interview in the morning. He's set the alarm clock, but lays awake worrying about the appointment. Of course, the alarm clock doesn't go off. It is amusing to see O'Brien rush to make up for lost time. This is the best of the three skits. Next, O'Brien has trouble complimenting his wife's cooking. Finally, we find O'Brian visiting the library and encountering a man with annoyingly noisy habits.

***** Why Is It? (9/11/48) Pete Smith : Dave O'Brien ~ Dave O'Brien, Pete Smith

Decent Smith-O'Brien Short

[Michael_Elliott · 11 July 2012]

Why Is It? (1948)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Decent short from the Pete Smith/Dave O'Brien team will keep fans of the series entertained but if you're new to the duo then there are certainly better films that they did. This time out O'Brien plays the typical male that he always does as we see him encounter various pet peeves. This includes having a big job interview and needing to get up at six AM only to stay awake all night worried if the alarm will go off or not. When he finally does go asleep he wakes up and sure enough, the alarm didn't go off. We also see him preparing for the interview where one thing goes wrong after another. The other two sequences deal with him upsetting his wife over her cooking and a sequence inside a library where he sits next to an annoying man. WHY IS IT? certainly isn't a classic and there's no doubt that the two men made better films but there are enough laughs here to make this one worth watching and especially if you're a fan. The best sequence is probably the one dealing with the alarm clock, although the shaving scene gives it a run for its money. The final bit in the library isn't a complete success but there are a few moments that will make you smile.