How It Happened

Pokes is a sport when his wife is not around - when she is, he is meekness itself. A game is going on at the club and Pokes is phoned for, but his wife gets the message and Pokes is sent to bed. Jabs, the policeman, is a sweetheart of Jennie, the maid, and calls for his daily refreshments. Meanwhile Mrs. Pokes has gone out and Pokes wanders into the kitchen. He sees Jabs' coat and hat and hastily donning them escapes to the club. Getting back is more difficult, however, but after exciting experiences with several cops and a burglar, Pokes manages to get home, only to be confronted by Mrs. Pokes. The bold story he tells fails to convince his irate wife, who proceeds to massage him with a wooden lower extremity. Pokes is now studying the game of "Old Maid" and trying to learn to tell the truth and once more make friends with his wife.

Directed by —, How It Happened leans on a strong ensemble — Bobby Burns, Walter Stull — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1917.