How Could You, Caroline? is a 1918 American silent comedy-drama film directed by Frederick A. Thomson, with a screenplay by Agnes Christine Johnston. It stars Bessie Love, James W. Morrison, and Dudley Hawley.
The film, filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, is presumed lost.
Plot
Caroline (Love), a student at a boarding school, attends the wedding of her sister Ethel (Earle), where handsome taxi driver Reginald (Hawley) is to be her date. Reginald's taxi breaks down while giving Caroline a ride, and Caroline is late to the wedding. As punishment, she is sent to her room, but she escapes and decides to elope with Reginald, only to discover that he is married.
Later, Caroline is engaged to Bob (Morrison). Caroline disguises herself as a masked dancer at his bachelor party to see whether he truly loves her. Bob marries the masked dancer. Caroline reveals her identity, which Bob already had realized, and they are happy together.
Cast
Bessie Love as Caroline Rodgers
James W. Morrison as Bob Worth
Dudley Hawley as Reginald Van Allen
Henry Hallam as Mr. Rodgers
Edna Earle as Ethel Rodgers
Amelia Summerville as Mrs. Rodgers
Reception
A contemporaneous review called the plot "rather frail and considerably padded at the end", but praised the performances of Love and Hawley. Love's wardrobe was cited as fashionable.
Screenwriter Agnes Christine Johnston's depiction of the female lead character has been praised as efficiently creating complex female identities.