This Makes Me Love Him Even More!

I love this story. It just proves what an absolute gentleman Leslie Howard was. And how much he enjoyed a good prank.

Leslie Howard, sitting on a stool at the RKO lunch counter, was amazed to hear the two "extra" girls next to him talking about the Howards.

 "Oh, yes," one of them was saying, "Leslie and Ruth are very dear and old friends of mine. Why, I'm at their house often for the week-end."

Impressed, the other girl uttered sounds of admiration that died away in a gasp as she suddenly nudged her friend, pointing to their neighbor. Smallish, freckled, wearing big horn-rimmed glasses, Leslie Howard is not always recognized, but the hapless girl who "knew him so well" knew who he was, all right. Her face registered horror, which changed to relief as he leaned forward genially, nodded and said matter-of-factly, without a trace of facetious irony:

"Yes, indeed. But haven't you been neglecting us lately? Haven't seen you out at the house for some time!" 

Later, on the set, the girl came to Leslie and, with tears in her eyes, apologized and thanked him for not letting her down.

This is a special shoutout to When Hollywood was "Golden" and Clark Gable: When Hollywood was "Golden" for recommending my Facebook page. Thanks again!

Have a great weekend everybody!

[Leslie Howard - most likely a publicity
photo for Pygmalion, c. 1938]

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