Leslie Howard, The Early Years - Part Two

The Steiners were no longer looked upon with as much disfavor by Lilian's family as they had been initially and they were helped to buy the house next door on Jasper Road, Upper Norwood. However, the Blumbergs expected the family to fit in with their society so Ferdinand changed his name to Frank Stainer and all Germanic influences had to be eradicated. (Leslie Howard's military records show him as Leslie Steiner. Apparently, the name change was only cosmetic.) Leslie was no longer allowed to speak German and any lapse would result in the cancellation of treats. His uncle even went so far as to make him eat mustard on toast if he forgot and let a German word escape. Leslie remembered later that he became shy and withdrawn at that time.

The Stainer's house was large and comfortable and looked out over London and was just around the corner from the Crystal Palace, which must have provided hours of amusement for Leslie and his siblings. Leslie started school at Belvedere House in 1904 and seemed to have a talent for writing. It was here that one of his plays was performed for visiting parents during Christmas.

His next school, Alleyn's, was not so comfortable, though, and Leslie didn't seem to fit in. One of his reports called him "a shuffler, little power, little energy, no morals." There is some speculation that this view of Howard may have stemmed from his German name and accent. Germans were not in favor at the time. Of course, we will never know.

[Leslie Howard Steiner, c. 1915]

Subscribe to Leslie Howard by Email