The stage, however, continued to be an important part of his career. Howard frequently juggled acting, producing and directing duties in the Broadway productions in which he starred. Howard was also a dramatist, and starred in the Broadway production of his own play "Murray Hill" (1927). He played Matt Denant in John Galsworthy's 1927 Broadway production "Escape" in which he first made his mark as a dramatic actor. His stage triumphs continued with "The Animal Kingdom" (1932) and "The Petrified Forest" (1936). He later repeated both roles in the film versions.