Moviecut—Sidewalks of London

source: Sidewalks of London

St. Martin's Lane

Just delightedly discovered this movie, under the title St. Martin's Lane, on Turner Classics (its first showing there). My most vivid impressions: Laughton's bitter tirade in the halls and stairway of the house, in his moment of disappointment... How the superficially charming, but hard-edged character created by Vivien Leigh was a magnificent preview of her role the following year, in Gone With the Wind... The brief but hard-hitting scene in which Tyrone Guthrie tells Liberty (Vivien's character) what he thinks of her... Laughton's on-stage recitation of Kipling's "If"... It is certainly a gem for all who, like me, adore the work of Charles Laughton. I also expect that any great fan of Vivien Leigh will deeply appreciate her performance here. And as a bonus, there are some bits of witty music-making by a true virtuoso of the harmonica.

Sidewalks of London, also known as St. Martin's Lane, is a fascinating drama with two acting greats, Charles Laughton and Vivien Leigh, sparking off each other and delivering dynamic performances. Vivien, this was the last film she made before GWTW, is an ambitious young dancer who teams up with Laughton as a street performer before moving on to bigger things. Their interaction makes this terribly affecting and they manage to make their characters, even with their faults, relatable and sympathetic. Separatly they are terrific but when they share scenes something magical happens and the picture is transformed from a simple story of an ambitious girl on the make into something truly special. A wonderful undiscovered gem.

I bought this film because I am in to old classic films.This film is an enjoyable period piece about a pickpocket that finds her way to stardom in the theater but realizes that she got there the wrong way.It really invokes the time and place it depicts.I thought Vivien Leigh was good but Charles Laughton really made the picture.His acting is really the highlight of this picture.His performance is very convincing and gives a real sense of how he would be on the stage.Rex Harrison really has a bit part to play as Liberty's lover and sponsor but he acts pretty well.There are a few musical numbers that I enjoyed."Spoiler", The scene between between Liberty and Charles in her bedroom was my favourite scene in the whole movie.Overall I enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anybody who is into early cinema .

Vivian Leigh charms and beguiles as does Charles Laughton and Rex Harrison,all of them in their innocence and unaffected excellence. A needful but blithe and hopeful era in London, after the internecine slaughter of World War I and the unimaginable evil of World War II and the Holocaust. To experience these three and others in a blitheful , happy episode of innocent merriment will uplift thee.

I was in awe of this movie. THREE great actors right off the bat: Rex Harrison, Charles Laughton AND the incomparable, Vivian Leigh thrill the senses! I was pleased just to look at them & watch them apply their craft. I wasn't as excited about the plot. It was the actors I enjoyed seeing. However, the movie was great in it's historic setting. Of course, it took place in the 1938's present day. But it was like a history lesson in the arts. Street performers still perform on the streets of New York. It was interesting to see it in the London setting. Viewing live 1930s entertainment was such fun & historically educational. Much more enjoyable watching it "live" than reading it in a dusty old book.

I never heard of this film..During my recent insomniac attacks The Sidewalks of London was shown on WLIW TV (It must have been aired @ 2 am..Long Island NY station) I missed the beginning by a few minutes..but thoroughly enjoyed this film..a wonderful surprise great story and a dream cast: Charles Laughton, Vivien Leigh and "sexy" Rexy Harrison all giving wonderful performances... was not a good copy however will be looking for a better in the future..Miss Leigh made this film I believe just before GWTW ..and she sings and dances surprisingly well as does Laughton Don't Miss ! The plot involves London Street entertainer, Laughton & Leigh are friends living together (with Ms. Leigh;'s {Liberty}family) barely making a living Laughton is older than Leigh loves her but along comes Rex.. and things change Leigh becomes a musical comedy star Laughton becomes a street begger and goes to jail for a time.. very moving .& fun also. Don't Miss!!

I cannot praise this film enough. ST. MARTIN'S LANE captures the feeling and mood of the time so well. The performances are outstanding. In one film you have 3 of the centurie's greatest actors Rex Harrison, Vivian Leigh, and Charles Laughton. Vivian Leigh was never more fetching,gutsy or charming.not even in Gone with the wind or waterloo bridge. Harrison make the most of his typical leading man role and Laughton evokes such sympathy. it is his finest performance as well. my onlt question is why has this gem been almost forgotten? I was lucky enough to catch it on television about 8 years ago. it is only now being released on video.My advice...purchase this film,you need it in your personal collection !