St. Martin's Lane

Unrated

2/15/19401h 25m

Theatrical Release (US)

~ A Heart-Stirring Drama of Peace-Time London! ~

Overview:

On the sidewalks of the London theater district the buskers (street performers) earn enough coins for a cheap room. Charles, who recites dramatic monologues, sees that a young pickpocket, Libby, also has a talent for dancing and adds her to his act. Harley, the theater patron who never knew Libby took his gold cigarette case, is impressed by Libby's dancing and invites her to bring Charles and the other buskers in his group to an after-the-play party. Libby comes alone. A theatrical career is launched.

Director:

Tim Whelan

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Key words:

pickpocket
friends
london theater district
street performers
buskers

Cast

Charles Laughton

~ as ~

Charles Staggers

Vivien Leigh

~ as ~

Liberty

Rex Harrison

~ as ~

Harley Prentiss

Larry Adler

~ as ~

Constantine Dan

Tyrone Guthrie

~ as ~

Gentry

Maire O'Neill

~ as ~

Mrs. Such

Gus McNaughton

~ as ~

Arthur Smith

Polly Ward

~ as ~

Frankie

Basil Gill

~ as ~

Magistrate

Helen Haye

~ as ~

Selina

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

CinemaSerf
Written 3 year(s) ago
7
There's quite a lot of depth to this tale of London's theatre-land buskers just as their importance started to wain. Charles Laughton ("Charlie") scratches a living reciting Kipling to those waiting in queues for theatres and cinemas when he encounters Vivien Leigh ("Liberty") who dances, mimics and picks pockets for a living. She has attracted the attentions of impresario Rex Harrison ("Harley") who sees some potential in the young girl and her career is launched! There's a bit of an unlikely love story between Laughton and Leigh, and as the latter's star rises - the relationship is tested. The characterisations from Laughton are funny and decent; Leigh shows clearly what made her a star and Harrison also brings a certain class to the proceedings. It's also an interesting observation of just how the whole street entertainer culture offered everything from eloquent poetry and vibrant dancing to roast chestnuts and petty larceny as recently as the 1930s. It's rarely seen nowadays, but if you get an opportunity then this is certainly a film that belies it's low-key status with some good writing; characterful performances, laughs and gentle pathos.