The Sidewalks of London

Original title: St. Martin's Lane

1938
Approved
1h 25m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Vivien Leigh and Charles Laughton in The Sidewalks of London (1938)

Pickpocket Libby gets support from street performer Charles, and her dancing leads to her invitation to theater patron Harley's party, which launches Libby's stage career while Charles keeps... Read allPickpocket Libby gets support from street performer Charles, and her dancing leads to her invitation to theater patron Harley's party, which launches Libby's stage career while Charles keeps struggling in the streets.Pickpocket Libby gets support from street performer Charles, and her dancing leads to her invitation to theater patron Harley's party, which launches Libby's stage career while Charles keeps struggling in the streets.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

1.5K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Made in London just before England's entrance into World War II, this film was co-produced by a refugee from Adolf Hitler, the great German producer of Metropolis (1927) and many other classic UFA movies, Erich Pommer. It was directed by an American from Hollywood, Tim Whelan, and features another American, the great harmonica virtuoso, Larry Adler, who was to return to live in exile in England after the war after he was blacklisted in the U.S. Adler went on to compose and perform the score for the classic English comedy Genevieve (1953). The role of the tall busker Gentry was played by Tyrone Guthrie who would be knighted and would one day become Artistic Director of Canada's Stratford Festival and founder of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. This movie was edited by Robert Hamer, who would go on to direct the Ealing Studio comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) and others.

Goofs
In the scene where Libby wrecks Charlie's apartment and holds the sewing machine up to throw it, the figure who enters through the door with his back to the camera is clearly a body double for Charles Laughton.

Quotes
Liberty 'Libby': Just a minute! Look here, mister, who does this lovely world belong to, eh? To the people who live on it, you say? Well, I'm one of them. And I've got just the same taste as all the rest. You should be surprised. I get hungry. I get thirsty. I get cold. I enjoy smoke and a permanent wave, and whatever I can get in the way of extras. And why shouldn't I have them?

Crazy credits
Opening credits start as names on a City of Westminster street sign.

Connections
Featured in The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind (1988)

Soundtracks
London Love Song
Music by Arthur Johnston
Lyrics by Eddie Pola

User reviews36

Review

Featured review

10/10

Forgotten Classic

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 !