St. Martin's Lane (1938)

Wow. Here's a great little serio/comic offering from pre-WWII Great Britain in which both Charles Laughton and Vivien Leigh get to demonstrate the reasons why they were superstars. This movie will delight anyone who loves classic movies, as it really contains all the elements necessary to make it one of the finest movies from the Brits in the 1930's. There's high-octane and undiluted star power from the lead actors, a fast-paced, sensitive and witty script, fine photography that rivals the best done in Hollywood, distinctive and expert work from the supporting players, and some enjoyable musical numbers.But first mention should go to top-billed Charles Laughton, who carries the film and puts his heart and soul into his performance. I certainly realize that many discriminating viewers of today may find his histrionics to be "over the top" or "ham." It's true that the man seems larger than life, with his often booming voice, hulking physicality and overstated expressions of emotion. Yet, we are still willingly taken in by him, as he is genius in evoking either pathos or disdain in the audience for his character. And he can be quite and thoughtful when the occasion calls for it, as evidenced in scenes late in the film. Quite a fantastic performance he gives here, and I think he's as good in this as in anything else he ever did.Laughton portrays a London street performer who excels in "recitations" from the works of Shakespeare, Kipling and others. He has a "meet-cute" with beautiful Vivien Leigh during one of his performances, and they soon develop a friendship and later -- an act. In typical dramatic fashion, musical composer Rex Harrison discovers Leigh's character and eventually gets her onto the legitimate London stage. The crux of the drama arises over Laughton's disappointment at being left behind, and Leigh coming to terms with her lowly origins. Fairly standard plotting certainly, but the script and performances make it first-rate by steering clear of stereotypes and stock characters.It's by no means a perfect little film, but still very enjoyable if only for the insight into London's West End in the 1930's. Laughton would be ill-served to be dismissed as a ham actor, certainly. Yes, he did shout and bellow in more than a few scenes, but it always comes out of the character. (I loved his recitation of "If" BTW!) He fantastic in the quiet moments, like when he gives the speech to all the others as he descends the stairs, or when he confesses his true desires to Leigh, or earlier when he tells her in the deserted home that "Life's a joke." All very poignant moments with much restraint exhibited on his part.Not surprisingly, Vivien Leigh is breathtakingly beautiful, but she also shows great energy and emotion, plus a nicely acted transformation from street waif to a popular actress on the West End. When she shares the screen with Laughton, there's a feeling that anything may happen between these two volatile characters, each with his and her own personal demons. She can be raucous and violent at times, or graceful, sweet and thoughtful at others. I've read that she and Laughton were not particularly fond of one another, and it's strange how sometimes that fact can elevate each actor's performance to a higher level! Less lucky is "Sexy Rexy" Harrison, who is practically steamrolled over by the leads in his thankless role. Anyway, he looks great, and avoids bumping into the furniture. The other supporting players fare much better, as does an adorable trained terrier who steals every scene he's in. The American director Tim Whelan really managed to create a slice of London life that's engaging, entertaining and emotional.I'd like to mention one little scene that struck my fancy. That's when all the buskers are at the pub after an evening work. Leigh has a line something like "It's all over." Then Laughton turns when he hears the tiny cockney voice saying, "She's right you know." He walks to the little old lady sitting in the corner, and she delivers a short speech about her and her family selling flowers when "the old queen" was alive. It's a neat little moment, put in for no reason that I can ascertain, since the old lady never figures into the story at all. I appreciate little scenes like that -- ones that easily could have been cut, but just add to the mosaic.**** out of *****

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.

When St. Martin's Lane first came out it was not given any release in the United States, I suppose because American audiences would not be attuned to buskers. We have no equivalent of that here.Nevertheless it's a nice film. Charles Laughton is the head of a troop of buskers (British street entertainers)who inhabit and perform in and around the London theater district. The group takes in street waif Vivien Leigh and it's obvious she's got real talent. And theatrical composer Rex Harrison appreciates her charms even more than her talent.Laughton is not a man who takes betrayal gladly as he sees it. The rest of the film you'll have to see for yourself.It's nice to see both Harrison and Leigh in good parts before they became big stars. Laughton as always is fabulous, he's got the London cockney accent down pat.After Vivien Leigh became a star with the release of Gone With the Wind, St. Martin's Lane made it to the states in a limited run. It was no big hit in Great Britain for Laughton who co-produced it with Erich Pommer, the second of three films they did. But Vivien Leigh's success helped them recoup a bit.

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 !