St. Martin's Lane (film)

Mayflower Pictures Corporation

Company type	Film production company
Industry	Film production
Founder	Charles Laughton
Products	Films

St Martin's Lane, alternatively titled Sidewalks of London, London After Dark, and Partners of the Night, is a 1938 British black-and-white comedy drama featuring Charles Laughton as a street entertainer who partners with a skilled pickpocket portrayed by Vivien Leigh. The cast also includes Rex Harrison and Tyrone Guthrie, both appearing in uncommon acting roles, with Ronald Shiner making an uncredited appearance as a bartender. The production was undertaken by Laughton's own Mayflower Pictures Corporation.

Plot

Charles Staggers performs as a street entertainer in London alongside his colleagues Arthur Smith and Gentry.

He takes under his wing Liberty, known as Libby, a runaway pickpocket who steals a gold cigarette case from Harley Prentiss, a prosperous songwriter. Charles incorporates her into their group, transforming it into a quartet.

Libby captivates Prentiss and his affluent acquaintances, who offer her an opportunity to leave the streets behind. After she departs, turning down Charles's proposal of marriage, he descends into alcoholism and abandons his performing career. Meanwhile, Libby's professional life thrives; she lands a contract in Hollywood and proposes to Prentiss, who refuses, concerned about being used as a mere stepping stone like Charles.

While crowds gather for her debut, Charles attempts to reach Libby but is arrested for causing a disturbance. Following his release from jail, he makes a living by pretending to be a blind match seller. On her way to rehearsals, Libby encounters him and convinces him to audition; however, after an unsuccessful attempt, he departs. They part ways with an embrace; Charles reunites with his former busking partners and resumes their act.

Cast

• Charles Laughton as Charles Staggers
• Vivien Leigh as Liberty (Libby)
• Rex Harrison as Harley Prentiss
• Larry Adler as Constantine
• Tyrone Guthrie as Gentry
• Gus McNaughton as Arthur Smith
• Edward Lexy as Mr. Such
• Maire O'Neill as Mrs. Such
• Helen Haye as Selina
• Cyril Smith as Black Face
• Ronald Shiner as the Barman (uncredited)

Production

Reports indicate that Vivien Leigh and Charles Laughton experienced a challenging working relationship. When discussions emerged about Leigh starring in a film adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, Laughton demanded she dye her hair blonde, which ultimately led to the collapse of those negotiations. Leigh later adopted blonde hair for her portrayal of Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, both on stage in 1949 and in the 1951 film adaptation.

Initially hesitant to participate in Sidewalks of London due to her strained rapport with Laughton and limited affinity for the role, Leigh was eventually convinced to join the project. Larry Adler recalled that Leigh was difficult during filming; she harbored dislike toward Laughton, who maintained professionalism despite their tensions. Laurence Olivier frequently visited the set, especially on days when Leigh filmed romantic scenes with Rex Harrison.

Editor Hugh Stewart characterized the film as "a dreadful film."

Adaptations

This film served as the basis for the stage musical Busker Alley, featuring songs by the Sherman Brothers. Following multiple setbacks involving director Tommy Tune and initial leads Tune and Melissa Errico, the musical premiered at New York's York Theatre on 13 December 2006 with stars Jim Dale and Glenn Close. A recording of this one-night-only performance was issued by Jay Records in 2007.

External links

• Sidewalks of London featured on Lux Radio Theater: February 12, 1940