It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Chance brings together two denizens of the London streets, marking the beginning of a relationship that will irrevocably impact both lives. Charles Laughton plays the part of Charles Staggers, a charming busker with an inner dignity. Vivien Leigh is Liberty, the young girl who's resourceful enough to survive on her own, but in need of someone who cares. Individually, these two are among the most talented stars of their time, but we are lucky that they perform together in "Sidewalks of London", a film that is now among my favorites.The film includes some catchy tunes and some wonderful camera work. They story is perfectly suited to its two stars. Laughton provides laughs and provokes tears, while Leigh--whose beauty shines as brightly as any seen before or since--equals Laughton in her emotional range. This film is a rare gem. It's only shortcoming is that it's too short, deserving a more developed story, like "A Star is Born" or "My Fair Lady". The rest of the talented cast includes Rex Harrison. They create a charming world of London street life (outside the theatre) and onstage (inside the theatre). There's a touch of irony in Liberty's fascination with Hollywood, given Leigh's dramatic turn as Scarlett the following year in "Gone with the Wind." Seeing her performance in "Sidewalks of London", it's no wonder she found her way to Hollywood's most celebrated extravaganza. But given a choice, I'll take her wonderful portrayal of Liberty.

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!!

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.

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.