Watch St. Martin's Lane

St. Martin's Lane is a classic British romantic drama film from 1938, directed by Tim Whelan and starring Charles Laughton, Vivien Leigh, and Rex Harrison in the lead roles. The movie is set in the bustling street of St. Martin's Lane in London, where street performers display their skills to earn a living. Charles Laughton portrays Charles Staggers, a street performer who has been working at St. Martin's Lane for over twenty years. He is a skilled and experienced acrobat who works alongside his partner, Lily, who is played by a young Vivien Leigh. Despite his talent, Charles is disappointed that he has not been able to achieve the fame and fortune he had dreamed of. Charles is a cynical and bitter man who is untrusting of others and has given up all hope of success.

One day, Charles meets a young and ambitious dancer named Libby, played by a radiant Vivien Leigh. Libby is new to London and is eager to make a name for herself. Charles is initially skeptical of Libby's talent and intentions, but as he watches her perform, he becomes deeply impressed with her dancing skills. Libby also surprises Charles with her genuine kindness and warmth, and he begins to see her as a worthy partner.

As the two begin to work together, Charles sees a renewed sense of purpose and opportunity. His attitude towards life begins to change, and he becomes more optimistic about his future. However, their act is in jeopardy when Libby falls in love with a wealthy composer, Harley, played by a charming Rex Harrison. Charles becomes resentful of Harley and feels that he is standing in the way of their success.

The film explores issues of loyalty, ambition, and the struggle for success. It features some stunning performances from the three leads, especially Vivien Leigh, who shines as the young dancer determined to make it big. The film also has some highly entertaining musical performances, including a lively tap dance number performed by Charles and Lily.

Though St. Martin's Lane was made over 80 years ago, its themes still resonate today. It beautifully captures the struggle of artists trying to make a living and achieve their goals. The film's message is that while success can be elusive, it is worth striving for and that the journey can be as important as the destination.

In conclusion, St. Martin's Lane is a classic British film that showcases the talent of its three leads, and it is a highly entertaining watch. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone interested in dance and the performing arts.

St. Martin's Lane is a 1938 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.