St. Martin's Lane

Charles is an ageing street performer who recites to the crowds outside London's theatre district. One night he catches a young woman, Libby, going through his pockets. Instead of handing her to the police he takes her into his troupe. Libby dances, and she is good. Before long she meets a songwriter and the stage door opens for her. Tim Whelan's British film brings Charles Laughton and Vivien Leigh together, with Rex Harrison in the cast. It was produced by the company Laughton set up with Erich Pommer, and Laughton contributed to the writing as well. The film was released in America under a different title. The telling does not celebrate fame; its real subject is the story of the one left behind.