Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Gurlyndrobb While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

writers_reign American (Indiana) born Tim Whelan sandwiched this in between The Divorce of Lady X and Q Planes so that it missed being Alphabet soup by that much. To see it for the very first time - as I have just done - in 2013 is to wonder yet again at what pre-war cinema audiences would stand for. Laughton is simply atrocious, they didn't go further over the top at Ypres and the Somme put together. His monologues, "If" and "The Green Eye Of The Little Yellow God" had absolutely no 'feel' for the narrative, phrasing, or sense of rhythm; Rex Harrison displayed none of his gifts as a light comedian, and only Vivien Leigh appeared to know her ass from third base. It occurred to me that the popular English comedian of the nineteen fifties, Tony Hancock, had clearly based his voice on that of Laughton in this film. Back in his native US Whelan directed three musicals, Seven Days Leave, Higher and Higher, and Step Lively, all three minor league but light years ahead of this embarrassment.

Lars Henderson I have seen St. Martin's Lane's a number of times and every showing I feel like I have the exceptional privilege to witness the blooming and magnificent talents of the very young Charles Laughton, Vivian Leigh and Rex Harrison.I simply could not take my eyes off of the screen, particularly when Charles Laughton's character develops throughout the story. There is something about Charles' voice: his pitch, intonation and fall just strike at my heart strings and the way he carries his rather large frame, well it is as if he is dancing Swan Lake! Charles Laughton is the backbone of St. Martin's Lane and along with his sidekick Vivian Leign who has the stars shining in her eyes. Both of these characters are simply magnificent together and the little ditties this film will have you tapping your toes with the quartet.Most of the accolades seem to be praised on the aforementioned actors but all of the actors in this movie are exceptional! Their talents are second to none and it is not for nothing that Britain and the UK are so coveted for their stage and screen stars. St. Martin's Lane gives you a window into the extremely talented world of the British people.

mikhail080 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 *****

sk-f I was in awe of this movie. THREE great actors right off the bat: Rex Harrison, Charles Laughton AND the incomparable, Vivian Leigh thrill the senses! I was pleased just to look at them & watch them apply their craft. I wasn't as excited about the plot. It was the actors I enjoyed seeing. However, the movie was great in it's historic setting. Of course, it took place in the 1938's present day. But it was like a history lesson in the arts. Street performers still perform on the streets of New York. It was interesting to see it in the London setting. Viewing live 1930s entertainment was such fun & historically educational. Much more enjoyable watching it "live" than reading it in a dusty old book.