Also known as ‘Sidewalks of London’, this was Vivien Leigh’s final performance in a British film before she departed for Hollywood and features one of her most unique roles. London’s St Martin’s Lane is a popular spot for street performers. Busker Charles Staggers (Charles Laughton) takes kindly upon a pickpocket Libby (Vivien Leigh), working her into his act. As her popularity rises, he guides her to stardom even though it means sacrificing his love for her. Laughton, Leigh and Rex Harrison, who plays a successful songwriter who gives Libby her big break, are superb in this moving portrait that weighs up the cost of fame.
