St. Martin’s Lane (aka Sidewalks of London)
Date: 1938
Director: Tim Whelan
Production Company: Mayflower Pictures Corporation
Stars: Charles Laughton, Vivien Leigh, Rex Harrison, Larry Adler, Tyrone Guthrie, Maire O"Neill, Gus McNaughton, Polly Ward, Basil Gill, Helen Haye, David Burns, Phyllis Stanley, Edward Lexy, Clare Greet, Alf Goddard
Location(s): London
Region(s): London R-S
Storyline:
On the sidewalks of the London theatre district the buskers earn enough coins for a cheap room. Charles, who recites dramatic monologues, sees that a young pickpocket, Libby, also has a talent for dancing and adds her to his act. Harley, the theatre patron, who never knew Libby took his gold cigarette case, is impressed by her dancing and invites her to bring Charles and the other buskers in his group to an after-the-play party. Libby comes alone. A theatrical career is launched.
Additional Information:
Screen captures and text uploaded by Richard Lovejoy
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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 28 Mar 2024
Through the opening credits is seen the 'The Strand Theatre' on Aldwych, London WC2. It was re-named 'The Novello Theatre' in 2005.
Never missing an opportunity when in London Neil Kenny captured 'The Novello Theatre' for us, now clearly showing 'Mamma Mia'. The farce, 'Banana Ridge' was showing in 1938.
- Capture 2
- 18 Dec 2024
Then Piccadilly Circus looking up Shaftesbury Avenue.
A north-east view from Piccadilly Circus. SJ
- Capture 3
- 07 Oct 2020
Then Trafalgar Square, looking SSW with Nelson on his column.
About the right angle. SJ
- Capture 4
- 29 Feb 2024
Leicester Square looking west with the Empire Theatre, now the Empire Cinema, to the right.
Coventry Street lies in the dark distance. (PW)
- Capture 5
- 04 Feb 2025
And finally the Houses of Parliament viewed across Westminster Bridge.
A dark afternoon in winter, taken from the added bicycle lane. SJ
- Capture 6
- 29 Feb 2024
"Theatre Land", the backdrop to the film is represented by this view of Piccadilly Circus from Shaftesbury Avenue, the Trocadero to the left and the café Monico at 19 Shaftesbury Ave. to the right. Preceded by the over words “In London an Evening’s Entertainment Begins in the Street.”.
The canopy has been replaced but a more accurate comparison is hampered by a hoarding to conceal more abominable building work. (PW)
- Capture 7
- 02 Jan 2025
Further re-enforcement of the film's association with the theatre shows the Gaiety Theatre that stood on Aldwych at the eastern end of the Strand, Aldwych off to the left.
A side view was also seen in 'Tread Softly', 5 years before its demolition in 1957. SJ
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
Then the London Palladium, Argyle Street, London W1. More of the theatre can be seen in 'Face the Music', 'I Could Go On Singing', 'Croupier and the 1935 version of 'The 39 Steps'.
- Capture 9
- 29 Feb 2024
The London Casino Restaurant, Old Compton Street, London W1 that closed in late 1938.
The building is now the Prince Edward Theatre. (PW)
- Capture 10
- 29 Feb 2024
London’s Folies Bergère at the Prince of Wales, Coventry Street, London W1.
Not quite as illuminated. (PW)
- Capture 11
- 29 Feb 2024
Leicester Square, London WC2. The corner of Coventry Street and Leicester Street.
Where the Swiss Centre once stood. (PW)
- Capture 12
- 29 Feb 2024
Panning along Coventry Street to nos: 2, 3 and 4 including The Rialto.
Taken from a camouflaged position. (PW)
- Capture 13
- 29 Feb 2024
“Earn their living by playing to the waiting crowds” and events start to open on the entertainers in St. Martin’s Court, London WC2 by the side of what is now the Noel Coward Theatre. At the time of filming it was known as ‘New Theatre’, later to be renamed Albery Theatre in 1973. It is almost certainly a set based on the true location, particularly as the remainder of the film is all studio based.
St. Martin’s Court now. (PW)