On the sidewalks of London, Charles Staggers (Charles Laughton) is a street busker performing to bored people waiting to enter the theater. Young thief Liberty (Vivien Leigh) steals his meager earnings. It elicits some laughter and a few more coins. He takes her under his wing with his partners. She attracts the attention of successful writer Harley Prentiss (Rex Harrison).
I oscillate with this film. I would describe it as lesser Pygmalion. I don't really buy Vivien Leigh as some street urchin stealing to survive although there are darker paths to take. I don't really get her relationship with Charles. He seems to be stuck between mentor and jilted lover and neither. I don't get their chemistry. I read that they didn't get along in real life and maybe that's what I sensed. Sometimes, she does a bit of overacting. It is still interesting to see her. She always has her prima donna vibe. It also has some big musical numbers as well as the street performances for fans of that genre.
I oscillate with this film. I would describe it as lesser Pygmalion. I don't really buy Vivien Leigh as some street urchin stealing to survive although there are darker paths to take. I don't really get her relationship with Charles. He seems to be stuck between mentor and jilted lover and neither. I don't get their chemistry. I read that they didn't get along in real life and maybe that's what I sensed. Sometimes, she does a bit of overacting. It is still interesting to see her. She always has her prima donna vibe. It also has some big musical numbers as well as the street performances for fans of that genre.