The Forbidden Street

Adelaide marries her drawing teacher Henry Lambert despite her family's objections. They move into his shabby Britannia Mews flat in late-19th-century London. Adelaide hopes Henry will finish his masterpiece and prove to her family that he did not marry for money.

Henry proves to be an alcoholic and more interested in drinking and building elaborate marionettes than painting. He neglects his artistic career and shows little progress toward a masterpiece. Adelaide begins to realize the dream of his sudden success may be illusory.

Estranged from her family and running out of money, Adelaide becomes increasingly isolated in Britannia Mews. She clings to the hope that Henry's success will restore their standing and validate their marriage. The couple's fragile life begins to unravel as money tightens.

During a heated quarrel, Henry admits he does not love Adelaide and had pursued wealthy pupils rather than forming a real bond. He implies he only agreed to marry her under pressure. This revelation shatters Adelaide's trust and leaves her exposed to his harsh truth.

In the same quarrel, Henry grabs Adelaide and she pushes him away. He loses his balance and fatally falls down a flight of stairs. Adelaide is left to face the consequences of the accident and its aftermath.

Neighbour Mrs. Mounsey, who witnessed the last argument, begins blackmailing Adelaide. She demands regular payments or she will claim Adelaide pushed Henry to his death. The threat effectively makes Adelaide a prisoner in Britannia Mews.

Mrs. Mounsey also prevents Adelaide from leaving Britannia Mews for her parents' country home and lies to Adelaide's mother about Adelaide's whereabouts. Adelaide's sense of safety and future begins to fade under the weight of the blackmail.

Adelaide meets Gilbert Lauderdale, a down-on-his-luck barrister who bears a strong resemblance to Henry. He offers warmth and companionship, giving Adelaide hope of escape from Mrs. Mounsey's grip. Despite his own troubles, he shows genuine concern for Adelaide.

Gilbert develops a genuine affection for Adelaide and, furious at the blackmail, threatens to prosecute Mrs. Mounsey. His action helps free Adelaide from fear and marks a turning point in their relationship. He begins to protect her while concealing his own situation.

Gilbert discloses that he is still legally married to a wife who deserted him for America. This prevents their marriage despite their affection and complicates their budding relationship. The obstacle keeps them at a difficult but persistent distance.

Despite the complication, Adelaide and Gilbert begin living together in her flat, calling themselves Mr. and Mrs. Lambert. They sleep in separate rooms to avoid any sexual temptation, maintaining a cautious yet intimate partnership. The uneasy arrangement allows them to support each other.

Using the marionettes left behind by Henry, Gilbert and Adelaide launch a highly successful puppet theatre. The venture helps transform Britannia Mews into a fashionable street and brings Adelaide closer to her family. Their artistry reshapes their destiny as well as the neighborhood.

Gilbert's former wife Milly appears, seeking a payoff for 'wronging' her by moving in with another woman. Adelaide stands by Gilbert and insists he return to his wife. Milly's appearance adds tension and tests their evolving bond.

Milly reveals she actually divorced Gilbert years ago and married another man, freeing Gilbert to marry Adelaide. This decisive revelation clears the way for their union and cements the sincerity of their relationship.

Adelaide and Gilbert marry, and their puppet theatre continues to prosper as a symbol of their union. Britannia Mews finally thrives as a fashionable street, and the family is reconciled as a result of their perseverance and art.