The House Across the Bay

The House Across the Bay

Year: 1940

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Archie Mayo

Drama

Nightclub owner Steve Larwitt’s empire collapses under tax evasion charges and rival attacks. His wife Brenda, urged by his lawyer Slant Kolma—who loves her—testifies, sending Steve to ten years in Alcatraz. While he’s imprisoned, Brenda moves near him and rebuffs airplane builder Tim Nolan, who knows nothing of her past.

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Timeline & Setting – The House Across the Bay (1940)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The House Across the Bay (1940). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The story is set in the gangster era of the 1930s, when crime, Prohibition-era excess, and high-stakes romance colored everyday life. Alcatraz and other institutions underscore the era’s harsh realities. The period’s atmosphere of corruption and loyalty shapes every choice the characters make.

Location

San Francisco Bay Area, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

The film unfolds across the San Francisco Bay Area, with the prison looming across the water. The city’s nightclub scene provides a glamorous counterpoint to the grim realities of racketeering and confinement. Brenda’s apartment across the bay offers a constant view of the prison, anchoring the noir mood.

🌁 San Francisco Bay Area 🏝️ Alcatraz Island 🌊 Waterfront and Nightlife

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:47

Main Characters – The House Across the Bay (1940)

Meet the key characters of The House Across the Bay (1940), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Larwitt (George Raft)

A powerful gangster whose charm masks a ruthless streak. His jealousy and impulsive violence drive key moments, including the plan to confront Brenda’s supposed protector. He pursues control and security for his marriage, even as crime pulls him toward a dangerous edge. The finale sees him escape, but the prison posse closes in on him at the bay.

🕴️ Gangster 💔 Charismatic

Brenda Bartley (Joan Bennett)

A nightclub singer who marries Steve and tastes the high life, only to be pulled into a web of deceit and threats. She tries to stay faithful while navigating Tim’s advances and Kolma’s manipulation. Her resilience under pressure keeps her connected to Steve, even as danger mounts.

🎤 Singer 💖 Loyal Wife

Mary Bogel (Gladys George)

A neighbor who befriends Brenda and provides a steadier, supportive presence in a noir world. She shares Brenda’s burdens and acts as a confidante as complications unfold. Her camaraderie highlights a feminine solidarity amid male schemes.

👭 Friend 🛟 Supportive

Tim Nolan (Walter Pidgeon)

A determined suitor who pursues Brenda and challenges Steve’s hold on her. His presence adds romantic tension and moral ambiguity, as he is drawn to Brenda yet not fully aligned with any side of the conflict. He represents a hopeful alternative to the gangster world but is caught in its gravity.

💘 Romantic Interest 🎯 Challenger

Slant Kolma (Lloyd Nolan)

A sharp-tongued lawyer whose defense schemes and jealousy threaten Brenda and Steve. He resorts to blackmail and manipulation to profit, becoming the central source of conflict. His machinations catalyze the unraveling of the couple’s fragile security.

🧠 Lawyer 🔒 Blackmailer

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:47

Major Themes – The House Across the Bay (1940)

Explore the central themes of The House Across the Bay (1940), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love and Loyalty

Brenda’s devotion to Steve anchors the plot, and she fights to stay loyal even as danger closes in. Her choice to remain with him amid crime and deceit shows how love can endure under pressure. The relationship tests societal expectations and personal risk, yet fidelity remains a driving force.

⚖️ Crime and Morality

The racketeering charges and a crooked defense handler expose how law and deceit intersect in a criminal world. Money, blackmail, and jealousy push characters toward desperate decisions. The climax reveals the heavy costs of manipulation and the uneasy line between justice and vengeance.

🕊️ Freedom vs Confinement

Alcatraz serves as a constant symbol of confinement looming over the story. Brenda’s view of the prison from across the bay frames the characters’ longing for a freer life. Steve’s escape and eventual capture emphasize the tug between liberty and the bindings of loyalty.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:47

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Unlock the Full Story of The House Across the Bay

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The House Across the Bay Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The House Across the Bay, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The House Across the Bay Summary

The House Across the Bay Timeline

Track the full timeline of The House Across the Bay with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The House Across the Bay Timeline

More About The House Across the Bay

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More About The House Across the Bay

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The House Across the Bay (1940) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The House Across the Bay (1940) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The House Across the Bay (1940) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow