The House Across the Bay

Steve Larwitt, a gangster, falls for Brenda Bartley while she sings at his nightclub. They marry and enjoy a glamorous life for a while.

Steve is set up for racketeering and sentenced to ten years in Alcatraz. His absence forces Brenda to adjust to life without him and navigate new temptations.

Brenda rents an apartment across San Francisco Bay with a view of the prison. She grows suspicious of her lawyer Slant Kolma, fearing his involvement in Steve's downfall. The distance keeps her connected to her past life and the prison.

Brenda is befriended by Mary Bogale, whose husband is also jailed. Mary's companionship offers Brenda a chance to socialize and momentarily escape from their shared troubles.

One night, Tim Nolan meets Brenda and becomes attracted to her. He begins pursuing Brenda, and over time he wins her heart, complicating her feelings because she still loves Steve.

Kolma schemes to blackmail Brenda, having sold off her jewelry to fund his 'defense'. His jealousy grows after he sees Brenda with Tim, deepening the web of deceit around her finances.

Brenda opens up to Mary Bogale about her mounting problems and the missing money. The confession deepens their friendship and sets up new alliances.

Brenda goes back to singing at the nightclub to earn money and support herself in Steve's absence. Her performances keep her connected to her past life and to the people around her.

When Brenda visits Steve in jail, Kolma waits to pressure her for information or leverage. The encounter heightens the danger surrounding Brenda and hints at a larger conspiracy.

Tim continues to pursue Brenda, while she grapples with her feelings and tries to stay faithful to Steve. Her resolve is tested as the affair with Tim threatens to undermine her marriage.

Kolma informs Steve about Brenda and Tim, prompting Steve to escape and search for Brenda. Tim's intervention and the truth about Kolma's manipulation move the plot toward a violent confrontation.

Steve goes to find Kolma and shoots him, ending Kolma's scheming. He then returns to the bay to face the consequences of his life of crime.

Steve swims out into the San Francisco Bay and allows the prison posse to capture him. His surrender marks the end of the chase and the film's tragic arc.