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 – The House Across the Bay (1940)

Trace every key event in The House Across the Bay (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Steve meets Brenda at the nightclub and they marry

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

Nightclub
2

Steve is framed and sent to Alcatraz

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.

Alcatraz
3

Brenda moves to a bay-view apartment and suspects Kolma

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.

Apartment across the San Francisco Bay with view of Alcatraz
4

Mary Bogale befriends Brenda

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.

Mary Bogale's home
5

Tim Nolan enters and begins pursuing Brenda

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.

Nightclub
6

Kolma tries to blackmail Brenda and hides money

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.

Kolma's office
7

Brenda confides in Mary about her troubles

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

Mary Bogale's home
8

Brenda returns to singing to earn money

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.

Nightclub
9

Kolma confronts Brenda during a jail visit

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.

Alcatraz/Jail
10

Brenda's loyalty and Tim's continued pursuit

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.

Nightclub / City
11

Kolma reveals Brenda and Tim to Steve; Steve escapes

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.

Nightclub
12

Steve kills the lawyer and confronts his fate

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.

Lawyer's office / city streets
13

Steve is captured by the prison posse in the Bay

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.

San Francisco Bay

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:06

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The narrative follows a protagonist whose freedom is severely restricted, leading to a slow-burn examination of their psychological state. The central conflict is internal—a battle between the desire for escape and the chains of obligation or circumstance. The setting, whether a literal prison or a symbolic one, acts as a powerful metaphor for the character's internal struggle.

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Unlock the Full Story of The House Across the Bay

Don't stop at just watching — explore The House Across the Bay in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The House Across the Bay is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The House Across the Bay Summary

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The House Across the Bay Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The House Across the Bay

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The House Across the Bay. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The House Across the Bay

The House Across the Bay Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The House Across the Bay that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The House Across the Bay Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The House Across the Bay

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