Waterloo Bridge

In 1917, during the turmoil of World War I, Myra Deauville, an American showgirl, faces immense difficulty living in London. With her finances running dry, she finds herself desperate to return home, leading her to make drastic choices.

Unable to find a way out of her dire situation, Myra reluctantly turns to soliciting on Waterloo Bridge, a popular spot for soldiers on leave. This marks a turning point as she grapples with the reality of her circumstances.

It is on Waterloo Bridge that Myra meets Roy Cronin, a sensitive Canadian soldier recovering from his injuries in France. Rather than engaging in her typical transactional approach, she is drawn to his innocence, inviting him for tea at her apartment.

The next day, Myra's neighbor, Kitty, sees Roy lingering outside their boarding house. Kitty persuades Myra to consider a proposal from Roy, emphasizing that providing comfort to a lonely soldier could be a moral decision under the current chaos.

Mrs. Hobley, the landlady, overhears the discussions about Myra's relation with Roy and urges her to accept his proposal. She believes that this arrangement could alleviate Myra's struggles while securing the stability of her boarding house.

Eventually, Roy proposes to Myra, presenting a way out of her turmoil. Although she has initial reservations about his offer, the pressure from those around her compels her to consider it seriously.

Overwhelmed with guilt about the situation and the implications of their arrangement, Myra ultimately decides to leave before any commitments are made. This decision marks a significant internal conflict for her.

As the war progresses, Roy begins to allocate part of his military pay to support Myra, showcasing his affection for her by naming her as the beneficiary of his life insurance. This act demonstrates his dedication amid the chaos of war.

Despite being told the truth about Myra's work by Mrs. Hobley, Roy accepts the reality of their wartime lives without hesitation. This acceptance highlights his depth of feeling for Myra and adds complexity to their relationship.

Upon returning to Camp Bramshott, Roy encounters Myra again at Waterloo Bridge. He insists that she accept his financial support and sign the necessary paperwork for her life insurance to ensure her safety and stability.

As Myra agrees to Roy's offer, a sudden German air raid strikes London, plunging the city into chaos. Myra's world spirals as bombs begin to fall, leaving her fate precariously uncertain amid the devastation.

In the midst of the turmoil caused by the air raid, Myra's cigarette extinguishes as the bombings commence, symbolizing the abrupt end of her hopes and dreams. The horrific realities of war loom large over her tragic love story.