Waterloo Bridge

With no work available in wartime London, Myra Deauville turns to prostitution to survive. She often meets clients on Waterloo Bridge, which serves as a grim entry point into the city for soldiers on leave. The summary establishes the stark contrast between her vulnerability and the city's bustle.

During an air raid, Myra meets Roy Cronin, a young Canadian soldier. He remains unaware of her profession as she is distracted and does not solicit him. When the bombing stops, Roy escorts her to her apartment where they share dinner.

Moved by Myra's plight, Roy offers to pay her overdue rent and help her, but she declines the gesture. He treats her with genuine sympathy and kindness, unseen by most. This moment deepens the connection between them.

The next morning, Roy returns and is let into Myra's apartment by landlady Mrs. Hobley, where he meets Kitty, Myra's friend and neighbor. Kitty suggests that Myra longs to be loved and protected, hinting at a possible future with Roy. The moment reveals the social pressures surrounding Myra.

Myra rebukes Kitty for meddling and rejects the idea of marrying Roy for a safer future. She asserts independence despite the risks, maintaining her own plans. The scene underscores Myra's determination to control her own life.

Roy takes Myra to visit his family at their country estate, where he proposes to her. The proposal marks a hopeful turning point, as Roy imagines a normal life together. Myra contemplates the idea of a secure future with him.

That night, Myra confesses her truth to Roy's mother, Mary. Though Mary is sympathetic, she pleads with Myra not to marry Roy, fearing the social and personal consequences. The scene deepens the moral dilemma at the heart of the film.

The following morning, Myra slips away from the country estate and travels back to London by train. The departure foreshadows the strain on her relationship with Roy and the realities of her past.

Roy visits Myra again to understand the abrupt departure and asks her to explain. He then pleads with her to marry him immediately, seeking to secure a future before he returns to battle. Myra's resolve wavers as she contemplates his request.

After asking Roy to wait outside in the hall, Myra makes a decisive move and escapes through the apartment window. Soon after, landlady Mrs. Hobley enters and reveals Myra's true profession to Roy, shocking him and complicating their bond.

Roy searches for Myra and finally finds her on Waterloo Bridge, telling her that he still loves her and wants to marry her. He also faces a military order to join a departing truck, forcing him to choose between duty and love. He secures Myra's promise to marry him upon his return and prepares to depart.

With the promise made, Roy departs with his unit, while the air raid sirens sound overhead. Myra seeks shelter on the same bridge or nearby streets, clinging to hope for a future with Roy as chaos unfolds.

In the bombardment, Myra is killed by a bomb on Waterloo Bridge, ending the romance in tragedy. Roy mourns his loss as the war's reach cuts through their lives and plans.