The House Across the Bay

The flick's a Bennett showcase. The other top-cast members (Raft, Pidgeon, Nolan) sort of drop in and out as needed, while Bennett's struggling single woman carries the storyline. Despite Raft's presence as an underworld entrepreneur, the plot has more to do with Bennett's romantic mishaps than with the sinister Raft. So what suspense there is has mostly to do with which suitor she'll end up with rather than Raft's underworld intrigue. Nonetheless, note that clever plot twist where, for his own protection, Bennett gets Raft sent to the slammer for what she thinks is only a year, only to watch it backfire in more ways than one. It's also an ironical move that sets up the rather surprising climax.

Anyway, kudos to wonderful A-list actress Bennett who's both gorgeous and convincing in what's a fairly demanding role. Her steely reserve alternates convincingly with the more tender moments. Also, a big nod to the always understated Lloyd Nolan as the sly lawyer man, along with Raft who manages to unbend more than usual, his occasional hard-eyed stare still managing to send me under the bed. To me, the movie's high point, however, are the scenes between the sassy Gladys George and Bennett who still manages to hold her own against tough gal competition. Between them, there's a lot of memorable chemistry and snappy dialogue.

All in all, it's more a movie of outstanding cast-members than gripping plot. Nonetheless, the 90-minutes will keep the viewer eye tuned in.

Beautiful lounge singer Joan Bennett (as Brenda "Lucky" Bentley) marries racketeer businessman George Raft (as Steve Larwitt). The two are blissfully in love, but his criminal past spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Thinking prison will protect Mr. Raft from rival gangsters, Ms. Bennett helps the F.B.I. put him behind bars. But, she tearfully regrets it when Raft is sentenced to ten years at Alcatraz. The frame-up is engineered by Raft's sneaky aide Lloyd Nolan (as Slant Kolma), who wants Bennett for himself. She rejects Mr. Nolan and rents "The House Across the Bay" from Alcatraz, to be close to Raft. Enter Walter Pidgeon (as Tim Nolan).

Producer Walter Wanger does a wonderful job showcasing bride Bennett in this crime thriller. Bennett is stunningly presented, and acts well, too. Others in the cast are also very strong, but it would have been nice to tie Mr. Pidgeon's aviation character in with Raft's somehow - perhaps as a wronged business partner or old acquaintance. Boozy blonde Gladys George (as Mary) lends notable support. Director Archie Mayo and photographer Merritt Gerstad do an excellent job - the three prison meeting scenes are marvelously staged - with help from assistant directors Charles Kerr and Alfred Hitchcock.

******* The House Across the Bay (3/1/40) Archie Mayo ~ Joan Bennett, George Raft, Lloyd Nolan, Gladys George

Joan Bennett plays a chanteuse. Her first song is a la Carmen Miranda and involves her Chihuahua. That song is a must.

George Raft has a relatively small role, though he gets top billing. Bennett is the focus. Lloyd Nolan plays a sleazy lawyer. Walter Pigeon is an entrepreneur who falls for Bennett.

Early in the movie, Raft is sent to Alcatraz. The scenes in which we see wives and girlfriends on a boat going from San Francisco to the jail are beautiful. And on the ship is -- Gladys George.

What a marvelous actress she was! She was poignant and could be witty when asked to be (as she is here.) Bennett is chic and her acting is good. But Gladys George is my girl.

If you can accept Raft's pitch to Bennett at the beginning of the movie, this is a pretty decent flic. Raft and Bennett eventually develop chemistry, and Lloyd Nolan is superbly understated as the rat. Pidgeon is not quite believable as the guy who almost gets the girl, and then finds a way to be there when Raft is no longer in the picture. It may not excatly be noir, but it is pretty good.

A businessman's wife, without his knowledge, helps send him to prison to prevent him from being murdered by rivals. The plan backfires when he is sentenced to a ten year stretch.

Solid performance by George Raft as the husband and a typical tough girl performance by Joan Bennett as his wife. Some scenes were directed by Alfred Hitchcock but sadly the script, whilst containing some good dialogue, prevents this from being so much better.