description House by the River Overview
House by the River is a 1950 American film noir directed by Fritz Lang and released by Republic Pictures. Adapted from A.P. Herbert's 1920 novel, the psychological thriller follows a wealthy novelist who accidentally kills his maid and manipulates his brother into helping him conceal the crime in a nearby river. Starring Louis Hayward and Jane Wyatt, the film is characterized by its claustrophobic atmosphere and dark examination of guilt and class dynamics.
It stands as a notable entry in Lang's later Hollywood period.
help House by the River FAQ
Is House by the River based on a book?
Yes, Fritz Lang's film adapts A.P. Herbert's 1920 novel. The psychological thriller follows novelist Stephen Byrne, played by Louis Hayward, who strangles his maid and drags his brother into covering it up.
Who directed House by the River, and for which studio?
It was directed by Fritz Lang and released by Republic Pictures in 1950. It was an unusual low-budget stop for Lang, the German master behind M and Metropolis, between his bigger Hollywood productions.
What is the plot of House by the River?
After wealthy writer Stephen Byrne accidentally kills his maid, he manipulates his brother John into helping him dispose of the body in the river. When the corpse resurfaces, guilt, suspicion, and blackmail spiral toward a dark ending.
Where can I watch House by the River?
The film has long been in the public domain and is freely available through outlets like the Internet Archive. That has made this lesser-known Lang title one of his most accessible works.
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