A writer inadvertently kills his maid and convinces his brother to help him dispose of the body. Dark and brooding, this one drips with film noir atmosphere, helped by the Gothic setting (house by the river!). It is masterfully directed by Lang, who it seems was incapable of making an uninteresting film. It is fascinating watching the tension grow between the self-absorbed writer, his caring wife, and his crippled brother. Hayward makes a good villain. Wyatt, who's rarely looked as attractive, is fine as his wife. Bowman is excellent in the sympathetic role of the crippled brother. The ending is somewhat abrupt, but the film is quite absorbing.
Review of House by the River
