Waterloo Bridge 1940
Directed by
Mervyn LeRoy
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Waterloo Bridge (1940). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the turmoil of World War I, Myra Deauville, an American showgirl, finds herself struggling in London in 1917, desperately seeking a way to return home. With her financial resources depleted, she reluctantly turns to soliciting on Waterloo Bridge, a well-known spot for soldiers on leave. It is during this difficult time that she crosses paths with Roy Cronin, a sensitive Canadian soldier recuperating from his injuries sustained in France. Captivated by Roy’s innocence and vulnerability, Myra chooses not to engage in her usual business transaction and instead offers him a simple invitation to join her for tea at her apartment.
The next day, as Myra prepares to part ways with Roy, her neighbor Kitty, who also works in the same trade, spots him lingering outside their boarding house. Oblivious to the fact that their landlady, Mrs. Hobley, has been compelled to run a brothel due to her husband’s imprisonment, Kitty seizes the moment to persuade Myra to consider Roy’s proposal as a means of survival. Kitty argues that providing comfort to a lonely soldier could bring some solace in a chaotic world, framing it as a moral choice in light of Myra’s difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Hobley overhears the discussions about Myra’s interactions with Roy and, focused on her own self-interest, urges Myra to accept his offer. She believes that this arrangement could not only alleviate Myra’s financial struggles but also ensure the smooth running of her boarding house. Eventually, Roy proposes to Myra, and despite her initial reservations, she yields to the pressure. However, overwhelmed with guilt regarding the situation, Myra ultimately decides to slip away before the arrangement can be fulfilled.
As the war continues, Roy allocates part of his military pay to support Myra and even names her as the beneficiary of his life insurance. Despite the grim realities of their circumstances, Mrs. Hobley reveals to Roy the truth of Myra’s line of work, yet he accepts the harsh truths of wartime life without faltering. When he returns to Camp Bramshott, he encounters Myra again at Waterloo Bridge, this time insisting that she accept his financial support and sign the necessary paperwork for the life insurance policy.
With an ominous feeling looming over her, Myra agrees, only to find herself caught in the devastation of a sudden German air raid that strikes the city. Amidst the chaos that engulfs her, her cigarette extinguishes as the bombs begin to fall, leaving her fate uncertain in this tragic love story set against the backdrop of war.
Timeline
Track the key events of Waterloo Bridge (1940) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Myra's Struggles
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.
Desperate Measures
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.
Meeting Roy
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.
Kitty's Persuasion
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.
Pressure from Mrs. Hobley
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.
Roy's Proposal
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.
Myra's Guilt
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.
Roy's Generosity
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.
The Truth Revealed
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.
A Fateful Reunion
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.
The German Air Raid
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.
Endless Uncertainty
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.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Waterloo Bridge (1940) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Myra Deauville
Myra is an American showgirl caught in a dire situation during World War I. Clever and resourceful, she grapples with her choices and the pressures imposed by those around her, ultimately seeking to maintain her dignity in a challenging environment.
Roy Cronin
Roy is a sensitive Canadian soldier healing from his war injuries, embodying innocence and vulnerability. His earnestness and compassion provide a contrast to the harsh realities surrounding him, showcasing his ability to empathize with Myra's plight.
Kitty
Kitty is Myra's neighbor and fellow worker, pragmatic and keenly aware of their struggles. She influences Myra's decisions, seeing both the survival aspect and the potential emotional relief that could come from comforting a soldier.
Mrs. Hobley
Mrs. Hobley is the landlady, whose desperation leads her to run a brothel. Focused on her own financial stability, she pressures Myra into accepting Roy’s offer, highlighting the moral ambiguities faced by those in wartime.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Waterloo Bridge (1940), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1917
The events occur during World War I, a period marked by significant global conflict, social upheaval, and changes in societal norms, especially regarding gender roles. The war brought about a sense of urgency and desperation, influencing the characters' decisions and relationships.
Location
London, Waterloo Bridge
The movie takes place in London, a vibrant city that was significantly impacted during World War I. Waterloo Bridge serves as a notable location, known for its connection to soldiers and the emotional encounters that unfold during the war.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Waterloo Bridge (1940). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is central to the narrative, as Myra struggles to balance her survival against the backdrop of war and the emotional connections she forms with Roy. Both characters make heartbreaking choices that reflect the harsh realities of their time.
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Despair
Despair permeates the lives of the characters, particularly Myra, who faces the enormity of her situation with limited options. The war escalates their suffering, culminating in a tragic ending that underscores the futility of their struggles amidst chaos.
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Connection
Amid the turmoil, the theme of human connection emerges, as Myra and Roy find solace in each other. Their relationship highlights the search for companionship and understanding in a chaotic and war-torn world.
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