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Poster for House by the River

House by the River

Seen it?

1950 | 88 min | Thriller, Crime, Drama

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office flop and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Cape Fear, start here.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 28 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1950: an older pace and style.

Wealthy writer Stephen Byrne tries to seduce the family maid, but when she resists, he kills her. Long jealous of his brother John, Stephen does his best to pin the blame for the murder on his sibling. Also affected by Stephen's arrogant dementia is his long-suffering wife Marjorie.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    60% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 23K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Fritz Lang

  • Louis HaywardStephen Byrne
  • Jane WyattMarjorie Byrne
  • Lee BowmanJohn Byrne
  • Dorothy PatrickEmily Gaunt
  • Ann ShoemakerMrs. Ambrose
  • Jody GilbertFlora Bantam - John's housekeeper
  • Sarah PaddenMrs. Beach - Stephen's elderly cook
  • Peter BroccoHarry - coroner chairing inquest
  • Howland ChamberlainD.A.-prosecutor at inquest
  • Leslie KimmellMr. Gaunt