Alfred Hitchcock's Rope

I wanted to change things up and talk about a film essential.

Rope is probably not the most well-known of Hitchcock's films, although it does feature one of his recurring leading men: Jimmy Stewart. It's adapted from a play by Hume Cronyn, which was inspired by a real murder committed by University of Chicago students.

The 1948 film is a classic example of the mind of a murderer and how he or she must show off and revel in their kill, despite the added risks that involves. Lucky for us that creates suspense---and that's what Hitchcock revelled in!

As imdb.com puts it,

Two young men strangle their "inferior" classmate, hide his body in their apartment, and invite his friends and family to a dinner party as a means to challenge the "perfection" of their crime.


Brandon Shaw (John Dall) concocts a plan where he and his 'friend' Phillip Morgan (Farley Granger, who subsequently starred in Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train) kill their old school chum David in broad daylight. They stash his body in their apartment before they host a dinner party with guests including: David's father, aunt, fiancee and their favorite university professor, Rupert Cadell (the incomparable Jimmy Stewart).


Rupert is known for his ethical debates, along the lines of "A Modest Proposal", in order to justify murder, like his suggestion of "cut a throat week" or "strangulation day". Brandon took his lessons to heart, and the movie proceeds as his unstable sidekick Phillip points out, "Cat and mouse! Cat and mouse! Who's the cat? And who's the mouse?"

The reason I said Phillip was Brandon's "friend", is because it's implied in the film that they are romantically involved. Although it is never overtly mentioned, it's clear they are gay through their relationship, living arraingement and source material. Jimmy Stewart's Rupert is gay as well. He's a bachelor and there's only one mention by the maid to him being odd. It's interesting to take note of this as you're watching because it illuminates an added layer to the film, which was taboo for the time to the point of being banned from some cities. I doubt it would get such a wide release and prominent director if it was overtly presented even in movie theaters today.



Thankfully Rope has a prominent director who builds up suspense through each act of the film. Every time Brandon pushes the envelope of what he can get away with by flirting on the edge of discovery, Hitchcock brings viewers to the edge of their seats each time the clever professor, or the helpful maid comes within an inch of learning the truth.

Part of Hitchcock's style with this, his first color film, was to shoot the film with only a handful of continuous takes. Shots were roughly 10 minutes long and with only one or two (purposefully) jarring cuts, the rest were hidden through clever transitions of burying his shots into someone's dark suit jacket as they passed.

The bulk of the film takes place within in the apartment, giving the film a very theatrical feel to it. Rear Window (also starring Jimmy Stewart) also employed this technique to a degree, showing the perspective from within his apartment of the courtyard almost exclusively.


The script is captivating, dark and funny often times all at once. Each of the secondary characters has their unique backstory, attributes and voice which helps to populate the film and make it a dinner party you won't soon forget!

I'm biased because I think Alfred Hitchcock was the most ingenious and masterful director and filmmaking personality ever. Still, even if you're not an immediate fan of his work, this film deserves your attention!