7 Reasons Why Rope (1948) is a Perfect Movie

My love for Alfred Hitchcock's Rope (1948) now in video essay form, starring John Dall, Farley Granger, James Stewart, and Joan Chandler. Please watch ‪@MattBaume‬'s amazing video on the gay subtext of Rope here: • The Secret Gay Love Af... . Then watch the series of videos I produced for ‪@TurnerClassicMovies‬' archives here: • George Kennedy on Jame...
Credit to Nesrality and trygvelarsen for the music.

[@1966Heath]

Seriously under-rated movie. Hitchcock really shined when he was doing small stuff like this as opposed to the huge films. Rope is intimate and chilling and simple.

[@wrestletales]

One of the things people miss is how in the beginning, Brandon talks about David's last cup of whiskey. In the final scene, Brandon drinks his final whiskey from the same cup. Hitchcock was cool man.

[@elijeremiah1058]

“I’d kill to entertain my friends in this apartment.” Clever 😂

[@toyiahm]

Thank you! I'm glad someone appreciated that ;P

[@elijeremiah1058]

@@toyiahm yes very good 😂. It reminded me of something Hitch himself would have said on Alfred Hitchcock Presents

[@Je-Vette]

The claustrophobia of being in the same room for so long, adds tension and allows the camera to linger and roam around. Especially when the furniture is moving around

[@gloriahudson9408]

I agree with all your reasoning. But, to me, the best in Rope is Jimmy Stewart. His slow awareness of what happened in the room before the party deserves an academy award. From funny to furious, from cinic to sad. All that force Is priceless. Thanks for recognizing the beauty in this movie.

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

Yeah Jimmy was amazing, so subtle too.

[@poetcomic1]

He OPENLY espouses supermen with a right to murder and then is SHOCKED SHOCKED that his poisonous words influenced his eager students. James Mason would have been perfect.

[@Fernando-iy3fg]

Rope is a massively underrated movie It's easily on my Hitchcock's top 5

[@curiousworld7912]

I couldn't agree more strongly. 'Rope' is a masterpiece, in so many ways - its cinematography, set design, dialogue, casting - it's all fantastic, and a film I go back to often. The use of the Leopold and Loeb crime at the center of the two lead characters' actions, was brilliant - the gay subtext, references to Nietzsche's 'ubermensch', 'sons of privilege', class, etc., was spot-on in relation to that case. I've been recommending this film to friends for years, and am delighted to see your video, which gives this wonderful work its due. :)

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Well, all good, said, and done. However, as a Hitchcock fan, the one compelling reason for studying this film is that it is one of Hitch's great experiments. It's shot in one take, beginning to end. Quite tricky, very complicated, highly technical, and not deemed by it's maker as that worthwhile to telling the audience a story. The second best reason to grab hold of this gem is for all the Homo stuff, of which there is a lot, if you have gaydar. Most of America missed all that. Farley Granger was this All-American leading man. The other fella is obviously gay as a green goat. Hitch loved a good joke.The "funnest" part of Rope is watching Jimmy Stewart play a queen, and not realizing that his character IS a queen. Duh. Hitchcock, more than meets the eye (there is no blood shown on screen in Psycho).

[@chrislermacapulin3144]

What creeps me out about this film the most is knowing theres a dead person at the party and his closest friends are present

[@joslynscott466]

Yes, Rope is a fantastic and underrated movie. I watch it often. Hitchcock is my favorite director by far. I will now make you very jealous. I first saw Rope in the 1980s as it was part of the five Hitchcock movies taken out of the vault for the first time. These movies were shown in the more private theaters over the entire summer. None of the big movie chains had them. I saw the movies in a lovely 1940s built theater with great acoustics. The local theater owner named the series, "Dial H for Hitchcock". While buying popcorn before one of the movies, my state governor approached the counter right beside me. Pretty cool . I so wish those movies would be released in the theater again. That was a great summer.

[@sifatshams1113]

Rope is easily one of the creepiest and most quietly eerie films I've ever seen, and this is coming from a guy who's seen well over a thousand horror films. Something about it just unnerves me in a way VERY few other films have managed to.

[@user-fg4jk5ny4g]

So much intensity and drama for a movie about one evening. Hitchcock was a master.

[@shyamdevadas6099]

I always thought that Rope was highly underrated. To me, it's one of the top Hitchcock films.

[@1funkyflyguy]

Rope is and has always been one of my favourite top 20 movie of all time. So unique in it's whole design and execution. A stone cold masterpiece in my opinion.

[@skreety0455]

Very deserving and wonderful praise for Hitch. When I watch this, I cannot help thinking that this work preceded his icons.❤

[@ElmoWorx]

John Dall behaves as a perfect, young version of James Stewart in this film. His character is clearly trying to emulate the man he thinks of as his inspiration. Everything in his actions is meant to duplicate Stewart's mannerisms. A nice touch.

[@toyiahm]

Interesting take on that. I never thought that before but I can totally see it

[@JT-rx1eo]

Hmmmm. I've never thought that either. I'll watch it again and see if I detect emulation.

[@jonimestas9692]

The dialogue is brilliant. Great film.

[@stephenbastasch7893]

Oh, what a wonderful review of a marvelous film. Thank you!

[@bb1111116]

I just watched “Rope” again because of this review. Great film.

[@ArchieAndy27]

Totally agree! Due to its limited setting and camerawork, Rope tends to get criminally overlooked when compared to Hitchcock's more famous works ie. The Birds or Vertigo. Because of these factors (& more, as detailed in this excellent video), the film is arguably just as technically outstanding and is worthy of standing up there with his more well revered films. I was lucky to see Rope on the big screen recently and marvelled at the performances, costumes and the technical brilliance. An underrated classic indeed!

[@elijeremiah1058]

I love this movie so much. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been enthralled by its dark spell.

[@PhilipDrown]

Agree…great and thoughtful video! I first discovered Rope as a teen-anger in the mid 1980s. I also think it is better than Psycho, The Birds, and North By Northwest. The complexity and layered psychology of the characters are the most true to life of any Hitchcock film (IMO). And there is a subtle, saturating darkness that radiates from the film from the first scene. It penetrates and disturbs me every time I watch.

[@philthomas8351]

Really liked the characters and story of Rope. One of my favorite Hitchcock films. Good analysis!

[@fatherofchickens7951]

I’ve only discovered this movie a few months ago. And I must’ve watched it…4 if not more times!

[@toyiahm]

I know the feeling and reacted the same way when I first saw it!

[@scottgarver5782]

What a perfectly written review of a favorite film ! Your observations are complete and perspicacious. As a film buff the first thing I usually notice is the production design, costume design, and color palette. I've always swooned over the "Rope" set and the darkening skyline with the cumulous clouds turning a rosy, cotton-candy pink ! ( Hitch's device of the lurid neon sign outside the window adding a carnivalesque chiaroscuro is one that he would revisit in "Vertigo" when Judy finally achieves her transformation into Madeleine. ) The first time I saw "Rope" was in New Orleans in 1984. I was 18 years old. The city has one of those cavernous, overly opulent, theme-based cinema houses like Grauman's Chinese. The Saenger, New Orleans is a baroque concoction of an Italian Renaissance palazzo. The theater had just undergone its first major renovations since it had been built in 1924. They hosted a Hitchcock summer film festival to draw in the crowds. That summer, on a huge cinema screen, I saw, "Rope", "The Man Who Knew too Much" (2nd ), "Vertigo", and "Rear Window" as they were meant to be seen on the silver screen - with before and after concerts on the giant Wurlitzer organ to boot ! It's a memory I'll never forget of an opportunity few have. To this day all the Jimmy Stewart films are my favorite Hitchcock films. And, the night I saw it, I fell into my lifelong crush on Farley Granger ! Thank you for filling my heart with so much joy from your wonderful review !

[@dianegoodreads]

Excellent analysis. This is one of my favorite films of all time. I screen it a few times per year.

[@thedandyscopic]

There should have been 8 reasons ! #8 : Constance Collier ‘s performance was incredible !

[@Bazzkorg]

So glad this movie's greatly appreciated. It's one of my favorite movies. Not just Hitchcock, but overall. So much is done in what's a small set and small amount of time passing. But Hitchcock, the writing, and the actors make so much of it!

[@debbieking5171]

I love it too, you are right it is underrated.

[@paullewis2413]

Has to be along with Rebecca and Vertigo an example of Hitchcock at his best. I also love Stage Fright (1950) a very much underrated film.

[@audreydaleski1067]

Excellent movie. Watched it many times.

[@lukacunningham342]

I too love Rope! It was the first ever Hitchcock film I ever saw! Did not disappoint!

[@kathleengorney7829]

Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this. I love seeing the decor of the classic films. Exceptional describes the setting of this film. It was a pleasure to revisit the story of "Rope" and it lures me into to wanting to view more.

[@josephranney3497]

Great breakdown of the movie. It is always one of my favorites.

[@kaykeybear3334]

I am enthralled by The character Brandon (Robert Dall I believe). His face and movements , voice inflection….love him! And I LOVE Rope!!! Under appreciated and not discussed enough!!

[@davidfairfield7067]

I can't take my eyes off of Janet. Chandler is rarely singled out but she is superb from the moment she steps in until the moment she leaves. Her voice, inflections, looks....a shout out to Joan Chandler.

[@titulaveau3092]

Oh yeah…I’ll be seeing this film for sure!!!

[@anitarichmond8930]

Again I must say,anytime I’m given the opportunity to gosh over a classic movie I’m there for it. After the way you covered all the bases, the only thing left to say is , bravo 🍿🥤🍫

[@sandrakenslow9540]

I love this movie for all the reasons you mentioned. Thank you.

[@isomeme]

I completely agree with you. I love astonishing friends by showing them this film.

[@TheDrummersWife]

One thing I love about Rope is that is set like a play. I've read the store is loosely on the story of Leopold and Loeb. Its not my favorite but definitely top 5 Hitchcock films.

[@gtm604]

Great video. I remember watching this and Rear Window as a teenager and really feeling the camera as a character. This film’s cinematography truly is amazing. While not my favourite Hitchcock its certainly a great film.

[@JDlupin]

I have ALWAYS thought Rope & Shadow of a Doubt were his best. I always figured I was totally alone on those

[@VenusDeMilitant]

Really well done commentary. Thank you.

[@khaledf.abdullah]

100% my favorite Hitchcock film. I love his classics and am unhealthily obsessed with Herrmann's Vertigo soundtrack, but I keep coming back to "Rope". John Dall was so good. Have you seen "Gun Crazy"? Another very ahead of its time film.

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

Still absolutely amazed that Jimmy was 40 in this role. He looks at least 50! There seems to be a theme where people looked around 10 years older than they actually were from older hollywood movies, I think it seemed to stop happening after the 70's.

[@18000rpm]

I loved your analysis! Think I'll go watch it again, great movie.

[@Edward-jn5pl]

Just love your commentary (and your soothing voice). Everything you say is spot on. Today I re-watched Rope. I love this movie. The cityscape, and the sky, and changing colours and lights make it so gorgeous. An amazing work of art and a fascinating cultural artifact.

[@SearTheo]

I haven’t even started this video but rope is my favorite movie in the world. Thank you.. thank you…

[@SearTheo]

“I’d kill to entertain my friends in this place” haha what a great line. Rope is a masterpiece of subtlety and intentionality. You didn’t mention it in this video but in case you didn’t catch it a moment I love to point out to people is that during the opening credits of the movie there’s a policeman who walks over the sidewalk with two young boys in hand… one dressed in red (Phillips colors) and one dressed in blue (Brandon’s colors). The movie ends as it starts. That level of detail is outstanding to me. The film isn’t about catching Brandon and Phillip in a lie- we already know they committed the murder. It’s just all about waiting for the other shoe to drop… I think one of my favorite shots in the history of cinema must be when Brandon is putting the rope in the kitchen counter. The door swings open and we see him in this perfect moment with the rope dangling out of his hands like a gold chain. And he’s just looking at it with this horrible smugness… he’s the worst character in the world and I love to watch that man. Endless entertaining. I’ll make sure to watch That other John Dall movie you suggested. If he’s anything like he is in rope then I’m sure I’ll love it. I’m just always reminded about one of his final lines. “Alright… go ahead and look!! I hope you like what you see…” the way he delivers this with such vitriol and hatred, but he’s almost smiling at the fact that he got caught. It’s perfectly horrible. Thank you for this video you made some wonderful points

[@iamtheblarneystonekissmyass]

I've been binge watching Otto Preminger movies and randomly found your video on 'Laura'. What a brilliant hidden gem your channel is!

[@toyiahm]

Thank you so much! Happy to be a pit stop on a movie binge!!

[@stephenward7856]

You have a wonderful speaking voice, so soothing, great narration!

[@James-pq7nf]

HOW DO YOU NOT LOVE THAT AWESOME ENDING

[@revk8611]

Rope is one of my favourites!!!

[@user-bi4ik6ze8b]

This is an excellent essay. I love movies that take place in a single room, that’s why Rope and Dial M for Murder are two of my favorites.

[@mikeschmidt8256]

Hell, yes-Rope. Your delivery is excellent

[@rrahman12]

one of my all time top three films.

[@rebeccajunge2499]

Thank you for shining a spotlight on this amazing movie! I could never understand why Hitchcock said in interviews that he didn't like it / it didn't work or why people insist that Stewart was miscast... Personally, I think it's James Stewart's best performance and a movie way ahead of its time (technically and thematically). Also, I absolutely agree about the sets and costumes: gorgeous and so beautifully in tune with the atmosphere and characterizations. This was very enjoyable, thank you!

[@peterfeltham5612]

Yes,a truly wonderful piece of movie art by Hitchcock.

[@user-ml8ud6qd2u]

Excellent examination and evaluation. Well acted movie. Great characters story everything.

[@pariahbueso]

Kudos on awesome video. Perceptive, insightful, thoughtful. Keep it up!

[@carltontaylor6500]

My first time watching Rope was on tv as a teen. I had enjoyed the Birds and Rear Window and had watched reruns of the Hitchcock tv show. When I saw a Hitchcock movie I hadn’t heard of I perked up. Being a kid the first thing that drew me in was the one shot nature, then after awhile…slowly…I was like….waaaaaait a second. I think there may be something else (besides the murder) going on here 😂 Any way as I rewatched it over the years I’m always amazed the movie got past the Hayes codes and have comet to appreciate the themes more and more.

[@user-il5oq5df6l]

In typical Hitchcock fashion, the villains are nice and likeable.

[@bobmay1950]

Beautifully written commentary.

[@velvetbees]

Wonderful video. This is one of my favorites too. I wondered if you would mention the changing clouds in the sky. That is one of the first things I noticed and admired about this movie. Everything else you said are also things I love. I am going to watch it again. Thank you.

[@freden9234]

I loved your commentary! I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of this wonderful film. The “one long shot” technique of the film is especially wonderful and your description was very astute. Thanks so much for this homage.

[@MISHKINPUSH]

I haven't watched this film in over a decade, but your thoughtful review has inspired me to see it again. Thanks for the great video.

[@Snax_Musician]

Excellent perspective. Thank you!

[@walkawalka666]

This is one of the films my film prof. showed us in class as a teaching tool (back in the 80's) along with Citizen Kane.

[@ericbrown1327]

Thank you for an insightful presentation. "Rope" is a true sleeper, and has a continual, nightmarish quality. Your assessment of James Stewart made me appreciate how his performance fit into the film in an unexpected way. Like "The Birds," there's little music in "Rope," which gives it a natural yet claustrophobic and unsettling mood. "Stage Fright" is another neglected Hitchcock film that uses a combination of film and stage actors. I look forward to your future video essays, Toyiah.

[@theresabrown3473]

Hi Toyiah, Theresa here. My favorite Hitchcock is “VERTIGO.” But I enjoyed your commentary and “ROPE” has grown in my admiration over the years. Yes to exchanging murders, escaping over Mount Rushmore, birds attacking a town, wondering if Thorwald did or did NOT chop up his wife to pieces. YES to admitting to one’s Mom you’ve married an American spy and yes to falling for a woman who didn’t exist and not realizing you’ve actually used the very same woman to recreate her INTO the woman who didn’t exist in the first pace. WHEW!! A pretzel! But how audacious is “ROPE” as an exercise for the Master of Suspense - He creates a film to take place in ONE SETTING . . . where a dinner party surrounds a dead body and books are tied together with the murder weapon ~ to be delivered to the dead man’s Dad?!!! Ya gotta love the ballsy-ness of it. I thoroughly enjoyed your commentary. You really laid out what makes the movie soooo good! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@toyiahm]

Theresa! Thank you so much for the comment and so wonderful to hear from you. I love Hitchcock’s spy driven, wild rides but yeah, that one setting exercise in creating suspense is just splendid. I hope you’re doing well and still writing!

[@deborahfay102]

I love Rope, too. ❤

[@jeffandersen7397]

okay, just started your video...had to pause..going to watch ROPE tonight, looks like it's available as a $4 rental, and then I'll watch this ! thnx for the tip!

[@shereewilson6827]

Just found your great channel! You made me see WHY I love this film so much! You've got a new sunscriber!❤ Loved this!

[@BrianJosephMorgan]

Excellent essay.

[@skreety0455]

Somehow Hitch got Adrian to weave some great dresses. Adrian was a giant himself, an MGM WIZARD.❤

[@sp1midholm]

Good analysis of a great movie

[@roytupper3954]

Absolutely Agree! This is my all-time favorite Hitchcock Film !

[@Steven66b]

Enjoyed your thoughts on this great film.

[@Pmag86]

I love this movie and love this review, and yes I just subscribed. You also just reminded me that I bought it google movies a while back. Will be giving Rope another viewing this week.

[@dynamictunez7305]

I know i know i love Rope to...and i agree with all you statement this movie makes me love the old style of making movie especiely "Kammerspiel" movies and this flik is awsome the acting is art...all the shots feels right and are low cuting its a like you say a criminal underaded masterpiece

[@DougG]

❤❤❤❤❤ this movie!

[@ThatRosco458]

Great analysis!

[@donnaleach8119]

Wow! I just found you, Toyiah, and I am SO impressed with this video! I, too, love ‘Rope’! My favourite actor AND star is Jimmy Stewart-although Paul’s eyes can be so mesmerizing. 😉 New subbie here! Thank you for this!

[@olsh666]

I love Rope! It's my favorite Hitch too. Followed by Shadow Of A Doubt. Both very underrated in my opinion. Anyway, thank you for this, truly excellent work!!

[@frk4musl]

Thank you for your assessment! Rope is great Hitchcock and truly underrated. Loved your insights into art direction and production design.

[@jamessatter7418]

I like your double extenders. For example, saying that you would kill for the characters' living space!

[@TaraColquitt]

Loved this piece and I subscribed. ☺️

[@worksbydandeprez]

I second everything you've said. I've been researching the play the movie was based on to see if it's possible to do a production here in the U.S. The tension in the theater would be glorious. You're right that the distinctive camera work gives the viewer the feeling of being in the room far more than would be the case if it were shot like other Hollywood films of the time.

[@jennifer5512]

Loved this video! John Dall is amazing!

[@Trip_Fontaine]

Great analysis. This is my favorite Hitchcock movie too, though I've only seen about half of them so far. The tension doesn't let up for one second with the dead body in the room just waiting to be discovered at all times. This is one of the most suspenseful films ever made. Definitely adding "Gun Crazy" to my list of films to see thanks to this video. I love John Dall here. I can't believe the studio didn't think he was sinister enough. He is terrifying in this movie.

[@cheryllakin6736]

Love Rope, I turn to it every time I dont know what Im in the mood to watch. Understated satisfaction.

[@tyrusquiroz8810]

off topic, your voice suits video essays. thanks!!

[@toyiahm]

Thank you! More coming in near future 😊

[@Bentwood10]

I just came from a screening of Tarantino's 35mm print at The New Beverly and it played GREAT to the sold out crowd, about half of whom were seeing it for the first time :)

[@toyiahm]

That's so cool! I'm thrilled it's getting screenings. I wish I could see it on the big screen!

[@zachhiggins1668]

Rope blew my mind as well. On paper you'd think this would take effort to pay attention to, but it's absolutely captivating. I guess a combination of the perfect acting, script, and camera work (you pointed out so much I didn't notice. Hitchcock is the sneakiest camera director ever!) And I always forget this was 1948. Feels closer to 52 or 53. You just know contemporary fans of modernism loved this.

[@yours_eve2001]

I swear in one of the last scenes where the old teacher went back after the party, and they purred him a drink, you could feel in the air and only guess who was the most terrified. The killers or the teacher for being the next victim?

[@thetooginator153]

Excellent evaluation of “Rope”. “Rope” is one of those movies I watch about once a year - for pretty much the same reasons you described. I don’t know how they made the skyline outside, but that blows my mind every time I see it. I’m not surprised Jimmy Stewart wasn’t the first choice, but I think he was perfect for the role. I’m disappointed when an actor who ALWAYS plays a good or bad guy is typecast for every film. Stewart’s character is hard to pin down, but he certainly played a role in shaping the eugenic philosophy of the killers.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

Once a Year? You got a bad memory?

[@AliasSchmalias]

@@jeffreykaufmann2867 Zinic statement. It's not about the memory. It's about the emotions that the movie awakes.

[@Tim_OSK]

Great review! ❤❤❤

[@mr.bigglesworthyoumagnific4281]

Very good commentary..well thought out..as a filmmaker I believe in keeping cuts at a bare minimum..Rope and Birdman are excellent examples..(although there are a few basically 'un noticeable' cuts in both films)

[@missmoanypants]

I watched Matt Baume’s video on this, then yours popped up. KZbin is telling me I need to watch Rope.

[@toyiahm]

Yes, you do!

[@jordyundieground3270]

Time to finally check it out!!

[@andrewaustin9536]

Rope is a fantastic film. I feel it competes with Vertigo for Hitchock's best picture. The characters, the setting, the dialogue, the disturbing undercurrent of perverse amorality, it all comes together to make a truly excellent film. And thank you for your excellent, inciteful review. Well done.

[@saadiatalib5896]

Agree! Also, Kurosawa's High and Low always reminds me of Rope...both are masterpieces of staging and framing.