Rope Needs More Gay

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Rantasmo unwinds Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful and gay-coded 1948 thriller, ROPE.

[@maggiekoch9348]

I like "Rope" a lot. The villains are suave, polished, and creepy in the way they kill, and how they react to it. However, I always thought that their old friend blackmailed them for being a couple, and they silenced him together. The emotional and relational tension under the surface is what really sells the film.

[@nicholasfitzhugh6738]

Maggie Koch that would be a completely different movie

[@mikitz]

Hell, can't believe Jordan Peterson was Rupert!

[@jesser9932]

Late to the party, but that seems like that's a reach...especially since the expressed motive is killing for the sake of an experiment, not because of any interpersonal reason.

[@pointysidedown]

Oooh, interesting take!

[@mrt1288]

@@jesser9932 Yeah i agree

[@wrywh]

"Effeminate, gay, badass war hero" is actually a pretty good description of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans as presented in the series Versaille.

[@pitofneverendingsarcasm8476]

@Chrysaura wow that came from somewhere deep are you okay?

[@VirtualBoy500]

I just realized that in this movie Jimmy Stewart is basically coming up with the idea for the Purge.

[@mastermarkus5307]

+VirtualBoy500 The idea of the Ubermensch has been around a long time, and really organized or solidified in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Also, the Purge was (illogically) used primarily to reduce crime, not cut down on the population.

[@fisheyenomiko]

+VirtualBoy500 The idea that killing people would cut down on [insert various random negative things here] has been around for some time, actually. "A Modest Proposal", for example, was published in the early 1700's.

[@mastermarkus5307]

fisheyenomiko "A Modest Proposal" was satire, but ... the example stands

[@nicholasfitzhugh6738]

Master Markus the purge isn't a satire?

[@MarquisSmith]

One of my favourites movies, so I'm really glad to see it covered here. I'm not sure if the homosexuality should be classed as subtext, given that it's very blatant. Maybe that's just my modern eyes. It might have been different for viewers at the time.

[@harrietamidala1691]

+Salfordio I have a feeling the subtext was probably overlooked by most audiences at the time in 1948. We only notice it now because we know more about LGBT people.

[@floraposteschild4184]

Given that the story was based on the real-life Leopold and Loeb case, which was not just well known but called The Crime of the Century, I think your interpretation is highly unlikely. But sweet. People who knew about homosexuality at all at that time would have gotten it.

[@PrincessNinja007]

At least in my family, there are things that get picked up on now even if they weren't intended, because a lot of the men were raised on the John Wayne era of men. Anyone who mixes their drinks and uses soap is *clearly* coded gay.

[@MnMsandOreos]

My ultra Christian ex-friend hosted a murder mystery party for one of her birthday parties when she was a kid. She gave me my part but she thought it would be fine if I made the character female, since I'm female, and in the description, it didn't describe me having any romantic partners. One of the twists was that my character dated another girl at the party, so she and I were accidentally gay. Funny because there was later the real life twist that I AM GAY

[@zane6817]

there’s also something to be said for the fact that it’s made to look like it’s all shot in one take, making it so studios couldnt edit out anything “too gay”!

[@HexManiacQuinn]

"They are disgusting, morally-bankrupt human beings, but they throw one hell of a party."

[@Der1Einzige]

Hex Maniac Quinn you’re not the only one chum 😏

[@batman.darthmaul]

From what I understand, the play more heavily implies an affair between Rupert and Brandon. All that's left of it in the film, besides Brandon's obvious esteem for Rupert, is the line describing how Brandon used to spend all night at The Master's feet.

[@909red]

Rope is one of my favorite Hitchcock films, so I read a lot about it a while back. There is actually an interview where the screenwriter talks about how they had to mute the homosexuality of Stewart's character from the play to get past the Hayes Code. There's even a coded reference to Stewart and Dahl's character's past relationship in their discussion at the piano. The screenwriter explicitly stated that the rest of the cast and crew wondered if Stewart realized that his character was gay, but didn't want to approach him about it.

[@mastermarkus5307]

Aw yeah! One of my favourite (and generally under-appreciated) Hitchcock films! Maybe this is a little "immoral" of me, but I always sympathized more with Phillip and Brandon than I did Rupert, since he was the one who _taught_ them about the concept of the ubermensch and spoke as though he believed in the ideas of the philosophy, only to be disgusted by it's actual practice (as though he didn't know what it entailed!) Sure, he's "right" in that murder is morally bad, but to me Rupert comes off as more of a hypocrite than a man who is torn between two senses of morality or anything like that.

[@mastermarkus5307]

+Master Markus Also, I didn't actually read into Rupert's accusations as being about their homosexuality, but about Brandon having a cold, apathetic nature, considering that that's understandably a quality someone might have to consider murder - possibly seeing people as "things" that are disposable and can be played with.

[@idraote]

agreed

[@willemverheij3412]

Seems like they handled it quite well in this movie, it just seems to be that these killers happen to be gay or bisexual and it seems unrelated to their act of murder. Like Philip playing the piano is not related to it either. Just part of the character. Both very talented actors by the way, I only saw them in this movie but now I do want to see their other work too.

[@taylormanes8113]

granger was rlly good in strangers on a train!! and i know john dall was in a movie from 1950 called gun crazy, which i haven't seen but looks interesting.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

@@taylormanes8113 A particularly memorable and startlingly different role for Farley Granger is the one he plays in Frank Loesser's musical *Hans Christian Andersen* (1952). He plays a demanding and very heterosexual ballet ditector who has a volatile relationship with his star ballerina.

[@spacewaifuu]

You could take this chance to make a video talking only about Hannibal. Please, I´d love to see it.

[@canisfamiliaris351]

I'm loving this series, and ^ yes please!

[@Fenrisaconite]

Dinner parties, murder, and queer characters? Sounds like Hannibal to me!

[@jamescarrington6504]

He should review Hannibal

[@AnnettaDarandri]

Is #hannigram video available yet?

[@zoelyons1264]

I remember reading about the Leopold and Lobe trial and thinking "this feels like it should be a BBC miniseries or something", and of course, it is! Thanks for another excellent video, I'm gonna go watch Rope now.

[@TezQuetz]

Add my voice to the choir asking for a "Hannibal needs more gay"! ;)

[@jamescarrington6504]

Second

[@ctulhuone]

Rantasmo, please make Hannibal needs more gay🙏

[@THEStephenBroady]

I just loved this, thank goodness rantasmo put out a new video (been waiting for ages) and I really love this movie, though on a slight note, some say Jimmy Stewarts character was in a relationship with Brandon because some people behind the film say this

[@fangsabre]

I got to see this movie recently and I absolutely loved every moment of it. Never lost sight of how horrible the two killers are but between the phenomenal cinematography and the great acting I was just a tightly wound ball of suspense from halfway onward. Like a coiled spring where every new element hinting the answer to Rupert was another turn of the key, compressing the spring more. I spent hours gushing about it to my friends afterwards.

[@lordsxman]

I'd love to see a 21st century remake of this with Philip as the foppish badass!

[@hollymh6266]

Honestly this is literally one of my favourite ever films so I'm gonna gush a bit here. I freaking love this film. A lot. Farley Granger as Phillip and Joan Chandler as Janet both own my heart super a lot. I love everything about it. Apart from James Stewart, who is basically the main reason I prefer the play. And, much as I adore this film, I do love the play a lot more, especially Rupert Cadell, who is wonderful. Not only can I imagine Rupert being acted a lot better in the play (apparently Bertie Carvel played him at one point, which YES. Yes please. Good.) but his writing is...better. I find he comes off a lot less condescending James Stewart and his experience in WW1 plays a much more obvious part in his stated attitude towards murder, also making said attitude a lot more understandable than and his end monologue sound a lot less kinda-hypocritical. I just. I goddamn love Rupert Cadell and I think it's such a shame that he was changed so much for the film. I mean, all the characters change, but I kinda love all the other changes? I mean, Janet Walker owns my ass and she's basically nothing like Leila Arden, the character she's the equivalent of and who I also love a lot. So yeah. Read the play. Read it for Rupert and read it for the bit in the stage directions at the beginning where Patrick Hamilton gets weirdly specific about telling us exactly what Brandon looks like and how hot he is. Because that happens.

[@a.m.r.m.3492]

Monty Bat I'm a huge fan of this movie too!! where can I read the play though, I have been looking for a copy for a while

[@hollymh6266]

I got my copy off Amazon - I couldn't find anywhere to read it online, though, just the physical book.

[@titanuranus3095]

Monty Bat So you couldsay that you are really pushing rope?

[@TheActualCathal]

Been putting off watching this for years because I hadn't gotten round to watching Rope.

[@irishman6414]

Could you review Psycho?

[@dongrainer6405]

I love Rope too. First saw it many years ago and recently bought it. I've often wondered about the relationship of James Mason and Martin Landau in "North by Northwest". Thought there was something going on between those two.

[@gregorykollarus8190]

I love rope!!!!!! It was such a good movie, and incredibly well written by Arthur Laurents (who was gay) all I care about is good storytelling. If Sweeney Todd can kill so can Phillip and Branden.

[@notafangirl]

I'm rather interested to see of you do a piece on the show How to Get Away with Murder

[@legaultrants]

"Like he's some sort of gay, British, Zatoichi..." Oh my gosh YES!

[@Zandalorscat]

This was super cool, I'd love to see you do more classic movies. But also, do one for That '70s Show! I've just realized how little queer analysis and fanfiction there is for my childhood favorite show and now I want someone to join my grumbling about how the writers treated Fez.

[@meep_cubed170]

Oh my gods, yes

[@carolinewheeler77]

Rope is also a very prolific movie, in that it was one of the first allegedly "all in one take" productions. Even though that wasn't the case at all, the director did some pretty clever things with the camera to make it seem like it was.

[@lee-ci8mj]

Omg I love the Hannibal references 💕

[@dajoler]

Would love to hear your thoughts on NBC's recently cancelled Hannibal. It features one of the most unconventional romances, straight or queer, ever seen on TV, let alone a mainstream cable network like NBC.

[@maximillianford9301]

What a backflip from Rupert. Literally preached about his approval of murder an hour earlier, then when he actually witnesses the result of the act, he becomes all ethical and moral. This is in addition to teaching college students about Nietzsche's philosophies about superior and inferior. I agree that it was a drastic step to actually put his teachings into practice, but I have sympathy for Brandon and Philip, as the guy who planted the seed of committing murder in the first place ends up being the reason they presumably end up in prison, all because Rupert suddenly changes his ethics and derides the act of murder.

[@harrietamidala1691]

It's been a long time since your last video, and I am pleased you chose this one. It is fascinating to hear your thoughts on it.

[@thecuttlekid2758]

speaking of murder and dinner parties, would anyone else want to see Rantasmo do an episode on Clue? that film is honestly pretty gay.

[@hoathanatos6179]

This reminds me of the german film and novel Was nützt die Liebe in Gedanken (What's the point of love in thought) which is based off of a real 1920s incident, "die Steglitzer Schülertragödie". It's about a gay and bi boy who suffered from substance abuse who, after being rejected by their lovers, turn to a suicide pact which involves murdering those who rejected them. Obviously the one killer didn't commit suicide and instead wrote the book about their life living in an era of excess and lust in the Roaring '20s where German youth could explore their sexuality and substances before the Nazis came to power and killed them all.

[@PKAonline]

Oh god, Rantasmo, why would you hint at Hannibal like that... I've been waiting for an episode on that since FOREVER (as I have surely mentioned before in some comment. But others seem to be of the same opinion when I look at the comments. Pleaaase?). I've seen Rope a few years ago and never picked up anything. Which is... strange, seeing the material here. Have to watch it again, I guess.

[@captainzappa696]

Hitchcock has made the most freudian things that I ever saw in my life, in any medium

[@AkiraTanaka11]

I wonder if it's because Hannibal is mentioned after Rantasmo points out the gay killer trope that he hasn't made a video on the show yet... I would love to see a full video analyzing it though - there's also a couple of lesbians in the show and they're great too???? And they don't die in a show about serial killers???? Also the cast is phenomenally open about the overall queerness of the show, and although Hugh Dancy (Will) says Hannigram is a platonic relationship -I don't think he means it as a strong friendship, I think he sees it as a very intimate bond that's neither romantic or sexual but isn't just "friends" either. Seeing the lack of m/m relationships that have that level of depth and thought to it just makes it such an unique couple, and I think you'd do great making a video about it, Rantasmo. Sidenote: Bryan Fuller is gay and bless him for wearing a shirt of Hannibal and Will kissing during a videoconference in front of thousands of people.

[@stuartlee6622]

How 'bout Miss Pette Buttiget? Queenlette of Transportation 💄💋

[@danidkg4071]

the fact that you used hannibal as an example, a gay man himself (hannigram is canon, don't @ me), is just perfect jshfjkdhj

[@FlavioMarceloSousa35]

The cut to Jimmy Stewart's face when he finds the truth!

[@FarelForever]

Man oh man, did I ever enjoy this! I love the analysis, going through the aspects, acknowledging the positives, negatives, and also the time when this was made. Sorry, I just recently had to deal with some obsessive SJW idiots who choose to see things as black and white, and they get offended at anything. Thank you for delivering this far more smart and just analysis on this movie :)

[@Dimi374]

We need a remake of this movie.

[@AnnaStavaleF]

Brandon and Phillip walked so Hannigram could run

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

I love the movie "Clue". It's the best. Seen it so many times I could recite all the lines by heart. :)

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

***** Well, the homophobia was largely a representation of the times. Of course the twist in one of the endings sort of deflates all that.

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

***** Yeah, I know. It was, to me, really more about putting a punch line in there but yeah that does happen and he is involved in a lot of the physical comedy (especially with Wadsworth, although it is Miss White Wadsworth chokes during one re-enactment scene). However, there's that one ending where... well spoilers. :)

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

***** I am NOT your father. :) Yeah.

[@martatarasiuk5198]

I know that right now everyone wants to see a Hannibal episode from you, but how about the wonderful medium of animation? I liked your videos on "Frozen" and "The Legend of Korra" quite a lot and would love to see more.

[@caseymck]

The Brits have a fundamental claim on dinner party murders (which I love). The Agatha Christie remakes over the last 15 years (not that Orient Express, but the Geraldine McEwan/Julia McKenzie-as-Marple ones) are really smart in getting Meta about Britain's fascination with death , especially post-WWI. I have a weird view of it--that there's something therapeutic about staging Death in the midst of the popularization of Existentialism and Clinical Psychology. Still working on how Class fits into this whole phenomenon, but whatever it is, I sure am a sucker for it.

[@highwind1991]

Strangers on a Train needs more gay

[@zatzme100]

Speaking of gay killer tropes in movies, who can forget Mr. Ripley?

[@bebebebota11]

Thank you. I always love queer analysis on Hollywood old films. I keep wondering how they were perceived when they come out. Was the gp aware of the subtext (plain text in some cases) or were people saying "not, you are just seeing things", like it often happens now?

[@bebebebota11]

Thank you for your answer. I'll check out the documentary.

[@nardo218]

i want to see chris colfer and darren criss do this play soooo much

[@ellDiavolo666]

The Rope is actually about being gay. The whole murder thing in the movie is actually their homosexual relationship that they are trying to hide. All ingeniously crafted by Hitch.

[@lamuccafamuh]

In the dvd making of, Arthur Laurents says the implication of an old affair between one of the protagonists and their teacher was intended, but didn't make it to the film because Jimmy Stewart didn't carry the sexual tension and was somewhat uncomfortable with the role.

[@acewilliams7917]

It doesn't need more gay. The film is a masterpiece already. It has just the right amount of gay. You need more gay? Hollywood's a gay medium, it has enough gay.

[@grahamhaddock3537]

Would you ever consider talking about the 1999 film Ravenous? Or maybe even just watch it for terrible puns and cool music, which I highly recommend.

[@acecat2798]

Rantasmo- if you read the comments (which for your own sake I hope you don't since people can be unbearably stupid), I would like to recommend a review of The Maltese Falcon, an example of classic noir that has heavily coded gay characters. 2 of the 3 depicted are (likely) in a relationship, and Humphrey Bogart's character referring to one of them as a 'gunsel', slang for a gay submissive. It's not a healthy portrayal, but it is fascinating to look at how often queerness pops up in film noir, often as a way to compare the 'upright' straight hero with his 'disturbed' adversaries. Adversaries, who, it should be noted, are actually quite likable and well-characterized and very capable. Come to think of it, the horny straight guys in MF are killed off pretty fast and even Bogart reads as 'I don't have time for this femme fatale I've got a case'.

[@danielshinkle6686]

Great movie. I like how it was shot with the long takes

[@pierre-yveslebel1390]

Well Done Young Man Great analyse !! Thanks

[@stuartlee6622]

Yes! Miss Pette Buttiget 👑

[@WikiSorcerer]

I want there to be an ambiguously gay suspect who has all of the bells and whistles of the "Wicked Cultured" archetype, only for him to be a red herring and it was actually the obnoxiously straight muscle bro who killed someone, everyone thinking he's too dumb and "straight" to have been up to anything as elaborate as a Christie-esq murder mystery.

[@thomasdamours7325]

Cool, a new video! I definitively like it when your videos pop on my dash :)

[@AlexandriteRush]

I think we all want a full Hannibal episode, I know I'd love it. There's... a lot to talk about there. Please consider it~!

[@ladycopine]

Well Leopold and Loeb were actually gay, at least they were sleeping with each other.....

[@debbieking5171]

The reason HITCHCOCK got away with this movie, is because the audience of 1948 did not understand this movie.

[@stephenleblanc4677]

"Probably Hitchcock's most overtly gay movie?!?" Probably?!?! Back to gay school with you. P.S. I agree with you on their humanity...but that is just Hitchcock's theory of horror. "Shadow of a Doubt" shows that your friendly, neighborhood uncle (spoiler alert) could be a serial killer. Hitchcock here is just making the horror more horrible by making its author more relate-able. Still, a great movie. Alfred did not at all shy away from gay sensibilities in his movies, even Psycho, exploiting America's homophobia to make money.

[@williameasley7183]

Interesting look at a classic film. I saw it some time ago. Now I need to re-watch it. This one may be out of left field but what about a look at the body-horror film of "Tetsuo- The Iron Man" and it's underlying sexual themes?

[@doughboydevito4529]

Good video Rantasmo! Do you think you could do an episode on "South Park"?

[@ssgsorrels]

You should do a video on JoJo's bizarre adventure. The crazy amounts of gay subtex and men in colorful outfits striking poses warrants a view. Also its one of the greatest, most manly shows of all time.

[@baabaaer]

The Freys make the best murder party. No mysteries, just murder.

[@xAnescox]

ohh Hannibal and Rope ! Love this vid.

[@sillygrl23]

I think the movie: The Watcher (2000) was kinda like that too.

[@js357s]

I thought you did a really good review and offered some great insights.

[@RPG_Angie]

I would LOVE to hear you talk about Hannibal, preferably episode by episode.

[@vincentacri94]

Good God that's like saying that Homer needs another kween in it...by the way no fooling on #moviestv recently saw the superior Compulsion with my beloved Orson Welles, as a less horrific, less baked potatoey, less Spencer Tracy, Henry Drummond type and tearing away the Technicolor B's of Hitchcock is sometimes exactly what is needed. Really he gives a eulogy in it worthy of his Brutus I once had on lazardusk.

[@oof-rr5nf]

Hannibal Needs More Gay! Pretty please!

[@BarrySmith70]

Rope is only an hour and a half long so you really don’t get to know any of the characters all that well. Therefore, a lot of the gay descriptions I’ve heard and read is mostly speculation. I wish a prequel or sequel existed so we could have had more insight (or back story) on how Brandon and Phillip “relationship” actually was.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

4:42 to 4:53 That is definitely not typical Stewart. He struck me as what the character was, a gay intellectual.

[@rnezz1310]

Pleeeeeeease do Hannibal (TV). If you've seen it to the end, you might have a little more to say about the gayness of it

[@MusicFilmArtLover]

Ha ha ha, I watched this film at least two other times and didn't realize the leads were gay. I just assume they were best friends, brothers, relatives etc. I recently watched it and clearly see they were gay...go figure. This film had to be epic during the original release date because like you said in your commentary films from this era with this type of gay was unseen. This is why I appreciate AH films. I would love to hear your take on the film about the two school teachers. I forget the name but I have a feeling you may know. It's an old film. They worked in a private all girls school. One teacher was in love with the other teacher. The other teacher was in love with a man. The school almost got shut down because of the rumor of one teacher being gay. If I find the name, I will update this comment.

[@michaeljones723]

MusicFilmArtLover The Children’s Hour

[@Abitheartist]

I didn't know that the movie was a play! I would love to see a production. Is it bad that I wanna play a lesbian version of Rupert Cadell? I would love to strut around stage with swagger and a sword.

[@inkadinkadoodle]

the "subtext isn't hard to pick up" if that's what you're geared to find. it's not leaning that way for all to see. it's not clear to me - nor is it even hinted at all that clearly - that these guys are in a relationship. i can't say i agree with your points in this video. maybe another time.

[@mikeeyohio]

It's exceptionally clear that the two leads are gay and in a relationship. If you don't "see it" then your incredible naive. It's about as blatant as it can be.

[@ras613pa]

GREAT, great analysis. :)

[@FRADAVE02]

One word re: Willow; college!

[@andromedastar4900]

Strangers on a Train had even more homoeroticism and obvious sexual tension between the two main characters.

[@meatheadjs2624]

The use of Hannibal.. yes.

[@watchingyoutube9240]

The opening theme music tips off "Firebird" every time I hear it I get totally ticked off.

[@gentlemandemon]

Although a pretty irrelevant now and growing less relevant, "Scrubs" could be pretty interesting/funny to cover.

[@nikolatesla5553]

I'm a huge fan of Rope. I was always uncomfortable with the Gay subtext. Not because I'm against gays but because I worry that such a film portrays Gays as evil. That something is wrong with them. That said, it would also be wrong to suggest that a psychopath couldn’t also be gay. I would love to see a modern remake of this movie. Maybe something entirely without the gay subtext. I would imagine that a superiority complex among the wealthy is hardly uncommon.

[@annatevka8830]

Really well done, thank you 👏🏻☺️

[@theleagueofsupermushrooms5323]

You should check out boy meets girl or even London spy.

[@ladyer0n199]

Yeah, he should totally talk about London Spy.

[@PROJECT_936_dot_NET]

Good video. I subscribed

[@jemmajames6719]

I never got the gay vibe from the film at all! Men did share apartments without being gay.

[@RobHeathers]

I haven't heard of this movie, but holy fuck I want to watch it now!!

[@Applepopess]

Any chance you'll review "Carol"? :)

[@daemionluccas490]

"Swoon" needs more gay...

[@NoCommonSense9]

This was one of my favourite videos yet! Hey, would you maybe think of checking out Dreamfall Chapters? Even if you don't do an episode on it, it's really great.

[@ropeswats7069]

i do not feel like i need more gay

[@AHHHHHHHHHHHHl]

Casablanca needs more gay

[@TheStraatjutter]

Is the play still being performed ? like at all?

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

The play (by Patrick Hamilton) was published by Samuel French, and the performance rights are controlled by Concord Theatricals. I remember reading about at least one production in Chicago that took place within the last few decades.

[@andrewgibbon-williams7974]

I love your analysis of this great movie, but are we sure old Hitch had all this in mind? Or did it just come out that way in the great performances?

[@fezotheclown]

first 10 seconds and I'm fucking hooked baybee

[@ras613pa]

You all need to check out a vid-tube discussion among ONLY straight people on the subject of "Rope" I won't share the channel - but, it's just what you'd expect: Not really 'getting it' or 'seeing it' or 'just maybe, but not really' LOL