UNBELIEVABLE SUSPENSE & Incredibly Engaging! Rope (1948) Movie Reaction | *First Time Watching*

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My first time watching Rope (1948). This movie defines suspense! I think I leave every Hitchcock film feeling like this one is my favorite, but honestly this might be the one I've enjoyed the most so far. The acting, the style, the technique, the suspense! I hope you enjoyed my Rope movie reaction.
Hi, I'm Chris! Welcome to my channel. I react to movies & tv shows hoping to represent what it's really like to experience them for the first time. If you enjoy, you can support me by liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and letting me know your thoughts in the comments.
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Original Movie: Rope (1948)
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Rope was a quasi real time feast of suspense! One of the most engaging movies I've watched. What are your thoughts on Rope? Make sure you've subscribed so you don'e miss: Alien Resurrection, Tron, The World's End & Forbidden Planet!

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

@@midianmtd …the murderers were explicitly lovers in the original play. The professor was gay as well. Hitchcock, I thought, knew how to uncouple that idea from the murder itself - mostly. There’s a great video of Hume Cronyn speaking of discussions on how to get “It”, as they all called the homosexuality, past the Hays Office, so writer Arthur Laurents (gay), removed explicit references to “it” - even though the first few minutes is one long double entendre of post-coital dialogue. But Hitch reinstated “it” through casting and suggestion. He wanted Cary Grant (gay) as Rupert. Farley Granger (Laurents’ then boyfriend) was always going to be Phillip, and Hitch wanted Montgomery Clift (gay) as Brandon. With Grant turning them down, James Stewart, as Arthur Laurents even said, was incapable of playing sexuality of any kind. With John Dahl (gay) as Brandon, it all played out as Hitch wanted. “It” was right in your face without being there at all. The original play, in 1929, also didn’t end with a moral speech but with all three players in stunned silence after the discovery. The film, 1948, in the immediate aftermath of Hitler’s defeat, struck a much stronger note.

[@laustcawz2089]

Along with everything else, this was also Hitchcock's first color film.

[@TheBlott2319]

Have you watched 1917? It's a modern faux single-shot movie that is one of the most riveting films I've ever seen. They use the real-time in a different way to make you feel like you are on an exhausting journey with 2 soldiers in WWI.

[@teddiberes1688]

I loved that you loved it. It's been a little while since my last re-watch, so I enjoyed following you as you watched it all unfold and fall apart. If you haven't watched it already, I rec' Arsenic & Old Lace. I think you'll laugh.

[@ThreadBomb]

@@teddiberes1688 Maybe watch Bride Of Frankenstein first?

[@richardb6260]

This is based on the real life murder case of Leopold and Loeb. They were two upperclass students who murdered a teenager just to see what it was like.

[@richardscanlan3167]

... just evil - no other word for it.

[@hanoc101]

Yes. I read a book based on the real events of that murder called "For the Thrill of it" Look it up if you are interested.

[@richardscanlan3167]

@@hanoc101 I shall.

[@viewtiful1doubleokamihand253]

@@richardscanlan3167 Evil can be incredibly enjoyable to commit. There are records of people doing so and only feeling sadness towards not being able to commit it again and perhaps better. Cue Hannibal Lecter's monologue about "God loving murder."

[@verribarry]

There is an "American Experience " episode based on this it's called "The Perfect Crime"

[@RickTBL]

The more I see Rope, the more I think it's a masterpiece.

[@Rmlohner]

Farley Granger later starred in Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train, which basically plays out as "What if Phillip actually stood up to Brandon?" Hitchcock ended up not thinking much of how the film turned out, calling it a "failed experiment." Though it's actually ended up quite popular with his fans, and certainly rated much higher than his other long take film Under Capricorn.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I loved strangers on a train too. Both great films.

[@TTM9691]

Just in case you haven't seen it, Ryan, here's Chris' reaction to "Strangers On A Train". It's a good one! : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmnEqpiKetqJr7s

[@gaelbourdier2941]

@@CasualNerdReactions "The rope" is his first color movie.

[@gaelbourdier2941]

@@CasualNerdReactions I think it is based on a true story.

[@laustcawz2089]

@@gaelbourdier2941 Leopold & Loeb.

[@starbrand3726]

This classic movie is a fantastic example of a purely dialogue driven story. It doesn't rely on action or horror and yet it's suspense has you on edge the whole time. Note: Brandon and Philip were written and subtly played as gay lovers. While it's never mentioned overtly in the movie, it is implied subconsciously.

[@julietcunningham852]

I would not be surprised to find out that Hitchcock knew they were gay in real life.

[@lynng9618]

The actor who played the strangled victim had a larger part in Hitchcock's trailer. Again, that's why their called teasers--and Hitch was the biggest teaser of all. You should see the one he made for Psycho--it's hilarious!

[@laustcawz2089]

This version is even more hilarious!!-- kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKnIXnyca5xmeK8

[@a1superfantastic]

WOW, I'm so impressed and thrilled that this Hitchcock film was chosen! Definitely not one of his most popular, but I'm a huge Hitchcock nerd and I do consider this send-up to the Leopold and Loeb story one of my favorites. This was an interesting pick for the director as well, because Hitchcock's signature style is that of montage, or pieces of film: shot of the actor's face, cut to what he's looking at, cut to reaction on face. A huge departure for him. Still, to get what was written as a play shot on film, I loved it.

[@MrZefklop]

Since you enjoyed this cat-and-mouse suspense, I recommend you try "Sleuth" (the 1972 version by Joseph Mankiewicz).

[@laustcawz2089]

...or 1982's "Deathtrap".

[@mckeldin1961]

Love SLEUTH... I second that!

[@TTM9691]

GREAT CHOICE! Great great choice. I've considered recommending that to reactors and just figured no one would back me up, so I'm backing YOU up, that's a real good movie. Lawrence Olivier and Michael Caine. In my top five Caine performances along with "Alfie" and "The Man Who Would Be King", "Hannah & Her Sisters" and "Deathtrap" Damn good movie! "Sleuth"

[@TTM9691]

@@laustcawz2089 "Deathtrap" is ALSO good!

[@dianef6038]

Both GREAT movies! How about 'Sorry Wrong Number'....😊

[@dennismason3740]

The changing light in the backdrop is sublime.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Yes! Such a great detail.

[@TTM9691]

I wish I LIVED in that backdrop.

[@izzonj]

Phillip at the piano as the professor questions him is my favorite part! Just listen to the music , how it starts out rather light then gets dark with minor chords and then becomes pretty crazy as Phillip's anxiety rises!

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Yes! That scene was fascinating. Especially when he turns on the metronome.

[@izzonj]

@@CasualNerdReactions anything and everything to crank up the tension!

[@jamesharper3933]

It was just like watching a play. Small and confined. One of Hitchcock's best underrated films.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I would 100% go and see this as a play.

[@selinakyle2368]

@@CasualNerdReactionsit’s based off of a play

[@amandabroom9878]

This is probably my 2nd favorite Hitchcock after Dial M for Murder and perhaps tied with Psycho. Great reaction as always and so happy you enjoyed it!

[@angelagraves865]

Dial M for Murder is a great movie!

[@gerardcote8391]

My favorite is The Trouble with Harry, funny dark comedy.

[@anthonyleecollins9319]

I was lucky enough to see Dial M for Murder in 3D in a theater, many years (decades) ago, and it was amazing. Before the feature there was a Three Stooges short in 3D, and the comparison just showed how subtle Hitchcock's use of 3D was.

[@franciscogarza9633]

Thank you Chris for reacting to Alfred Hitchcock's rope 1948 I definitely recommend you to see one of the director's favorite shadow of a doubt 1943 it's great 👍

[@TTM9691]

Definitely that would be my choice! That's in my top five. That said, he's got plenty of solid Hitch to choose from, plenty of top-shelf stuff, I'll be content with whatever he chooses. But if I were king, I would say "Shadow Of A Doubt". (so vote for me for king!).

[@Muckylittleme]

The guy who played the smarmy sociopath did a great job. I have a met a few just like him over the years and saw through them instantly although some people seem oblivious to their disingenuous "charm"

[@punchfisttop]

PS great reactions! you get it. fun fact: the police siren was done by setting up a microphone ten miles away and having the police car drive up to it. And the clouds in the background were spun glass on wires. So glad to see someone appreciate such a great film! Subscribed!

[@richardscanlan3167]

I have most of Hitchcock's films - and this is my favourite.It may have been done on the cheap,but it really is a classic. What makes this film so good are the performances of Farley Granger - who is weak willed and jittery,in sharp contrast to John Dall's chillingly,ruthless persona.He was the real star of this film. Good performances from James Stewart and Cedric Hardwicke, also.

[@jean6872]

James Stewart didn't like the movie and felt completely miscast.

[@misseva7404]

This movie affected me so deeply that I have trouble revisiting it. The fact that it's based on an actual murder - Leopold and Loeb, 1920s, in my hometown of Chicago - makes it even more upsetting. Really powerful and dark.

[@JeffersonMills]

I am SO glad you watched this! It’s been one of my faves since I got to see it at the Harvard Square theater when it was rereleased (along with Vertigo, Rear Window, and two others that Hitchcock had kept under wraps for more than a decade) in 1983. It’s well worth looking up more information about the production - silently moving walls, precisely choreographed staging, the lighted moving backdrop with changing clouds of spun glass - it’s really astounding. The story is adapted from a 1929 stage play of the same name, based on the infamous Leopold-Loeb murder a few years before. I appreciated your analysis and thoughts on how we treat each other at the end. Keep up the good work!

[@foljs5858]

They're playing out a juvenile version of the Nietzschean "superman". The protagonist in Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment (also made into several movies) does the same kind of thing - and has the same kind of "inquiry", until ... (no spoiler). Crime and Punishment (2002) is a nice watch. For another movie with the same concept, see Murder by Numbers (2002) with Sandra Bullock.

[@TheMorenaluiza]

This is one of my favorite Alfred movies. What a show filmed in a single environment and with so much to say. The tension of this film is also a work of art.

[@audreyquinn73]

I love this film! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it. Hitchcock was a cinematic master. ❤❤❤ love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@tokyorose530]

I keep looking at Brandon (John Dall) and saying I've seen him before, now I know.... he's in a movie called Gun Crazy (1950) that I watched. He plays a gun- obsessed pacifist. You can never go wrong with a movie with Jimmy Stewart in it. My favorite is Arsenic and Old Lace, so many fun characters in it. I watch it every halloween. *correction** Cary Grant is in Arsenic and Old Lace 🤦🏾‍♀️ not Jimmy Stewart lol

[@melenatorr]

That's right about John Fall! I think "Arsenic and Old Lace" actually stars Cary Grant, but I highly recommend it no matter what.

[@tokyorose530]

@@melenatorr lol omgosh I forgot that was Cary Grant not Jimmy Stewart 🤦🏾‍♀️. Thank you for the correction. I hope he reacts to Arsenic and Old Lace one day.

[@creech54]

@@tokyorose530 An easy mistake, since Stewart starred in 3 other Frank Capra movies.

[@TTM9691]

Yeah, that's a good noir! PS: Arsenic And Old Lace is actually Cary Grant, not Jimmy Stewart.

[@mckeldin1961]

There are two movies that are even more closely based on the Leopold & Loeb case: COMPULSION (1959, Richard Fleischer) and SWOON (1992, Tom Kalin). Very different in their approaches (from each other... and from ROPE), but still fascinating.

[@TTM9691]

Compulsion is a good one. And featuring Awesome Welles!

[@DefunctGames]

LOVED this movie and feel like it's one of Hitchcock's hidden gems (as hidden as a Hitchcock film can be, I suppose). Love the faux-one take tracking shot they employed and the performances were spot on.

[@garybrockie6327]

So glad you enjoyed this one. The story came from a 1929 play by Patrick Hamilton of the same Title. The play is based on the famous murder of Bobby Franks by two rich and intellectual school chums. Hitchcock wanted to film the play in real time, unfortunately film reels are around 11 minutes long. Hitchcock filmed this movie in 11 minute takes! At the end of reels the camera would close up on the back of someone’s dark suit or something you could easily match up the next take with. Also color cameras in those days were huge and cumbersome to work with. Every time the camera moved with a character from the living room to the entrance/dining area archway opening had to be pulled apart on cue In coordination with the camera crew, and done silently. This wasn’t easy.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Truly an impressive feat! 👏

[@markschildberg1667]

Blimped Technicolor cameras weighed about 800 pounds. It took four grips to move one around the set.

[@christiandivine3807]

John Waters says the apartment in ROPE is the greatest set in film history.

[@TTM9691]

LOVE THAT! Interesting! I'm going to have to meditate on that! Ha!

[@HeatherMarieDriscoll]

I have watched only this reaction of yours and also Psycho, as I am a true Hitchcockian. I have always always LOVED Rope and consider it as one of Hitchcock's finest and I appreciate so much Watching your videos and as someone who could talk Hitchcock all Day every day, I LOVED THIS.

[@robertjewell9727]

This was so much fun. Did you spot Hitchcock's "cameo" appearance? Hitch always felt that editing was the essence of emotional engagement in film, but here he chose to experiment with the long take and moves in on reaction moments rather than cut to them and ultimately he preferred cuts to 10 minute long takes, but the subtle reason the long takes in a metaphorical way really work here with seemingly no cuts (he cuts when the camera moves in on someone's back or on the open chest lid after Rupert opens it) is because the camera moves around the room like a rope winding its way around the room and the suspenseful tying up of everyone in the room. It's brilliant, but my favorite cut in the film is when Phillip freaks out about strangling chickens and says, "That's a lie!", Hitchcock just cuts to Rupert's deeply concerned expression and it has power. Perfect.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Such a well crafted film! I didn’t catch the cameo this time. I wasn’t looking at first so I thought I maybe it was in the credits, but I didn’t see it when editing either. 🤔

[@davidfox5383]

Oops, sorry I didn't read this comment before I added mine. I think you described the Rope metaphor much better!

[@creech54]

@@CasualNerdReactions The cameo is a red flashing sign (seen thru the window) of Hitchcock's famous self caricature.

[@sabalos]

I went looking for some contemporary reviews after I finished watching this movie, and one of them complains that the movie opens with an event that is "sickeningly graphic, establishing a feeling of revulsion which seldom left me during the entire film". That event is the murder, which I found so genteel I thought the twist was going to be that the victim would recover and start walking around the party.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

What? Definitely not how I’d describe the opening. Maybe for a film in the 40s, but I still thought it was underplayed.

[@MrCnurse]

One of my favorite Hitchcock films and one of three he made using one single set, the others being Lifeboat and Rear Window (Which although filmed from the perspective of Jimmy Stewart's apartment and was all one set, was actually one of the largest sets ever constructed and featured the ability to have it rain).

[@floppsymoppsy5969]

I think this is my favorite Hitchcock film. I love Jimmy Stewart's character arc.

[@GenX7119]

FYI: Alfred Hitchcock was actually in the movie. His image appears outside the window in red

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

He appeared in neon lights, in case it wasn’t clear.

[@torikazuki8701]

I thought it relevant to point out that Stewart's character, Rupert became more than a little hypocritical at the end of the film. When he says to Brandon- "...but you've given my words a meaning I never dreamed of." that can hardly jive with earlier when Janet asks him, "Now you don't really approve of murder..?" To which Rupert replies, "...I Do." and insists he's not joking. If I felt as cynical as I normally do, I would say that Rupert DID believe in what Brandon did, but when faced with the reality, was so shocked at the consequences of his ideology, he was unwilling to face that and put all his confusion & shame into outrage at Brandon. Scapegoating him, essentially.

[@MrHootiedean]

This is also my favorite of Hitchcock's films. So clever! And since you're enjoying his oeuvre so much, may I suggest Brian De Palma. He's the direct heir of Hitchcock's style of suspense and camp, and in my opinion does it better, or at least I enjoy his films more. Sisters, Dressed to Kill, Body Double and Obsession are love letters to Hitchcock and cinema in general. Anyway, have a great day! Really enjoy your reactuons.

[@TTM9691]

"Carrie", that's the one I want to see him do more than any other! I think he'd do a great reaction for that. And sure enough, even in "Carrie" Brian's got the Psycho theme in the "Carrie" score! The guy will freely steal from (sorry, pay homage to) Hitchcock every chance he gets, I love it. (I like "Sisters" as well!)

[@thomasbradley4505]

They don’t reference it in the movie (after all it was the 1940s) but the men the movie is based on were lovers

[@hanoc101]

This is based on the Leopold and Leob murder of the 20s. A movie that is much closer to what happened in that case is a lesser known film called "Compulsion" starring E.G. Marshall, Bradford Dillman and Dean Stockwell.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

And don't forget Orson Welles!

[@1gremlins2]

The gay subtext in this movie was really interesting to me. In those days, because of strict censorship laws you were not allowed to depict a gay relationship on screen, so Hitchcock used subtle touches that indirectly hinted this theme throughout the movie. Another interesting thing about this movie to me are the long takes and clever editing to make this movie look like a theatrical play instead of a movie. I enjoyed revisiting this!

[@wfoster-graham6363]

True. And as an FYI, both Farley Granger and John Dall were LGBT in real life.

[@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary]

You are Right... Such an Awesome Story and Cinematography! You should check out The Man Who Knew Too Much, with Jimmy Stewarr and Doris Day..

[@jwes869]

Thank you for reacting to this. It's a classic.

[@arrow1414]

The term "Fashionably Late" is by no means new.🙂

[@woodedlane]

Always loved this movie. I recently heard it was Hitchcock's first color film.

[@donbrown1284]

Two wartime films of Hitchcock are often overlooked -- FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT and LIFEBOAT. Both have terrific elements and scenes.

[@TTM9691]

LIfeboat is a good one, his first "experiment" into doing a movie with just one set. I'm not as crazy about Foreign Correspondent, but - as always - it has some terrific elements and scenes. I always say: even in his weakest films, it's not like Alfred Hitchcock doesn't know where to put the camera! That will seldom be the problem! Script, yes, sometimes, but usually he's doing great storytelling with the camera.

[@donbrown1284]

@@TTM9691 FC suffers from a relatively weak cast. Hitchcock wanted Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck and got Joel McRae and Laraine Day. Oh well. It's a masterpiece of production design (by William Cameron Menzies) -- the assassination on the Dutch government steps in the rain (shot on an outdoor set in Van Nuys, CA) at 24:20 in the full movie timeline below, the windmill scene at 33:52, and especially the plane crash climax at 1:40:42. Still it was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar the same year as REBECCA -- a twofer for Hitchcock. Of course, REBECCA won. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWm4cmBml82WaKs

[@TTM9691]

@@donbrown1284 Yeah, I'm not big on Rebecca either, although it's good, definitely worth seeing, whereas F.C. joins U.C. (and others) in the bottom part of the list. (Sabateur is another one from this period I'm not big on) (There are plenty of ones down at the bottom of the ladder......but lucky for us, he's still got plenty of classic and solid Hitch to choose from. From "The Lodger" and "The Ring" (which I'm sure he won't hit!) all the way to "Frenzy". (which I'm sure he will!).

[@donbrown1284]

@@TTM9691 I actually met Hitchcock in the lobby of the Schubert Theater in 1972 for the Boston premiere of FRENZY and got his signature autograph (his profile) on my ticket. His wife Alma was with him, but frail, recovering from a stroke. "Saboteur", by the way.

[@TTM9691]

@@donbrown1284 WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Alma, awwwwwww. Wow! I don't even know what to say! PS I Confess is another one I never took to. Not big on Spellbound. I do like Jamaica Inn though! I heard so much bad stuff about that film, and then when I finally saw it I couldn't see what the big deal was! Not the best Hitch, but not the worst! PSS: I still can't believe you were in the presence of the great man, wow. So he's not just a flickering dream in the pantheon of greats.....he really did walk the Earth. Your story is the indisputable proof! :D (I so hope it was a good screening!)

[@conniegaylord5206]

I love Rope. It is very cebral. Alfred Hitchcock is one my favorite. He started silent movies, comedy thru suspense and horror.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I love that he was able to create films through so many different stages of cinema! I can't help but wonder what kind of films he'd be making today.

[@CoopyKat]

I'll have to watch this movie again. I can't remember if they ever show poor David alive in this movie. Someone in the comments here said that David was shown alive in the trailer, which he was. It was cool seeing that. In the trailer, Hitchcock states it's the last time you'll see David alive, which suggests they never showed him alive in a flashback in this film?

[@davidfox5383]

This was one of five movies that was out of circulation and unavailable for viewing for many years, along with Rear Window, Vertigo, The Trouble with Harry and The Man Who Knew Too Much. They were re-released in the early 80s and I think everyone was so excited to see the other ones, especially Rear Window and Vertigo, that Rope was rather overshadowed. I remember enjoying it on a first viewing and college but I was so ecstatic at the release of the other films that it kind of fell under the radar for me personally. I find it interesting now that you are not alone in saying it is your favorite so far of the Hitchcock films that you have watched. I've heard that reaction from many reactors, and many younger viewers. There's something that seems to connect with many viewers today, beyond just the interesting filming technique (which was emulated many years later in the movie 1917). I have heard one film historian refer to the Rope of the title as the actual film itself, illustrated by its technique of one long take. Another delightful and reaction from you, Mr. Chris!

[@CasualNerdReactions]

It definitely resonated with me, not sure why. Perhaps in part the way people treat each other online feels so inhumane- I mean, it’s not uncommon to see people spout death threats or or at the very least suggest certain people of different beliefs be dead. Either way, all of those films are amazing, but this really is on the same level, if not as high concept.

[@OirichEntertainment]

MOST UNDERRATED HITCHCOCK FILM

[@otnat2094]

This movie is one of the many movies that have been made over the years that is either directly inspired or loosely inspired by the real-life case of killers Leopold and Loeb. Nathan Leopold Jr and Richard Loeb were two wealthy University of Chicago students who kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago, IL in May 1924. They committed the murder, characterized at the time as "the crime of the century", as a demonstration of their 'intellectual superiority', which they believed enabled and entitled them to carry out a "perfect crime" without consequences. Of course their 'perfect crime' was far from perfect, and due to many screw-ups during the murder (including Leopold losing his glasses near the body, which police were able to trace to him), the two of them were caught and arrested within days. Off the top of my head some other movies based on the Leopold and Loeb murder are 'Compulsion' from 1959 and 'Murder by Numbers' from 2002.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Honestly, that’s still absolutely bonkers to me that anyone would think that way. I’ll be researching their story.

[@otnat2094]

@@CasualNerdReactions Yeah there are a lot of aspects to the story that are pretty fascinating. Leopold and Loeb's trial itself became pretty famous because of their lawyer. They were defended by Clarence Darrow, a pretty famous lawyer at the time. In his closing argument he pleaded with the jury to give the two of them life imprison instead of the death penalty, and he gave a whopping 12-hour long summation (yes you read that correctly - _12 hours!_ ) against the evils of the death penalty. In the end the jury granted them life in prison. (Personally, I think that after 12 hours, the jury would have granted any sentence he wanted as long as it would get him to shut up so that they could go home 😆) Leopold and Loeb were also lovers for a time, and although Alfred Hitchcock could not state that directly in the movie due to the censorship at the time, he tried to heavily imply it through subtext, and both actors tried to convey some of that with their performance.

[@MrDavidcairns]

@@CasualNerdReactions In real life, one of the killers was knifed to death in prison, while the other, who had been dominated and controlled by his lover. reformed and became a philanthropist upon release. You can guess which was which from the movie... Both Compulsion and Rope are terrific dramas that have to tiptoe around the homosexual angle. The later movie Swoon was able to address that more openly.

[@TheBlott2319]

Yeah, I'd definitely recommend Compulsion as a follow-up to Rope. It's not as good, but still a solid film that delves more into the actual Leopold and Loeb case. And it has Orson Welles.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

@@otnat2094 There was no jury in the Leopold & Loeb trial. Darrow plead them guilty, and waived the right to a jury in the hope of avoiding the death penalty (which he did). A single judge decided the killers' fate.

[@HuntingViolets]

Great reaction. I hope Rupert sticks with his new-found philosophy.

[@emilythorkildson8514]

Don't know if you've seen these Hitchcock films, but if you haven't, I'd highly recommend reacting to Notorious and Shadow of a Doubt. Shadow of a Doubt was Hitchcock's favorite of all the films he made, and Joseph Cotton gives a very creepy performance as the film's villain. And Notorious is my personal favorite of Hitchcock's films!

[@fxbear]

Oh good! My favorite Hitchcock film. One technical detail, keep an eye on the backdrop and continuous changing of light as the sun sets. It’s gradual and so masterfully done. I love that you picked up on that.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

That was one of the most interesting parts, especially with all the technical elements that went into to the filming style.

[@kingamoeboid3887]

I suggest you give M (1931) a try. It’s directed by Fritz Lang and one of the earliest serial killer films (also my personal favourite). Lang also directed Metropolis (1927) which is one of the greatest sci-fi films ever with groundbreaking sets and visual effects especially from its time.

[@ericarodriguez6634]

Hi there! You should definitely do a reaction to How to Steal a Million with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole! It’s so funny!

[@michaeltaylor8777]

great film and great review/reaction!

[@okay5045]

Being fashionably late was always in vogue.

[@geraldmcboingboing7401]

And that's why they call A.H., "The Master!"

[@CasualNerdReactions]

The master indeed!

[@MrGadfly772]

Hitchcock loved making people feel suspense on behalf of the killer, it was like a private joke. He played with this notion throughout all his films, and it was very effective as you would, naturally, feel suspense for the protagonist, but he doubled the suspense by making you feel it for the antagonist as well.

[@julietcunningham852]

The music is a "Perpetual Motion" by Poulenc.

[@kimerlyhogan6567]

I LOVE this movie, but I LOVED your reaction even more. New subscriber here! 😀

[@punchfisttop]

ROPE was ahead of it's time. Ten minute continuous takes with moving set pieces really capturing the feel of the stage play...with phenomenal acting all around. And even the sound design was amazing. Def one of Hitchcock's best films.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Completely agree! I thought it was incredibly well made all around.

[@punchfisttop]

@@CasualNerdReactions I also feel your comments were apropos and you constantly reacted...where most lay silent. GREAT JOB!

[@kojiattwood]

Great choice of that Poulenc piano piece.

[@cliffchristie5865]

Wouldn't want to be in the path of those three falling bullets, though. Rupert may have some explaining to do.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I never once thought about the fact that when you about in the air the bullets eventually fall down. Oops.

[@cliffordwaterton3543]

i'm so pleased that you've got so into HItchcock - you've restored my faith in human nature and good taste. 2 more titles that I think you would really enjoy - Spellbound (which includes a dream sequence designed by slavador dali) and Dial M for Murder. in the meantime i will look forward to the outcome of the sci-fi poll. really enjoyed your reaction to this movie. 👍😊

[@KTBroadcasting]

This remains one of my favorite Jimmy Stuart movies!!! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@amossmith6215]

Price how Rupert shot three times out the window. He has 2 shots left.

[@agenttheater5]

At first I wondered if Rupert was serious then I started to wonder if he was just being shocking for the sake of being shocking then I started to wonder if that was just his method of getting people to debate morality.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Amazon performance and script that makes us ask these questions.

[@stpaley]

i have an infinity for older movies, not only for the movies itself, but i find the fashion-decor-architecture fascinating and this film the whole idea of having the lead couple being gay, it is obvious all the guests know they are a couple and it is just accepted (and how brilliant it is to have gay actors portray brandon & phiilp)

[@007sMoneyPenny]

Similar sarcastic type of crime story, and the same classic our family watched it regularly like The Rope, is „Arsenic and Old Lace“ : 2 seemingly lovely old ladies.. are murderous road

[@sandrakenslow9540]

First time watching your channel. Love it.

[@ScientificallyStupid]

I have been waiting for this one! SO GLAD you enjoyed it!!

[@mildredpierce4506]

This is loosely based on a real life murder committed by Leopold and Loeb. They were two rich guys who thought they were intellectually more superior than anyone else and that they could get away with murder because they were too smart to be caught.

[@GenX7119]

I looove Alfred Hitchcock movies!! He makes movies i one room or minimum shots and keep your attention!!

[@ThreadBomb]

Usually saying that a movie resembles a play is a bit of a put-down, but in this case watching Rope really is like watching a thrilling play in your own home.

[@vicmanpergar]

This is my fav Hitchcock movie in fact

[@gingerberrycatt]

A fun thing to look into is queercoding in Hitchcock movies, as Rope is one of the most oft cited examples. In part due to the basis, but also in that the two killers are both played by men who were either known to be gay or rumored. His two other big queer coded movies being Rebecca and Strangers on a Train.

[@bigroundsunglasses]

I’m glad you finally got around to it! Thanks for another great reaction ♥️

[@izzonj]

This is one of my favorite Hitchcock films, I'm so glad you loved it. While the "continuous take" could have just been a gimmick i think it definitely heightened the tension. You might be interested to know that Hitchcock put 4 if his movies "in the vault. " that is, after their first theatrical runs they were not re-released, shown in repertory theaters, on TV, not released on home video as that became available, until after his death. This was meant to increase their value for his heirs. The four films were Verigo, Rope, The Trouble with Harry and Rear Window. I was taking a film review class in college when Hitchcock died so our professor was able to get the films and show us. So I was one of the first to watch these since their initial runs! Although, thinking about it, they may have been available for scholarly study before he died, in not sure.

[@JeffersonMills]

For the record, there were five films in that category, the fifth being “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” Here’s the trailer for their rerelease: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqnaqnpsq56seJI

[@izzonj]

@@JeffersonMills thanks, I had totally forgotten that.

[@GenX7119]

These thrillers isnt Alfred Hitchcock but a great old school movies; Cape Fear (1962); Dead Ringer (1964); Wait Until Dark(1967) Bad Seed(1956); What Ever Happened To Baby Jane(1962); The Post Man Always Rings Twice; Imitation of Life(1959) and Pinky(1949).

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I’ll have to check ‘em out one day! As for wait until dark… kzbin.info/www/bejne/bV7Fd4SwZ61pjc0

[@gggooding]

'nother *great* reaction, Chris! Thank you! Man, Hitch _enjoyed_ strangling..best not to wonder why, I suppose 🤔😵. This, Strangers on a Train, Frenzy (yikes!), Dial M, Torn Curtain a bit, Rear Window a bit...am I forgetting something?

[@CasualNerdReactions]

It’s easy when dealing with such a great film!

[@dovegrey1]

Someone mentioned Dial M For Murder in the comments, another film set mainly in one room, with just a few scenes elsewhere. Another fantastic Hitchcock movie....along with this amazing one!

[@dennismason3740]

One would think that Clark's spitcurl would give him away. That's what it's called - a spitcurl. Guys used to spit into their palms and use the mucous to hold their hair in place, like mousse.

[@Charlie_Wolfe]

Reminds me a lot of Edgar Allen Poe story The Tell-Tale Heart we read in school

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Definitely can feel some similarities.

[@RickTBL]

Oddly enough, Hitch made a trailer that shows David alive. It's very interesting.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Oh interesting. He often seems to make trailers that don’t show the actual movie so I’m curious if he ever intended David to be in the film or not.

[@RickTBL]

@@CasualNerdReactions Not sure if you know this, but Hitchcock planned out every shot, every cut, every important detail in his head. Once the entire film was complete in Hitchcock's head, filming could begin. There was no improv, no deviating. Hitchcock wanted Rope to take place in one apartment and to look like it was done in one long take. The trailer shows David and Janet in Central Park, before anything happens. I don't think Hitch ever meant for this to be part of Rope, because he wanted it to start with the murder, in the apartment. The trailer gives Hitch an opportunity to give us just a little "back story", without having to put it in the movie and mess up the flow.

[@celinhabr1]

Yes, on my top 5 fav Hitchcock movies! It's brilliant.

[@WVUFootballGoinDeep]

Nietzsche's "superman" was "above" morality on the basis that such a person would have internalized such things and not require someone else's set of rules to tell them the difference between right or wrong. The idea that it would give the person the "right" to commit murder is a misunderstanding because such a person would know why it was wrong. (No society can even begin unless one of the agreements is not to murder each other.)

[@Rmlohner]

You have to wonder if the creators of The Purge took some inspiration from this film.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Yes! That would really make sense.

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

There was definitely a playfulness with far right ideas of eugenics, elitism, etc. in mid century. I wonder if part of the message of the movie is to paint "men who live in beautiful penthouse apartments without female companions are monsters"

[@GenX7119]

You must watch his other movies! Life Boat; The Man That Knew Too Much; Dial M for Murder and Shadow Of A Doubt

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Shadow of a Doubt is coming August 16!

[@sydIRISH]

My favorite Hitchcock film...and I love them all.

[@monkfan72]

Great movie. Thank you for uploading it. Other Hitchcock movies I love are Sabotage and Lifeboat, which I hope you will watch as well. :)

[@BubbaCoop]

Birdman convincingly looks like one continuous shot. That's about its only connection to this one though. James Stewart is incredible. A few people walked into the room at the end of my first time watching this and there was stunned silence as they watched without context. I think Rupert is Hitchcock to an extent. He enjoyed pushing people's buttons with thought experiments about murder (like they do in Shadow of a Doubt)

[@RobertCasas]

Yes. It's incredible. I'm gonna watch it right now again. See the film changing when fading out?

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Yes, I noticed most of them! A simple and effective way to do it, especially for the time period. I’ve seen worse more obvious cuts in some films that weren’t even going for the one shot technique.

[@dianef6038]

So glad you enjoyed this movie!

[@GrouchyMarx]

The next great Hitchcock to do is "Dial M For Murder". It's similar in that most of it is filmed in one location, a London flat. But it's a good one Chris, one you'll enjoy too. BTW, there are two Hitchcock cameos in "Rope" and one of only a couple of his I know of with two cameos. Great acting from all in Rope! Especially from John Dall and Farley Granger. And of course Jimmy Stewart with his look right here 8:05 that speaks volumes!! LOL! Great reaction vid, as always! ✌😎

[@brentwebster6164]

From here you need to finish off the Hitchcock/Stewart collaborations with The Man Who Knew Too Much. Others that I would consider required viewing (that you haven’t watched already): Notorious Dial M for Murder The Lady Vanishes The Trouble with Harry Rebecca Sabotage Lifeboat Spellbound (with a Salvador Dali dream sequence) Shadow of a Doubt

[@robzbuzz]

Best part of Rope was the one take filming. Only cuts are to change film reels.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Yes! That is definitely part of why I felt so engaged, because there was no cutting away to ease the tension.

[@Horror-Man]

First saw this film way back in 2012. Loved it immediately and couldn't understand how it wasn't as famous as Hitchcock's other films. The main character is like a proto-Patrick Bateman.

[@CasualNerdReactions]

That’s exactly how I feel!

[@traceyb9443]

Really enjoyed that reaction! 😁

[@garychambers6848]

Just a note here....The reason for three gun shots out the window?.......A distress signal can be three fires or piles of rocks in a triangle, three blasts on a whistle, three shots from a firearm, or three flashes of a light, in succession followed by a one-minute pause and repeated until a response is receive...

[@CasualNerdReactions]

Thanks for the info!

[@okay5045]

Rear Window is one of the best Hitchcock movies

[@CasualNerdReactions]

I agree!

[@user-bl5yi4uw6j]

"Rope" is another one of Hitchcock's experiments, but that doesn't detract from its greatness. It's an incredibly well-made psychological thriller. The acting, by a fantastic cast, is absolutely superb. As I said, a great film. That said, it's not one of my favorite Hitchcock films. It's a little too dark for my tastes. Having David's father essentially eat off his son's casket is pretty disturbing. The film is based on a play about the infamous Loeb-Leopold murder case. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, students at the University of Chicago, kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks, who was Loeb's second cousin. Both Leopold and Loeb were extremely intelligent young men. Like the Brandon and Philip in the film, they subscribed to the rather aristocratic Nietzschean philosophy of the Übermensch or superior man. Nazism, anarchism, eugenics, nihilism etc. have bases in this philosophical construct which was an attack on what Nietzche probably would have termed bourgeois morality. Unfortunately, you still see aspects of Nietzsche's ideas present amongst today's elites. Leopold and Loeb are commonly believed to have been in a homosexual relationship at the time. Nietzsche's philosophy and homosexuality are obviously elements in Hitchcock's film. Brandon and Philip are certainly a gay couple, and the suggestion is that Rupert is also homosexual. After killing David, Brandon even smokes a cigarette, which is suggestive of the sex act. The film's most experimental aspect is that it simulates one-continuous-take. Of course, there were a few disguised edits because the film in the camera had to be changed. This one-take aspect of the film creates the illusion that the film occurs in real time. The lack of music also contributes to the film's atmosphere of deadly realism. Also, the actors really had to know their lines and blocking, and there was a lot of dialogue. I don't think most film actors today could do roles like these. Hitchcock certainly wasn't promoting Nietzsche in "Rope," far from it. The film is really an indictment of Nietzsche and a reaction to WW II. Brandon, who styles himself as intellectually superior, categories David, the victim, as an inferior, someone who merely occupies space. Not even human, really. This despite the fact that David was apparently a good student. For Brandon, murder is a privilege of the superior man. Good and evil, right and wrong are inventions for the inferior man because he needs them. The superior man is a substitute for God in this system. Brandon even equates killing (uncreation) with creation. In the film, Harry Kentley, David's father, identifies Brandon's worldview as being in agreement with Nietzsche and his theory of the Übermensch. Brandon agrees, and Kentley observes: "So did Hitler." Of course, this all begs the question of who decides who is superior and who is inferior? Nietzscheanism fundamentally undermines human dignity. Although Rupert eventually disavows his Nietzscheanism, he can't evade his culpability for the murder. He was still a party to it. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!