Rope (1948)

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Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Writers: Hume Cronyn and Arthur Laurents, from the play by Patrick Hamilton

Stars: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger, Joan Chandler, Cedric Hardwicke, Constance Collier, Douglas Dick



A highly successful technical experiment.



This was Hitchcock's first color film, shot on set in (almost) one unbroken shot.

 


Pretty amazing when you consider that the cameras of that time were not nearly as portable as those of today.

 


The set had to be constructed with walls that were movable to accommodate the movements of the camera, and those movements had to be accomplished silently because the production used actual real-time sound.

 


Pay attention to the lighting as well; a panoramic cityscape was constructed for the set and the lighting technicians simulate a sunset as the action unfolds.

 


The performers are outstanding as well, particularly James Stewart and John Dall.

 


Real tension is generated as the players confront and confound each other while Hitchcock's roving camera moves through the room, always alert for the telling detail.

 


Classic.


Spoiler alert!!! The end of the movie!!
























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