Rope (1948)

“We killed for the sake of danger and for the sake of killing.” – Brandon

Number of Times Seen –  at least 3 (Video, DVD, 2 Jul 2013)

Brief Synopsis – Two friends try to commit to perfect crime by strangling a friends and then inviting his friends and family to a party with the body hidden in the room

My Take on it – Most of us have heard of Leopold and Loeb, two young men who committed a heinous act of murder in the 1920’s and were caught because they were too smart for their own good.

A stage play was written about this crime and Hume Cronyn and Alfred Hitchcock adapted the play in order for Hitchcock to add his own handiwork to the story.

What comes of this is that Hitchcock creates an almost masterpiece that take place entirely in one small NYC apartment.

The movie was shot with most scenes taking long 10 minute takes and this gives the feeling of it happening in real time.

Jimmy Stewart is excellent as always as the former teacher of the two boys who suspects that something is wrong.

I have fond memories of having seen this movie in 1991 when my composition teacher gave me it as an assignment.  This was my first exposure to Hitchcock.

Bottom Line – Hitchcock takes the ultimate murder mystery play and puts his fingerprint on it. Recommended

Rating – Globe Worthy