“Rope” is another classic from the master of suspense that is Alfred Hitchcock (“North By Northwest”, “Psycho”). It is filmed in a way that only Hitchcock would have dared attempt at the time and it proves to be a very effective film.

Brandon (John Dall “Spartacus”) and Phillip (Farley Granger “Strangers On A Train”) kill a man just for the thrill of it and hide his body in their apartment. They invite people who knew the dead man round for a party as they aim to prove how perfect their crime was but Rupert Cadell (James Stewart “Harvey”, “Rear Window”) is on their tail. The whole film is one long scene and some believed it to just be filmed in one take but due to the limit of ten minutes’ worth of film at a time, it is edited in an incredibly clever way.

The characters in “Rope” are really interesting. Brandon is very obnoxious while Phillip is very worried. The way the two awkwardly interact with the guests is simply fascinating. James Stewart’s character reminded me of the one in “Rear Window” as in this film, Rupert has cynical views on murder during the majority of the film. This is very much like L.B. Jefferies as he does the unethical thing of spying on his neighbours.

“Rope” is an interesting film that is just the right length (like any good rope). It manages to be very exciting while just staying in a very small area (something which “Rear Window” also did). Although the characters aren’t quite perfect they are fun to watch. It shows how to commit the ‘perfect crime’ and it also shows how people’s egos can get the better of them. If you enjoyed lots of other Hitchcock films (especially “Rear Window”) then you simply have to see “Rope” because it’s truly unique. Not the master’s best but a great addition to his library.