Rope 1948
Directed by
Alfred Hitchcock
Made by
Warner Bros.
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Rope (1948). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Note: This entire film unfolds in real time, shot with a single camera to resemble a continuous, unbroken performance akin to a one-act play.
In a chilling exploration of intellectualism taken to dark extremes, two exceptionally clever young men, Brandon Shaw and Phillip Morgan, commit an unspeakable act in their New York City apartment. Having grown restless from their privileged existence, they decide to murder their former Harvard classmate, David Kentley, as a way to enact the “perfect murder” and prove their superiority. The act becomes macabre, as Phillip tightens a rope around David’s neck while Brandon holds him down.
Once the gruesome task is done and David’s body is nestled within a sizable antique wooden chest, the duo prepares for a seemingly innocent dinner party with a stunning view of Manhattan’s skyline. In a twisted display of arrogance, Brandon chooses to repurpose the chest as a buffet table. When their housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, arrives to assist in the preparations, Brandon chillingly remarks, >“Now the fun begins,” as the first guests make their entrance.
The unsuspecting guests include David’s fiancée, Janet Walker, and her former paramour Kenneth Lawrence, alongside David’s distraught father, Mr. Kentley, and his chatty aunt, Mrs. Atwater, with David’s mother absent due to illness. Unbeknownst to them, the trio’s malevolent scheme is intricately linked to years of discussions with their former housemaster, Rupert Cadell, who had instilled in them the toxic ideas of Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch and the art of murder as a form of dominance.
As the evening progresses, Brandon’s veiled references to David’s absence incite an unsettling conversation around the intricacies of murder itself. Portraying an air of confidence, Brandon appears composed; however, he cannot disguise his increasingly erratic behavior around Rupert, whose mere presence is enough to unsettle Phillip, causing him to indulge in excessive drinking. The tension mounts as David’s absence becomes a focal point of concern for the other guests. Phillip’s unease reaches a peak when Mrs. Atwater, who fancies herself a seer, hints at his hands bringing him “great fame,” deepening his paranoia.
As the night unfolds, doubt begins to surface along with questioning from Rupert that draws attention to inconsistencies. Phillip’s nervousness about past statements, particularly about strangling animals, adds to the unraveling facade. When David’s father and fiancée express distress over his prolonged absence, Brandon stirs the pot further by playing matchmaker between Janet and Kenneth, only increasing the tension.
Amid the chaos, an urgent call from David’s mother creates a sense of palpable fear, prompting more guests to leave. With a twist of fate, Mrs. Wilson inadvertently hands Rupert David’s hat, which heightens his suspicion. Once the party concludes, Brandon and Phillip breathe a sigh of relief, thinking they can dispose of the body unnoticed.
However, Rupert soon returns, claiming he forgot his cigarette case. His inquiries turn into piercing scrutiny of the events of the evening. As the atmosphere grows tenser, Phillip, overwhelmed, lashes out, leading to a struggle for Brandon’s gun. In a chaotic moment, the gun goes off, grazing Rupert, but the grim discovery follows as he uncovers David’s corpse hidden within the chest.
Horrified, Rupert confronts the implications of their actions, recognizing the moral implications of his past teachings. He denounces the ideology of superiority he once espoused and, in a moment of desperation, fires several shots out the window to summon the police. As the sounds of sirens grow louder, Rupert takes a seat next to the chest, while Brandon nonchalantly pours himself a drink. In a devastating close, Phillip begins to play the piano one last time, as the screen fades to black, and the end credits roll.
Timeline
Track the key events of Rope (1948) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Crime is Committed
Brandon Shaw and Phillip Morgan, two highly intelligent young men, grow restless and decide to commit the 'perfect murder' of their former classmate, David Kentley. In their New York City apartment, they execute the chilling act as Phillip tightens a rope around David’s neck while Brandon holds him down, marking the start of their macabre experiment.
Concealment of the Body
After murdering David, Brandon and Phillip carefully conceal his body within a large antique wooden chest. This gruesome act sets the stage for their sinister dinner party as they prepare to play host without their guests knowing the dark secret hidden right under their noses.
Dinner Party Preparation
With the body concealed, Brandon and Phillip begin their preparations for a seemingly innocent dinner party. Brandon makes the chilling decision to use the chest as a buffet table, indicating a twisted sense of normalcy in the face of their heinous crime.
The Guests Arrive
As the guests arrive, an unsuspecting crowd gathers, including David's fiancée Janet and her former lover Kenneth, alongside David’s distressed father Mr. Kentley and his talkative aunt Mrs. Atwater. Their ignorance of the crime creates a chilling atmosphere as Brandon prepares to orchestrate the night’s events.
Subtle Manipulations
During the dinner, Brandon subtly references David's absence while expertly steering conversations towards murder. His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with Phillip's growing anxiety, driven by the presence of their former housemaster Rupert, whose teachings on superiority loom heavily over the evening.
Building Suspicion
As the night wears on, the guests start expressing concern over David’s absence, leading to a rise in tension. Brandon pushes the boundaries of comfort, playing matchmaker between Janet and Kenneth while disguising his own guilt behind feigned innocence.
A Distress Call
The atmosphere grows increasingly tense with an urgent phone call from David's mother, heightening emotions and prompting some guests to leave. The worry of David’s prolonged absence weighs heavily on everyone, revealing cracks in Brandon and Phillip’s facade.
Misdirected Clarity
Mrs. Wilson, the housekeeper, inadvertently hands Rupert David's hat, further escalating his suspicions about the evening's events. As the game of manipulation continues, Phillip's frazzled state begins to exhibit signs of unraveling under the pressure of the situation.
Rupert's Investigation
After the party ends, Rupert returns to the apartment claiming he forgot his cigarette case. His inquiries become increasingly scrutinous, pushing Brandon and Phillip to the edge as they brace for the potential unmasking of their grim secret.
The Gun Incident
A chaotic struggle ensues between Phillip and Brandon over a gun, culminating in a shot that grazes Rupert. The shock of the event leads to an inevitable revelation, thrusting Phillip and Brandon's carefully constructed world into disarray as secrets may finally be uncovered.
The Corpse Revealed
Rupert discovers the hidden body of David inside the chest, leading to a moment of horror and confrontation. The moral implications of Brandon and Phillip's actions hit home for Rupert, who grapples with the dangerous ideology he once endorsed.
The Collapse of Ideology
Faced with the stark reality of their crime, Rupert denounces the dangerous philosophies of superiority and dominance he once taught Brandon and Phillip. Overwhelmed by regret and guilt, he fires shots out the window to alert the authorities, seeking to take responsibility for the monstrous act.
Awaiting Consequences
As sirens wail in the distance, Rupert contemplates the burden of guilt while Brandon nonchalantly pours himself a drink. The facade of control gives way to reality, leaving the characters in a moment of bittersweet waiting as they face the impending consequences of their actions.
A Final Performance
In a somber conclusion, Phillip sits at the piano and begins to play one last time, creating a haunting melody that underscores the tragic turn of events. As the screen fades to black, the weight of their choices lingers, marking the end of a harrowing exploration of intellect misapplied.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Rope (1948) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Brandon Shaw (John Dall)
Brandon is cunning and charismatic, embodying an intellectual's arrogance as he masterminds the murder of their former classmate. His charm masks a dark preoccupation with the concept of superiority, leading him to assert control in increasingly malevolent ways. He revels in the twisted thrill of his plan, showcasing a dangerous blend of confidence and moral detachment.
Phillip Morgan (Farley Granger)
Phillip is more sensitive and emotional than Brandon, plagued by guilt and paranoia following their heinous act. His initial eagerness turns to fear as the night progresses, reflecting the psychological toll of their actions. Struggling to maintain composure amidst mounting tension, Phillip's character embodies the conflict between intellect and human morality.
Rupert Cadell (James Stewart)
Rupert serves as a former mentor whose teachings on superiority inadvertently guide Brandon and Phillip's actions. Intelligent and observant, he becomes increasingly suspicious of their behavior throughout the evening. As the source of their ideologies, Rupert's moral dilemma reflects the weight of responsibility for the actions of his students.
David Kentley (Dick Hogan)
David is the unfortunate victim whose absence looms large over the party, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the consequences of pride. His character represents the moral failure of Brandon and Phillip, serving as a stark reminder of the ultimate price of their ambition. David's existence echoes through the film, emphasizing the impact of their actions on familial bonds.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Rope (1948), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Mid-20th Century
The film is set in the mid-20th century, a time marked by significant societal shifts and emerging philosophical ideologies. Intellectualism began to take root alongside discussions of morality and superiority, especially influenced by the writings of Nietzsche. This era's ideas about dominance and moral ambiguity play a crucial role in the story's intrigue.
Location
New York City
New York City serves as the backdrop for this chilling tale, known for its vibrant culture and striking skyline. The apartment where the events unfold contrasts the city's bustling life outside, emphasizing the dark drama occurring within. As guests gather for an innocuous dinner party, the city's excitement masks the underlying horror of the situation.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Rope (1948). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Murder & Morality
The theme of murder anchors the storyline, raising questions about morality and the consequences of intellectual arrogance. The characters' attempt to commit the 'perfect murder' leads to a devastating unraveling of their philosophies. This theme forces the audience to contemplate the thin line between superiority and moral decay, culminating in a reflection on the true cost of their actions.
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Friendship vs. Betrayal
Friendship takes a dark turn as the close bond between Brandon and Phillip transforms into a web of deceit and paranoia. Their betrayal of David not only shatters their relationship but also exposes the fragility of trust. The interactions during the dinner party reveal how those closest to them become unwitting participants in their sinister game.
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