Rope

by Alfred Hitchcock, Alfred Hitchcock

Rope by Patrick Hamilton is a taut psychological drama that unfolds within the intimate confines of a stylish London flat, where two clever and self-assured young men host a peculiar social gathering. Beneath the polite small talk and refined atmosphere, a chilling sense of dread emerges, fueled by an unsettling secret that threatens to unravel at any moment. As their guests—drawn from a circle of friends and acquaintances—grow gradually uneasy, the play's tension tightens, exposing the shadows of ego, morality, and human frailty lurking beneath the urbane façade. Hamilton's dialogue brims with subtle manipulations, alternating between charming banter and eerie undertones that keep readers and audiences alike enthralled from start to finish. Widely regarded as a groundbreaking piece in the realm of suspense, Rope delves into themes of power, guilt, and complicity, establishing Patrick Hamilton as a master of sophisticated psychological storytelling that endures to this day.
The play was nspired by the real-life murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in 1924 by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb.

86 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2025

About the author

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock KBE (1899-1980) was an iconic and highly influential film director and producer, who pioneered many techniques in the suspense and thriller genres.

Following a very substantial career in his native Britain in both silent films and talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood and became an American citizen with dual nationality in 1956, thus he also remained a British subject.

Hitchcock directed more than fifty feature films in a career which spanned six decades, from the silent film era, through the invention of sound films, and far into the era of colour films. For a complete list of his films, see Alfred Hitchcock filmography.

Hitchcock was among the most consistently recognizable directors to the general public, and was one of the most successful film directors during his lifetime. He continues to be one of the best known and most popular filmmakers of all time.

Reviews

[JW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated, but still an engaging drama. The dialog between Brandon and Cadell in the third act is still moving. However, comparing the play to Hitchcock’s film version places the play at a disadvantage. Although the setting is changed from 1929 London to post-World War II New York, the plot and time span are the same. In the film, the characters are more developed.
The Kindle version has a few typos.