Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" Storyboards, 1948 | Auction Highlight

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The Alfred Hitchcock "Rope" File will be sold at auction in summer 2024. Join our mailing list to receive updates on this exciting auction, or drop us a line at [email protected].

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Introduction
The 1948 film "Rope," directed by Alfred Hitchcock for Warner Brothers, is renowned for its groundbreaking filmmaking technique.

Despite appearing to be shot in one continuous take, the film is actually composed of multiple long takes, each corresponding to approximately one reel of film. Hitchcock described "Rope" as a 'stunt,' yet its use of continuous take pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, creating the illusion of seamless storytelling.

Britannic Auctions presents, the Alfred Hitchcock “Rope” file, appearing at our summer 2024 online auction.

This remarkable file comprises original documents, sketches, and diagrams offering a unique perspective on the production of Rope. Through Alfred Hitchcock’s hand-drawn storyboard sketches and detailed camera movement choreography, we gain unprecedented insight into the film as envisioned by the Master of Suspense.

Hitchcock’s Storyboards

Hand drawn on 18 sheets of storyboard paper are a series of Hitchcock’s own pencil sketches focused on key moments in the story. Here, we can see exactly what Hitch was envisioning and how closely his vision aligned with the final cut.

From the first scream of the victim, outlined in shadow, to the concealment of his body inside the chest, Hitchcock’s sketches set up major scenes throughout the film, created in his mind’s eye and on these storyboards prior to the cameras ever rolling.

Set of Camera Movement Directions

Eleven sheets of typewritten directions outline detailed camera movements for this very unique production. In fact, while running the film today, you can actually track the on-screen camera movements precisely by following along with these notes.

Alfred Hitchcock explained this to François Truffaut, saying “The technique of the camera movements was worked out, in its slightest details, well beforehand. We used a dolly and we mapped out our course through tiny numbers all over the floor, which served as guide marks”

Cloud Diagrams

Throughout the film, which spans from 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM, viewers can observe the gradual transition of evening light outside the apartment window, along with other subtleties including rising smoke and passing clouds on the horizon.

Hitch explained that the crew had, quote, “a special working plan designed for the clouds, and between reels they were shifted from left to right.”

Titled “Cloud Chart for Rope”, the file includes the complete detailed set of panoramic working plans for the miniature background depicting New York City as seen from the apartment’s window.

Each plan specifies the exact numbering and placement for the prop clouds, made of spun glass,

The clouds which were changed by stagehands between each reel of the film, and carefully replaced for retakes, as noted on the diagrams.

The iconic set backdrop seen outside Philip and Brandon’s apartment throughout the film, pictured 35-square miles of the Manhattan skyline.
Such landmarks as the Empire State Building, Hotel Astor, Radio City, and the Chrysler building can be seen out the window - and in these diagrams.

The clouds, constructed from spun glass, were individually movable. They were suspended from wires or positioned on stands, forming a semicircular arrangement behind the miniature buildings.

Closing

This extraordinary file encapsulates not just the tangible artifacts of Hitchcock's process but also the meticulous planning and creativity that went into crafting every scene. Though these hand-drawn storyboards, detailed camera movement directions, and intricate set diagrams, you're not just witnessing the making of a film; you're getting a glimpse into the mind of a visionary director.

Join us for our summer 2024 auction, where you have the rare opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history and experience the magic of "Rope" in a whole new light.