Why James Stewart Struggled With Hitchcock’s Boldest Film

James Stewart stands as one of the most recognisable faces in classic cinema, having starred in everything from light-hearted comedies to festive favourites. His collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, though, are what many punters remember best. Among these, Rope, released in 1948, was a real curveball for both director and cast. Hitchcock, always up for a challenge, decided to shoot the entire film as if it were a single, unbroken take. While clever editing hid the actual cuts, the result was a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that kept everyone on their toes.

Based on a stage play, Rope follows two blokes who throw a dinner party with a dark secret literally hidden in plain sight—a body stashed in a trunk beneath the food. Hitchcock believed the story would pack more punch if the action stayed confined to one small flat, with the drama simmering just below the surface. Stewart played Rupert, one of the guests, completely unaware of the grisly goings-on. The film’s unique structure meant the cast had to nail long, uninterrupted scenes, which was no easy feat.

Stewart’s Reluctance and the Pressure Cooker Set

Despite his reputation for handling tricky roles, Stewart admitted he felt out of place in Rope. He’d later shine in other Hitchcock flicks, but this one left him feeling a bit miscast. Still, his performance is unforgettable, and the film itself is now recognised for its subtle but groundbreaking themes, especially considering the era it was made in.

Hitchcock once recalled Stewart’s frustration with the process, quoting him as saying,

“the toughest job an actor ever had,”

and explaining that Stewart

“had to hang around the set 18 days before making a bona fide entrance for the rolling camera.”

The director described a moment during rehearsal when Stewart, after weeks of waiting, was finally about to make his entrance. Just as he stepped in, Hitchcock stopped him, asking for a different approach. Stewart, clearly fed up,

“punched the air in a defeated gesture. ‘Hey, look,’ he complained, ‘I’ve waited three weeks for this!’”

Long Takes and Lasting Impact

The pressure was on for everyone involved. If Stewart or anyone else fluffed a line, it meant starting the whole lengthy take again. With scenes running up to ten minutes, the stakes were high. Unlike stage performances, where mistakes can be brushed off, these takes would be captured forever on film. Stewart was keen not to let the team down, knowing a single slip could mean hours of extra work for the entire cast and crew.

Working this way was far from ideal, but Stewart put his trust in Hitchcock’s vision. The experience was gruelling, and while Stewart didn’t regret taking on the role, he never forgot just how tough it was. The film’s technical demands and the pressure to deliver flawless performances made it a standout challenge in his long career.