Why James Stewart Struggled With Hitchcock’s Most Daring Film Experiment

James Stewart’s legacy in American cinema is undeniable, with a career that spanned everything from classic comedies to some of the most memorable thrillers ever made. Among his many collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, one film stands out for its sheer audacity and the unique challenges it posed: Rope, released in 1948. This project pushed Stewart to his limits, both as an actor and as a professional, in ways he never anticipated.

Hitchcock, always eager to experiment, decided to shoot Rope as if it were a single, continuous take. The film’s narrative unfolds in real time, with the camera gliding through a single apartment, creating the illusion that the audience is witnessing the events as they happen, without interruption. To pull this off, Hitchcock and his crew had to hide the cuts so skillfully that viewers would never notice. The result was a series of unusually long takes, each lasting up to ten minutes—far longer than the typical scene in a Hollywood production.

Unprecedented Pressure on Set

Set almost entirely in a cramped New York apartment, Rope tells the story of two friends who host a dinner party while hiding a dark secret: the body of a murdered man is concealed in a trunk that serves as the buffet table. Stewart plays Rupert, a guest who gradually becomes suspicious as the evening unfolds. The film’s claustrophobic setting and real-time pacing created a pressure-cooker environment for the cast, who had to deliver flawless performances with little room for error.

For Stewart, the experience was especially grueling. He later admitted he felt out of place in the role, believing he might have been better suited to other Hitchcock projects like Rear Window or Vertigo. Still, his portrayal in Rope remains unforgettable, not least because of the film’s subtle but groundbreaking exploration of themes that were rarely addressed in 1940s Hollywood.

Stewart’s Relentless Commitment

The technical demands of Rope meant that Stewart had to wait a staggering 18 days on set before making his first real entrance for the camera. Hitchcock recalled,

“It was the final dress rehearsal for reel three in which Jimmy makes an entrance while Farley Granger is playing the piano. The piano stopped and silence ensued, as all eyes went to Stewart. He just made it into the room and was ready to open his mouth. ‘Just a minute,’ I said. ‘I’d like you to make your entrance differently.’ Jimmy punched the air in a defeated gesture. ‘Hey, look,’ he complained, ‘I’ve waited three weeks for this!’”

Stewart’s frustration was understandable. With so much riding on each take, any mistake meant starting over—not just for him, but for the entire cast. The pressure to get it right was immense, and the knowledge that every moment would be preserved on film only heightened the stakes. Stewart later described the experience as

“the toughest job an actor ever had.”

A Lasting Impact

Despite the difficulties, Stewart trusted Hitchcock’s vision and gave a performance that has stood the test of time. The film’s long takes demanded a level of focus and stamina more commonly found in live theater, but with the added weight of knowing that every slip would be captured forever. While Stewart never expressed regret over his work in Rope, he was clear that it was the most demanding role of his storied career.