MovieChat Forums > Rope (1948) Discussion > Did Rupert know that it was David's hat?

Did Rupert know that it was David's hat?

posted 9 years ago by Shawshanked
9 replies | jump to latest

We can't tell as the camera zooms in on the initials inside the hat. When the camera zooms out, it appears that Rupert had been looking down, but not far enough down to see the initials, which were facing away from him. However, after that he seems to act as if he's seen a ghost.

Another thought is that almost everyone had left by the time he was leaving. Did he figure it out based on the fact that there was an extra hat in the closet?

[–] MsELLERYqueen2 9 years ago

I always got the impression that he did see the initials and this shocked him.

~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen 🎇

[–] akhilshady2 9 years ago

Yes, definitely since he talks about that hat when he was asked how would you do the crime.

[–] horatiohellpop 8 years ago

I believe seeing the initials DK inside the wrong hat is the trigger that made him return.

[–] Sunflower007 8 years ago

~ Rupert picked up on it in David's hat that had his initials. Rupert was very clever observer. 

*~💠~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
🎶
How you turned my world, you precious thing
You starve and near exhaust me
Everything I've done, I've done for you
I move the stars for no one

-🌹rest in peace David Bowie🎤

[–] puirt-a-beul 8 years ago

No question in my mind that he saw the initials. I don't think they were facing away from him, as such; as he looks into the hat, and the camera moves to show us what he's looking at, the hat tilts towards the camera -- this is Rupert tilting the hat so the inside of the crown catches the light, which makes the initials clear. As the camera tips back up to his face, he's already looking at Phillip and Brandon with great concern.

Then he leaves, but he's obviously very distracted. I think he goes away to think it through, rather than make any accusations on the spot; and when he's sorted it out and is convinced in his own mind of what has happened, and he sees the housekeeper leave, he comes back to confront them.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] Shawshanked 8 years ago

I re watched it a month or so ago and I agree that he definitely saw the initials.

[–] muzilon 8 years ago

Since we (the audience) see the "DK" initials it seems fairly obvious that Rupert must have seen them too. While Rupert is looking at the hat, we even hear the housekeeper saying "Goodbye Mr. Kentley" to David's father in the background, reminding us what the "K" stands for. Clever timing by Hitchcock.

[–] MsELLERYqueen2 8 years ago

While Rupert is looking at the hat, we even hear the housekeeper saying "Goodbye Mr. Kentley" to David's father in the background, reminding us what the "K" stands for. Clever timing by Hitchcock.

I never noticed that! Next time I watch the film, I'll be sure to pay attention to "Goodbye Mr. Kentley". Brilliant move by Hitchcock, for sure. Thanks for bringing up this point on this thread!



~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen = 

[–] muzilon 8 years ago

P.S. I just watched the hat scene again for the first time in a long while to refresh my memory. It's actually Brandon (not the housekeeper) who farewells Mr. Kentley by name. Same principle though.