Plot summary, “Rear Window” by Cornell Woolrich in 7 Minutes - Book Review
0"Rear Window" is a short story written by Cornell Woolrich, an American author known for his contributions to the mystery and suspense genres. The story was first published in 1942 under the title "It Had to Be Murder" in Dime Detective Magazine. It later served as the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1954 film "Rear Window," which starred James Stewart and Grace Kelly.
The story follows a man named Hal Jeffries, who is confined to his apartment due to a broken leg. With little to do, he begins to observe his neighbors through the rear window of his apartment. He becomes particularly interested in one neighbor across the courtyard, who he believes has committed a murder. As he watches events unfold, Jeffries becomes increasingly convinced of his suspicions and enlists the help of his girlfriend, Lisa, and his nurse, Stella, to investigate the matter.
Woolrich's story delves into themes of voyeurism, suspicion, and the nature of reality. The confined setting of Jeffries' apartment mirrors his own limitations and vulnerability, and his obsession with his neighbors' lives becomes a metaphor for the act of storytelling itself. The story raises questions about the line between reality and imagination, as well as the ethics of observing and interpreting the lives of others.
Alfred Hitchcock's film adaptation expanded on Woolrich's original story, capturing the essence of the narrative while adding suspenseful elements and visual storytelling techniques that became synonymous with Hitchcock's style. The film is often praised for its masterful use of tension and its exploration of psychological themes.
Both the short story and the film adaptation have left a significant impact on popular culture and continue to be studied and discussed for their contributions to the mystery and suspense genres.