Rear Window : Mysterious flash

Mysterious flash

Right after the titles, as the camera slowly pans over the entire courtyard set for the very first time, you'll see a flash in one of the rooms---it's in the very uppermost apartment. Looks kind of like a flash photograph was being taken, or else a light bulb burned out/exploded. Does anyone have any idea what this was? I'm assuming it was an on-set problem, and not meant to be part of the film.

Mysterious flash

Well, a year and a half after you asked I studied this and I saw what does indeed look like a flash going off inside the dark apartment. I played it back several times and eventually froze it and there is no escaping this conclusion. Now, who was taking a picture of what is entirely open to speculation. I am sure you are right when you say it was not meant to be part of the film because I can't see how it affects the plot, and I'm surprised it was missed by Mr Hitchcock. I suppose he was looking at other things and was just getting himself comfortable with a nice cup of tea when this bit played.






If it's a boy, do you think it will look like Rodney? It doesn't matter as long as it's healthy!

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Re: Mysterious flash

Not so mysterious at all. One of the Cardinal rules of storytelling is, "Tell the audience what you're going to do, then do it." This was Hitchcock showing us that the movie was going to end with flashbulbs going off. It adds to the anticipation of the viewing, and makes us ready for it, when it happens. Spielberg did a little of this in "Jaws." He showed a small fishing lure rise up from the bottom of the screen on a fishing line, right next to Chief Brody's head; ten-minutes later, the shark, teeth bared, leaps up from the same place, right next to Brody's head. Because he's made us anticipate it, we're watching for it and it scares hell out of us. The first time, it was harmless; the second time, watch out! Good storytellers often employ this simple technique. Hitchcock knew exactly what he was doing.

Re: Mysterious flash

Don't assume that it was a mistake. Hitchcock made very few and was known for doing strange things.

Re: Mysterious flash

Re: Mysterious flash

I've watched the movie a hundred times and have never noticed that. Now I get to watch it again!

Re: Mysterious flash


I've watched the movie a hundred times and have never noticed that. Now I get to watch it again!


Exactly!! I feel like a dummy for missing this.

Re: Mysterious flash

You're not a dummy. At least not for this.
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