The 39 Steps
The best known of Hitchcock's British films, this civilized thriller follows the escapades of Richard Hannay (Robert Donat), who stumbles into a conspiracy that involves him in a hectic chase across the Scottish moors – a chase in which he is both the pursuer and the pursued. This classic Hitchcock “wrong man” thriller includes a stop in John Laurie’s crofter’s cottage, a political meeting where Hannay improvises a speech without knowing who or what he’s supporting, and a period where he’s handcuffed to the resentful heroine (Madeleine Carroll). Adapted from John Buchan’s novel, The 39 Steps encapsulates themes that anticipate Hitchcock’s biggest American thrillers (especially North By Northwest), and is a standout among his early works.
Member Reviews
Dated But Worth Watching For Hitchcock Fans - MovieMantos
Can't say I'm the biggest fan of Hitchcock but I have seen and enjoyed most of the big ones. This one has to be low on my list. There is some smart dialogue and a few moments of suspense but there are liberties taken when it comes to "dangerous men" and the english police deptartment of the 30's that make them look like bumbling fools (Best way to escape from Scotland Yard when you've been chased across the country and brought in for murder? Well jump through the window of course) There is no clever way that our protagonist escapes most of his predicament. Just kindness of lonely housewives or sheer luck. And the ending seems like it was an afterthought. I don't want to give it away but if you sit through this film you will be disappointed with the finale. I do have to say seeing this early work shows how Hitchcock grew as a filmmaker. There are many similiar themes here that he uses time and time again. The wrongly accused man, the charming yet evil villian, and the intelligent, beautiful blonde love interest. But overall this early work seems to be more style than substance and what's a film without a good story.foreshadows later works - TheTooz
"The 39 Steps" is a early Hitchcock film made in Britain that introduces elements found in some of the director's most famous Hollywood films -- most notably "North by Northwest". Robert Donat is terrific as Richard Hannay, a Canadian on holiday in London who is dragged into a spy caper after a mysterious Mata Hari-type is murdered in his rented flat. Madeleine Carroll is also wonderful as Hannay's love interest and unwilling traveling companion (they make a wild escape across the Scottish moors handcuffed together.) The rest of the supporting cast is excellent -- with the exception of Lucie "I prefer agent to spy" Mannheim (Miss Annabella Smith) who performs a ridiculous melodramatic death scene early on. Pay attention to the early scenes in the Music Hall for some key clues to the story. As for special features, Marian Keane, a renown Hitchcock scholar provides an insightful and entertaining commentary to the film.Sexy for its day and today? - eastcoastE
Movies like The Bourne Identity and other "Wrong Man" suspense thrillers take many lessons from Hitchcock and this movie. The race against time and across a beautiful European backdrop has been used many times over. But this movie has great characters and is worth watching if you enjoy spy flicks. I liked the love interest development. The wet stocking scene doesn't have the "Bond Girl" semi nudity that we expect today, but there is definitely something sexy and flirtatious about Robert Donat's character, with his idle, bound hands, brushing against Madeleine Carroll's silky, bare legs that she reveals as she removes her stockings. But perhaps I'm just a sucker for black and white movies.
Member Reviews
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Dated But Worth Watching For Hitchcock Fans - MovieMantos
Can't say I'm the biggest fan of Hitchcock but I have seen and enjoyed most of the big ones. This one has to be low on my list. There is some smart dialogue and a few moments of suspense but there are liberties taken when it comes to "dangerous men" and the ...foreshadows later works - TheTooz
"The 39 Steps" is a early Hitchcock film made in Britain that introduces elements found in some of the director's most famous Hollywood films -- most notably "North by Northwest". Robert Donat is terrific as Richard Hannay, a Canadian on holiday in London ...Sexy for its day and today? - eastcoastE
Movies like The Bourne Identity and other "Wrong Man" suspense thrillers take many lessons from Hitchcock and this movie. The race against time and across a beautiful European backdrop has been used many times over. But this movie has great characters and ...