Movie – 39 Steps

The 39 Steps (1935) – A man tries to help a counter-espionage agent only to have her killed in his apartment.  When he is named as the prime suspect he goes on the run to catch the people who are guilty of both the espionage and the murder.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock  Cast: Robert Donat, Madeliene Carroll, Peggy Ashcroft

Alfred Hitchcock’s career is generally divided into two segments – the English movies and the Hollywood movies.  While the second group are generally better known, there are some real gems among those early works.  This was a favorite of Hitchcock’s.  Based on a best selling book of the same title (My review of the original book.), all of the key pieces of the master’s style are on display here.  Carefully crafted suspense, evocative lighting to create the mood, excellent pacing and just the right touch of whimsy at just the right moment.

If you’ve read the book, you will note that the movie changes a couple of key items.  For example, what the “39 Steps” actually are and the addition of a romantic angle between Donat and Carroll’s characters.  It works pretty seamlessly.

This movie was aimed squarely at the American market and is regularly listed among the greatest British films of all time.

Why I Like It – I love Hitchcock and this is a really nice example of the man coming into his prime.

Why You Will Like It – The great thing about the best Hitchcock films are the main characters.  He had fun working with good characters and he gets two good ones here.  Drop them into the classic “running man” story line and you will enjoy yourself.

No rating, made prior to modern rating system.  Should be good for virtually all ages.

Rating – **** Recommended