The 39 Steps (1935)

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago at Jul 30 9:18

"The 39 Steps" was one of Alfred Hitchcock's early British film successes before he left for Hollywood where he achieved even greater fame and celebrity status. The story begins with Richard Hannay (Robert Donat) enjoying a variety show at a London theatre when he meets a mysterious young woman named Annabella Smith (Lucie Mannheim) who is in trouble and seeks his help. He takes her back to his flat where she gives him some important information about a gang of spies who she says are trying to kill her. (Hannay: "It sounds like a spy story". Smith: "That's exactly what it is"). During the night she is indeed murdered with Hannay of course the chief suspect. Although innocent he goes on the run from the police taking a train to Scotland. During the train journey he meets Pamela (Madeleine C...Read more

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago at Apr 27 11:58

This film was the first clear creative peak in Hitchcock’s British period, and the first fully successful film in his deepening oeuvre.

This film introduced one key Hitchcock first: the notion of the wrong man, the innocent bystander accused, pursued or punished for a crime he didn’t commit.

Nonstop string of action sequences, chase scenes punctuated by witty dialogue and riveting suspense.


Rating : 8/10