The 39 Steps

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The 39 Steps

Released Jun 18, 1935

1h 20m

Mystery & Thriller

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96%

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55 Reviews

86%

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10,000+ Ratings

While on vacation in London, Canadian Richard Hannay (Robert Donat) becomes embroiled in an international spy ring related to the mysterious "39 steps." Then he meets agent Annabella Smith (Lucie Mannheim), who is soon killed in his apartment. He must elude the police, who are hunting him for murder, while he tries to stop Professor Jordan (Godfrey Tearle) from sending secrets out of the country. Hannay is assisted by Pamela (Madeleine Carroll), an unwilling accomplice who discovers the truth.

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Critics Consensus

Packed with twists and turns, this essential early Alfred Hitchcock feature hints at the dazzling heights he'd reach later in his career.

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

The 39 Steps is a masterclass in propulsive narrative cinema that even today's so-called blockbuster auteurs should study.

Sep 9, 2015

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Martin Chilton

Daily Telegraph (UK)

The scene in which Mr Memory is asked at the London Palladium "What are the 39 Steps?" remains one of 20th-century cinema's most gripping moments.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 30, 2014

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TIME Magazine

The Thirty-Nine Steps neatly converts its essential implausihility into an asset by stressing the difficulties which confront its hero when he tries to tell outsiders about the predicament he is in.

Aug 5, 2014

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... an effortless balance of romance and adventure set against a picaresque landscape populated by eccentrics and social register smoothies, none of whom what they appear to be.

Oct 5, 2023

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Jorge Luis Borges

Sur

From an absolutely dull adventure story -- The Thirty-nine Steps by John Buchan -- Hitchcock has drawn a good film. He has invented episodes. He has inserted wittiness and mischievousness where the original contained only heroism.

Dec 15, 2021

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Forsyth Hardy

Cinema Quarterly

[Hitchcock] tells the story clearly and convincingly and the wildly melodramatic moments are in part offset by such well observed sequences as the Scottish political meeting, the Forth Bridge episode, and the discreetly managed scene in the inn bedroom.

Feb 4, 2021

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Russ G

I have to utterly reject the premise of a man and woman handcuffed together for days on end. Think about it....

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/25

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Autumn M

The 39 Steps is an early, mystery thriller from Alfred Hitchcock. It was interesting to see a 1930's mystery without the distractions of fancy costumes, set designs and explosions. This film is a just a good story, with convincing characters who find themselves in interesting predicaments. Recommended.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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Audience Member

A classic of suspense.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

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David S

Um...I can't stop watching this film - help me God - lol!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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Jay W

As a Hitchcock fan, it is neat to see the beginnings of so many tropes that would soon become staples in Hitchcock's later filmography. Despite not yet being perfected, the skills are still apparent. Robert Donat plays Hannay, an unaware bystander who gets thrust into the complex world of espionage and conspiracy. The police are after him for murder, and mysterious figures want to murder him. Hitchcock's unique style of suspense and humor are on display in this adventure. Every little character that enters the story breathes new life into the movie. For a film from the 30's, the pacing is very modern. There are some rough transitions where characters manage to escape situations too easily. Even early on, it is clear Hitchcock has the mentality of: "Cops are dull". There are some plot points where you could argue that the police should be able to take care of things. But in order for the movie to happen, our characters have to take a few extra steps.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/20/24

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Anthony J

I have just three films in my collection that I’d rate the highest score: 12 Angry Men, The Terminator, and The 39 Steps. The 39 Steps is Hitchcock at his finest, filled with suspense, wit, and masterful storytelling. Among its many standout moments, the train restaurant scene is a perfect example of Hitchcock’s genius. It’s a quintessentially British blend of tension and dry humor. As the police close in on Richard Hannay, weaving through the tight confines of the dining car, a waiter remains utterly unflappable. Balancing a heavily laden tray, he glides through the chaos with immaculate poise. His calm, deliberate manner, unwavering in the face of disorder, exemplifies a uniquely British dedication to decorum. Even amidst the urgency of a manhunt, service continues without so much as a wobble or spill.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

Full Review

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Alfred Hitchcock

Director

Robert Donat

Richard Hannay

Madeleine Carroll

Pamela

Godfrey Tearle

Professor Jordan

Lucie Mannheim

Miss Annabella Smith

Peggy Ashcroft

Margaret, crofter's wife

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Synopsis

While on vacation in London, Canadian Richard Hannay (Robert Donat) becomes embroiled in an international spy ring related to the mysterious "39 steps." Then he meets agent Annabella Smith (Lucie Mannheim), who is soon killed in his apartment. He must elude the police, who are hunting him for murder, while he tries to stop Professor Jordan (Godfrey Tearle) from sending secrets out of the country. Hannay is assisted by Pamela (Madeleine Carroll), an unwilling accomplice who discovers the truth.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Producer: Michael Balcon, Ivor Montagu
Screenwriter: John Buchan, Charles Bennett, Ian Hay
Distributor: LS Video, Gaumont British Distributors, Grapevine Video
Production Co: Gaumont British Picture Corporation Ltd.
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 18, 1935, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2017
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Mono

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