Why I love The 39 Steps (1935)

Hello everyone! Before I begin my post, I want to say that I’m super extra excited to write about The 39 Steps (1935) and participate in this blogathon for three main reasons-

1- It’s a British themed Blogathon and if you don’t already know I love all British things- especially film!!!!

2- I get to write my first post about a film by my favorite director- Mr. Alfred Hitchcock (don’t ask me why I didn’t write about him sooner- I’m confused on that too)

And 3- From August 19- September 11 the South Australian Theatre Company will be presenting the award winning play The 39 Steps, (based on the original novel by John Buchan and Hitchcock’s film, it was adapted by Patrick Barlow for the stage), which will be is starring my favorite, Mr. Nathan Page!!!! (that’s Jack Robinson from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, if you didn’t already know).

So with that being said, I’d like to personally dedicate this write-up to Nathan, as he’s starring in the play as the lead.

Mr. Page, if by some amazing twist of fate you’re reading this, please know this: Hitchcock would be impressed and Robert Donat would have been out of a job-  you’re incredibly talented and I know you are doing just a fantastic job in your role, as you always do. I would give anything to see the play in person and I wish you, and the cast/ crew, the best of luck with it- Break a leg!

Credit: The State Theatre Company of South Australia 

The 39 Steps is one of Hitchcock’s best films, and in my opinion, it’s terribly under-rated. YES there are similarities to his 1959 masterpiece North By Northwest– but it really stands on its own as a true Hitchcock classic. For those who are unfamiliar with the film, here’s a very brief summary: An innocent everyman, Richard Hannay gets caught up preventing a spy group called “The 39 Steps” from stealing secret military information, after he is mistakenly accused of murdering a counter espionage agent. Going on the run to Scotland, accompanied by a beautiful girl, Pamela, Richard must not only clear his name, but stop the spies and attempt to charm the girl along the way.  So, what is it about this film that makes me love it so much? Lots! So much so I can’t possibly name everything in this post.

For starters, I love the characters. Mr. Memory (Wylie Watson), an amazing fact file that puts Google to shame! Mr. Richard Hannay played by the ever so suave (but not as suave as Nathan Page 🙂 ) Robert Donat. Hannay has a perfect mustache and I love it how he just has to go with the flow- every twist and turn- no matter what happens to him he stays as cool as a cucumber. Of course, he has his frantic moments- the train scene– but who can blame him- (NOT ME!). And naturally I must mention the lovely Madeleine Carroll, the first Hitchcock blonde.  I love the feisty personality, and her ability to match Hannay word for word- their banter is just perfect.

Hannay: Now let’s make ourselves as comfortable as possible. What about that skirt of yours? It’s still pretty damp, you know. I don’t want to be tied to a pneumonia case on top of everything else. Take it off. I don’t mind.

Pamela: I’ll leave it on, thank you…My shoes and stockings are soaked so I think I’ll take them off.

Hannay: That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard you say.

As much as I do adore North By Northwest, I do feel this film is somewhat superior. It just has something about it that makes it intriguing. Maybe it just has so many “moments” that make me say both “Awww” and “Ahhh!” at the same time or maybe it’s the fact it’s a British… Hitchcock… Film. Or maybe it’s this scene…

(dvdtalk.com)

Maybe this one????

The Famous Train Scene!   (The 1000 Frames of The 39 Steps Hitchcock Project )

OR perhaps I love this film so much because it’s this film introduces the world to the most famous Hitchcockian element, “The MacGuffin”. WHAT IS The 39 Steps? Who are they? What do they need? And what makes them so dangerous???? Well.. I’ll tell you, you see they are….