The 39 Steps main backdrop
The 39 Steps main poster

The 39 Steps

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6.3/10 • 34

1959-03-131h 33m

ThrillerMystery

The Most Suspenseful Manhunt in History!

In London, a diplomat accidentally becomes involved in the death of a British agent who's after a spy ring that covets British military secrets.

Directors
Ralph Thomas
Editors
Alfred Roome

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Kenneth More

    Kenneth More

    Richard Hannay

  2. Taina Elg

    Taina Elg

    Miss Fisher

  3. Brenda De Banzie

    Brenda De Banzie

    Nellie Lumsden

  4. Barry Jones

    Barry Jones

    Professor Arthur Logan

  5. Reginald Beckwith

    Reginald Beckwith

    Lumdsen

  6. Faith Brook

    Faith Brook

    Mandy Robinson ("Nannie")

  7. Michael Goodliffe

    Michael Goodliffe

    Brown

  8. James Hayter

    James Hayter

    Mr Memory

  9. Duncan Lamont

    Duncan Lamont

Reviews2

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John Chard Avatar

John Chard

Aug 30, 2015

7/10

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson. The 39 Steps is directed by Ralph Thomas and adapted to screenplay by Frank Harvey from the novel of the same name written by John Buchan. It stars Kenneth More, Taina Elg, Brenda De Banzie, Barry Jones, Reginald Beckwith and Faith Brook. Music is by Clifton Parker and cinematography by Ernest Steward. Some found it hard to differentiate this interpretation of the classic novel from the superb Alfred Hitchcock version made in 1935. Which is a shame because on its own terms this is a fun packed mystery boosted by More's effervescent charm. Story is a cracker, Richard Hannay (More) finds himself up to his neck in espionage after a mysterious lady is stabbed to death in is flat. Trying to get to the bottom of the mystery puts him in grave danger and takes him North to Scotland, where he hopes he can clear himself of the suspected murderer rap - and unravel the words he heard - The 39 Steps. No! It isn't as good as Hitch's film, choosing to replace out and out suspense with a more humoristic approach, but the chase yarn aspects are briskly directed by Thomas, and the Scottish locations provided a wonderful backdrop to the fun drama. This same year Hammer Films put a different spin on The Hound of the Baskervilles, with fine results. So it be with the Rank Organisation and this take on the Buchan story. Good fun and well worth a look if you haven't seen it before. 7/10

Media

  • The 39 Steps poster
  • The 39 Steps poster
  • The 39 Steps poster
  • The 39 Steps poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
based on novel or bookchaseremakemurderon the run