IMDb RATING
6.6/10
2.4K
YOUR RATING
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.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.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.
Brenda de Banzie
- Nellie Lumsden
- (as Brenda De Banzie)
Andrew Cruickshank
- Sheriff
- (as Andrew Cruikshank)
John Adams
- Constable
- (uncredited)
Margot Boyd
- Headmistress at St. Catherines
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaTaina Elg was cast as the female lead after a number of British and American performers had passed on the role and the Rank Studios and Kenneth More had vetoed a number of others.
- GoofsWhen Hannay escapes though a window, he jumps onto a lorry full of hay bales. Later there is a shot of the same lorry which contains sheep and no bales.
- Quotes
Fisher: I'm not going to lie on that bed!
Richard Hannay: As long as you're chained to me you can't very well avoid it. Come on.
Fisher: Ow!
Fisher: I wish you wouldn't keep saying 'ow' like that. In a respectable house it might be misinterpreted.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Unforgettable Sid James (2000)
Featured review
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
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
- hitchcockthelegend
- Aug 29, 2015
- Permalink
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- 39 stepenica
- Filming locations
- Brig o' Turk Tea Room, Brig o' Turk, Perthshire, Scotland, UK(Hannay disguises himself as a cyclist at Gallows Café)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 33 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1
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