The Thirty Nine Steps (1978)
The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South Africa, is shocked when one of his neighbours, Colonel Scudder, bursts into his rooms one night and tells him a story that Prussian 'sleeper' agents are planning to pre-start World War I by murdering a visiting foreign minister. However, Scudder is murdered and Hannay is framed for the death by the 'sleepers'. Fleeing to Scotland Hannay attempts to clear his name and to stop the agents with the aid of Alex Mackenzie but not only is he is chased by Chief Supt Lomas for Scudder's death but by the agents who are headed by Appleton who has managed to hide himself in a high-placed position in the British Government...
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Really Surprised!
good back-story, and good acting
Best movie ever!
A Masterpiece!
In the seventies I was offered a job in the Rank Films legal department,but luckily I turned it down,as their proposed programme of film production was short lived.After all you can only sustain production programme so long by making remakes.Whilst a competent film in itself it is not a patch on the Hitchcock classic.The Big Ben finale looks so phoney with the process workGive me Mr Memory anytime
Although it is not 100% faithful to the book, it is the most faithful in spirit of the four versions I've seen. Of the four though on its own, I do prefer Hitchcock's 1935 film, for how well made and directed it is and how suspenseful it is. This version is better however than the well done if slightly flat 1959 film and the awful 2008 TV adaptation. The pace sags in the middle perhaps, but this is a very well done film both as an adaptation and on its own merits. The locations look beautiful and are very atmospherically photographed, while the score adds much to the often thrilling and suspenseful tone. The script is intelligent and does feel as though it's flowing naturally, and the story is securely paced and the suspense is in equal measure with Hitchcock's like with Hannay's escape from the train. If there is one scene though that I prefer over the Hitchcock film, it's the climax, which I found thrilling and not as rushed. Robert Powell has both the bearing and charm for Richard Hannay, Karen Dotrice is a likable female interest and David Warner is an ever charismatic presence. The villains are suitably ruthless also. All in all, a very well done film, well made, engaging and mostly faithful. 8/10 Bethany Cox
I remember watching this film for the first time in India at the Lido in the city of Bangalore in the company of 18 people. I came away fascinated and the memory of the movie in the company of friends when you are a teen only adds to the nostalgia. Anyway, this is a period piece (pre WWI) whose plot is to drag England into a European war by assassinating the premier of Greece as he plans a speech at the parliament. They got the atmosphere down very well indeed with all the fog, gray London and the dampness of the English countryside. The Prussian agents are perfectly cast (stern and determined) as is the villain, David Warner (see him in Titanic, Holocaust, etc). Some sections of the film are very slapstick studio such as the rolling of a car in the thick of a London fog. All in all the atmosphere is very English and so is the direction. If it were not for the nice old motorcars, it'd be a period piece from the Victorian years. Anyway, this is early Georgian England in the wake of the Victorian era and consequently you'll see top hats worn by men and long bubble dresses worn by ladies (with umbrella and all). There are other nice touches in that an old bus with Shepard's bush written on the plates i thought was rather cute. The film is gripping and fast paced (and the English very well spoken and also with some South African slang such as 'dorp'). I wish there can be an NTSC version. However, it looks like IMDb needs to update the availability section because i purchased this film in DVD format at the Virgin store in London and the availability section makes no mention of the various formats.
POSSSIBLE Spoilers This movie is awesome. Although I have not seen the original I have heard this one is better. This movie is very enthralling throughout. The best part is the cat & mouse which occupies most of the film. Another good part of the movie is when he comes down the stair drugged up on a wheelchair. I also liked setting of the movie. Seeing Powell ramble through the our countryside was awesome and adds quality to the movie.The acting was very good. I thought Robert Powell was amazing and is one of the most underrated actors ever (cant believe hes down graded himself to Holby City). He was great in the detective's too with Jasper Carrot which is one of my fave shows ever.Very good film and I recommend this for anyone.