It’s 1914 and colonel Scudder (JOHN MILLS) has unearthed a plot to assassinate the Greek Prime Minister in London. He confides his fears in two Cabinet ministers, who are mysteriously murdered. Fearing for his life Scudder takes refuge in Richard Hannay’s (ROBERT POWELL) apartment, who consequently becomes an innocent victim caught in the web of espionage. Hannay is taken away for interrogation, though obviously unaware of the meaning of “The Thirty-Nine Steps”. Incredibly, he escapes, is hounded, shot and wounded. Fortunately, he finds Alec Hamilton who is willing to help, allowing Hannay to investigate further the riddle of the “steps”. Finally, a light begins to flicker, everything becomes clearer…and it’s all a race against time.
(Back cover)



viewer's comments:


- Well Directed and Filmed Drama
Great film which is non stop. From the first encounter, Hanney is drawn into the pre World War 1 spy world. Although he has never been in espionage he is loyal to his country and seems to have a natural talent for the spy game. Intrigue and close escapes are found throughout the film, there are even touches of humor in the right places. Scenes with the English Countryside, trains, Scotland Yard and Big Ben add the sense of distance, time and reality. I hesitate to use the term "Must See" but this film is well worth trying to find.



- Watch it
Despite being a real Hitchcock fan I have to say that this version is much better despite being a reasonably low budget Brit film. It's more true to the book and Powell is excellent as Hannay. Having said that you should watch the Hitch version as well.



- Fantastic!
Very rarely do remakes outshine the original but this is a prime example. This is one of the most intriguing and tense films I have ever seen. It moves so fast that every moment is exciting. Robert Powell is brilliant as Hannay and David Warner (one of the most under rated actors in the world) is fantastically evil as Appleton. OK the ending is pretty far fetched but it's so exciting I barely noticed! 10/10 brilliant!



- By far the best version and a must-see movie
This version, is by far the best version. Of course Hitchcock as a master of suspense, never fails to deliver a good movie, or a great movie, so be it.

But this version (1978) is so much better, because the setting of the movie is so great. You instantly get the cold feeling of England, London in the Pruises-time. The images are good and the actors are great, because the look like humans and not perfectly casted actors who are paid to pretend to be a character.

These actors are living in their role. The movie is somewhat of an action Sherlock Holmes thriller. However, do not expect any fance effects. The biggest effect is the fact that you will sit down, watch the movie and realize that it has ended before you thought about taking a drink.

This is the kind of movie that proves still to be capable of being interesting and standing upright in the newest moviedatabase.

Too bad that almost nobody has seen this movie.

Just for the record, I am 23-years-old so this has not been a comment from somebody that hates modern movies and only likes old ones!

Not even close.

By the way, the plot of the movie, connected to London, is really enjoyably well thought of.

Good luck finding the movie!

Ilija



- This one's a must.
I was never really crazy about the Hitchcock version of this story. Hitch too often "fiddled" with an original story, and although so often made a great movie, it was seldom true to the story as it was first written. The later remake with Kenneth Moore, was a little more glossy, but flat. But with this version, we finally get the story as it was written. Superior photography on location, really help to make this a real winner. Evenly paced, with fine acting performances by the entire cast, the whole film just flows. Excellent production values, recreate the period flawlessly. If I had a criticism, it would be of the rather fanciful climax, but it was still fun. This movie is for enjoying over and over again.



- I am a long-time Hitchcock fan but he was bested in this remake.
Hitchcock would agree that Don Sharp did him one better in the 1978 remake of "The 39 Steps." Sharp's camera technique may not be as spare and precise as Hitchcock's but the overall blend of script, acting, character and plot development make this a truly delightful and fun film. Robert Powell sparkled in his role as a Richard Hannay from "down under." Great film meant to be viewed again and again. I do believe Hitchcock might have considered a request to pop out of a doorway or jump on a bus lending his profile in cameo to this film as he did in so many of his own.



- Stylish and exciting
The best-known film version of John Buchan's famous novel was made by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935 but, although an excellent film in his typically playful style, it actually had little to do with the book. Ralph Thomas's 1959 remake was a dull affair. Don Sharp does a much better job.

The film reverts to the book's Edwardian setting and opens with a striking scene beside the fog-shrouded Thames, which reminds one of Sharp's work for Hammer Films. Robert Powell is an agile and likeable hero, supported by a strong cast and the climax, cleverly borrowed from the Will Hay classic "My Learned Friend", has Hannay attempting (literally) to turn back time.

It was reported that, when this film premiered at a West London cinema, the audience burst into spontaneous applause at the end!



- One of the best films ever made by Rank Org.
Most of the people I spoke with about the 39 steps refer to the Hitchcock's 1935 version as the best one. Well most of these people haven't seen the 1978 version. If any of you will have a chance to see it, don't miss it as this version is story closer to John Buchan's book than Mr. Hitchcock's film.

Unfortunately, the 1978 version wasn't released on video in Europe (I believe it was released only in the US).

Robert Powell - stunning; David Warner - excellent; Prussian Agents - villains at their best.

b.t.w. very good music by Ed Welch.


cast: Robert Powell .... Richard Hannay
David Warner .... Appleton
Eric Porter .... Chief Supt Lomas
Karen Dotrice .... Alex Mackenzie
John Mills .... Scudder
George Baker .... Sir Walter Bullivant
Ronald Pickup .... Bayliss
Donald Pickering .... Marshall
Timothy West .... Porton
Miles Anderson .... David Hamilton
Andrew Keir .... Lord R
Robert Flemyng .... Magistrate
William Squire .... Harkness
Paul McDowell .... McLean
David Collings .... Tillotson.

Country: UK
Language: English
Colour (Eastmancolor)



Also Known As:
39 Steps, The (1978)