As a Hitchcock fan, this was the only movie of his I had not seen. I waited for a very special occasion to watch it and the setting was perfect. Oh, but what a disappointment! I mean a huge disappointment, especially compared to any other Hitchcock film. As another reviewer has mentioned, I think this is an example of people giving good reviews simply because they are supposed to and it shows their "Love & Understanding of Fine Cinema." My guess is many have not seen the movie. Where do I begin to tell you why this movie is such a disappointment? Ridiculous overacting, implausible change of heart by main character, forgettable milquetoast of a leading man (Donat), and repeated coincidences to push the seriously weak plot that are so unbelievably silly that everyone in my viewing laughed.
The capper was the ending. After I watched it, I went to the National Archives in D.C. (I live there) to find original reviews on the movie (which I do often). The 1935 critical reviews are far more diverse in their opinions than the glowing write-ups on this board would lead you to believe. Many major critics of the day hated the movie and many more were confused by the silly and convenient ending which Hitchcock himself was forced to explain many times. I recommend that those interested do their own research into the opinions of Hitchcock's contemporaries without the modern "hindsight" and positive baggage the director's name conveys.
I'm sorry to say this but the 39 Steps is, without any doubt on my part, Hitchcock's worst. I recommend you take 39 Steps away from this movie and move down the isle to get _any_ other Hitchcock movie especially Torn Curtain, Rear Window, Lifeboat, and The Lady Vanishes.
The capper was the ending. After I watched it, I went to the National Archives in D.C. (I live there) to find original reviews on the movie (which I do often). The 1935 critical reviews are far more diverse in their opinions than the glowing write-ups on this board would lead you to believe. Many major critics of the day hated the movie and many more were confused by the silly and convenient ending which Hitchcock himself was forced to explain many times. I recommend that those interested do their own research into the opinions of Hitchcock's contemporaries without the modern "hindsight" and positive baggage the director's name conveys.
I'm sorry to say this but the 39 Steps is, without any doubt on my part, Hitchcock's worst. I recommend you take 39 Steps away from this movie and move down the isle to get _any_ other Hitchcock movie especially Torn Curtain, Rear Window, Lifeboat, and The Lady Vanishes.