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
52 Reviews
Not really a remake
falconer9918 March 2007
It's hardly fair to compare this to the Hitchcock version (which was made when Buchan was not yet a well-known author). I think the Hitchcock film is the better as a film, although there are a few stodgy moments (with the crofter, for instance), but lots of lovely visual ideas to compensate (the Bridge scene, the missing digit, and the ending). But Hitchcock's is not a filming of Buchan's novel. It's something quite different. The first remake (with Kenneth More) was a remake of the Hitchcock film, not the book. With this version, we were told it would be faithful to the original, but, yes, the ending is stolen from an old Will Hay film (which was very much before its time, with its black humour). So this is not really a remake of the Hitchcock film, but neither is it faithful to Buchan (which I must re-read). But it is enjoyable, the period feel is good, and I personally like Ed Welch's concerto score.
Awesome
Beastify28 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
One of the best films ever made by Rank Org.
jan-973 September 1999
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.
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.
A Ripping Yarn
MOscarbradley19 March 2007
This is about as far removed from the Hitchcock version as you could imagine. For starters, instead of a beautiful female spy you get John Mills, (though his demise with a knife in his back in the arms of the hero in a public place might be taken as a tribute to "North by Northwest"; it's even got Hannay menaced by a plane on a lonely moor). It is, in fact, a reasonably faithful rendition of the book where Hitchcock's was a fanciful re-imagining, (and a good deal more fun), but it's no disgrace. Indeed as a Boy's Own Adventure it's thoroughly enjoyable; a Ripping Yarn in fact, with a splendid cast of British character actors, good use of locations and a spiffing climax involving Big Ben.
Robert Powell's Hannay is considerably more po-faced than Robert Donat's, (he's too stiff to be a proper action hero), and comes over as a bit of a boor. Still, you wish him well and are happy to perch close to the edge of your seat as he dodges both the police and the dastardly Huns as he attempts to clear his name. Love interest, for what it's worth, is provided by Karen Dotrice, and whose character is an amalgam of Peggy Ashcroft's and Madeline Carrol's, but this is a film in which soppy girls needn't bother us; the heroes and villains keep it ticking along nicely.
Robert Powell's Hannay is considerably more po-faced than Robert Donat's, (he's too stiff to be a proper action hero), and comes over as a bit of a boor. Still, you wish him well and are happy to perch close to the edge of your seat as he dodges both the police and the dastardly Huns as he attempts to clear his name. Love interest, for what it's worth, is provided by Karen Dotrice, and whose character is an amalgam of Peggy Ashcroft's and Madeline Carrol's, but this is a film in which soppy girls needn't bother us; the heroes and villains keep it ticking along nicely.
Not the story as written
hgregor-991-2861082 March 2011
R Houghton's review claims that "...with this version, we finally get the story as it was written."
This is a very long way from true. To note only three departures, the thirty-nine steps of the original text do not refer to the steps leading up to Beg Ben, but to a staircase leading from a house in Bradgate down to the sea; in the original text, Scudder is knifed in Hannay's flat; and the scene of Hannay clinging to the hands of the clock appears nowhere in Buchan's novel.
But all that said, this production is a fine piece of work in its own right, having great pace, style and atmosphere, and with some first-class acting from Robert Powell.
This is a very long way from true. To note only three departures, the thirty-nine steps of the original text do not refer to the steps leading up to Beg Ben, but to a staircase leading from a house in Bradgate down to the sea; in the original text, Scudder is knifed in Hannay's flat; and the scene of Hannay clinging to the hands of the clock appears nowhere in Buchan's novel.
But all that said, this production is a fine piece of work in its own right, having great pace, style and atmosphere, and with some first-class acting from Robert Powell.
Remake of a story filmed in 1935 and 1959, closer in plot to the source than either of its predecessors.
barnabyrudge13 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a big fan of remakes. In particular, the act of remaking a film that is already considered a classic seems pointless. If the original is so good that everyone speaks highly of it, what's the point in trying to retell the story again? Surely a better idea would be for the remake brigade to pick films that had good potential first time round but didn't quite come off as well as they might. This 1978 adaptation of The Thirty Nine Steps is one of the few films, I think, that has valid justification for revisiting a story that had already found critical and commercial success in an earlier version. Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 version of the story was a truly outstanding film cinematically-speaking, but it was not a very faithful rendition of John Buchan's source book. The 1959 remake, with Kenneth More, merely copied the Hitchcock version. This third stab at the story, directed by Don Sharp and scripted by Michael Robson, is the first to go back to the novel and attempt to use the original plot closely and faithfully. For once, we have a remake that exists for a purpose:- to tell the story as envisioned by Buchan.
Mining engineer Richard Hannay (Robert Powell) befriends a man named Scudder (John Mills) who is on the run from enemy agents in 1914 London. Scudder is murdered for his troubles, but not before passing a notebook on to Hannay and giving him a few clues as to the nature of the enemy. Hannay finds himself suspected of the murder and is forced to flee by train to the north, eventually eluding his pursuers by hiding from them in the rolling slopes of the Scottish wilderness. After various adventures, Hannay discovers that his enemies are actually German spies plotting a terrible atrocity in London. Aided by a lady he has picked up during his escapades, Alex Mackenzie (Karen Dotrice), Hannay attempts to foil the sinister plot, culminating in a terrifying fight on the face of Big Ben as the clock ticks towards a catastrophic disaster.
Powell is excellent as the hero, and isn't upstaged (as one might expect) by the stellar supporting cast. (In fact, Powell went on to portray the character in a successful series on British TV a few years later). Good character work is provided by the likes of Eric Porter, David Warner, George Baker and John Mills, while Dotrice makes an agreeable leading lady. The period detail is evoked reasonably well throughout. The climax on the face of Big Ben has been frequently criticised - it is one of the only parts of the film that differs significantly from the events in the book, which is perhaps why purists have been quick to "knock" the sequence. However, I find the Big Ben sequence to be both exciting and memorable. If anything, the film's weakness is a lack of urgency during the opening half-hour or so. For those who make it past the slightly stodgy opening act, this emerges a very enjoyable and worthwhile retelling of Buchan's celebrated novel.
Mining engineer Richard Hannay (Robert Powell) befriends a man named Scudder (John Mills) who is on the run from enemy agents in 1914 London. Scudder is murdered for his troubles, but not before passing a notebook on to Hannay and giving him a few clues as to the nature of the enemy. Hannay finds himself suspected of the murder and is forced to flee by train to the north, eventually eluding his pursuers by hiding from them in the rolling slopes of the Scottish wilderness. After various adventures, Hannay discovers that his enemies are actually German spies plotting a terrible atrocity in London. Aided by a lady he has picked up during his escapades, Alex Mackenzie (Karen Dotrice), Hannay attempts to foil the sinister plot, culminating in a terrifying fight on the face of Big Ben as the clock ticks towards a catastrophic disaster.
Powell is excellent as the hero, and isn't upstaged (as one might expect) by the stellar supporting cast. (In fact, Powell went on to portray the character in a successful series on British TV a few years later). Good character work is provided by the likes of Eric Porter, David Warner, George Baker and John Mills, while Dotrice makes an agreeable leading lady. The period detail is evoked reasonably well throughout. The climax on the face of Big Ben has been frequently criticised - it is one of the only parts of the film that differs significantly from the events in the book, which is perhaps why purists have been quick to "knock" the sequence. However, I find the Big Ben sequence to be both exciting and memorable. If anything, the film's weakness is a lack of urgency during the opening half-hour or so. For those who make it past the slightly stodgy opening act, this emerges a very enjoyable and worthwhile retelling of Buchan's celebrated novel.
Number 3 : not bad
neil-47616 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Richard Hannay finds himself caught up in a plot to derail Britain's naval plans in the First World War.
The third cinematic outing for John Buchan's suspense adventure, features Robert Powell as the beleagured Richard Hannay. It is as exciting and suspenseful as Hitchcock's version (and, I understand, closer to its source material), and nearly as colourful as the Kenneth More version, although with a significantly greater sense of genuine jeopardy than its immediate predecessor.
The climactic sequence on Big Ben is exciting, albeit not from the book.
The third cinematic outing for John Buchan's suspense adventure, features Robert Powell as the beleagured Richard Hannay. It is as exciting and suspenseful as Hitchcock's version (and, I understand, closer to its source material), and nearly as colourful as the Kenneth More version, although with a significantly greater sense of genuine jeopardy than its immediate predecessor.
The climactic sequence on Big Ben is exciting, albeit not from the book.
This one's a must.
rhoughton9 November 2000
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.
The Big Ben
jotix10030 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"The Thirty Nine Steps", the spy novel by John Buchan, has been adapted for the screen three times. The most famous one being the 1935 version by Alfred Hitchcock which still remains an old favorite by most viewers. The 1959 remake directed by Ralph Thomas was a vehicle for its star, Kenneth Moore. We were intrigued when the Don Sharp 1978 film version when it showed up on a classic channel not long ago.
Not having read the novel, we cannot, in all honesty, make an objective assessment of how close to the written page the latest remake is, but we were pleasantly surprised by what Mr. Sharp was able to accomplish. The adaptation was written by Michael Robson. The action used a lot of well known backgrounds. The best of these is the one that takes place in the last sequence of the film in which we are taken inside Big Ben where Hannay, having solved the mystery, goes after the Prussian spies.
Robert Powell was effective in his characterization of Hannay, the South African engineer that is drawn, against his will, to be at the center of a manhunt for something he never did. The cast was excellent. John Mills, Eric Porter, David Warner, Donald Pickering, Ronald Pickup, and Karen Dotrice, among them.
John Coquillon was the cinematographer and the musical score was created by Ed Welch. Don Sharp's entertaining take on this classic is worth a look.
Not having read the novel, we cannot, in all honesty, make an objective assessment of how close to the written page the latest remake is, but we were pleasantly surprised by what Mr. Sharp was able to accomplish. The adaptation was written by Michael Robson. The action used a lot of well known backgrounds. The best of these is the one that takes place in the last sequence of the film in which we are taken inside Big Ben where Hannay, having solved the mystery, goes after the Prussian spies.
Robert Powell was effective in his characterization of Hannay, the South African engineer that is drawn, against his will, to be at the center of a manhunt for something he never did. The cast was excellent. John Mills, Eric Porter, David Warner, Donald Pickering, Ronald Pickup, and Karen Dotrice, among them.
John Coquillon was the cinematographer and the musical score was created by Ed Welch. Don Sharp's entertaining take on this classic is worth a look.
Not a Hitchcock remake
A_Kind_Of_CineMagic9 April 2009
I read one contribution here stating quite correctly that this is not a remake of the Hitchcock film, it is an entirely different treatment of the John Buchan book.
Where I thoroughly disagree with that reviewer though is in his comment that some parts of the Hitchcock film were 'stodgy', "particularly the crofter scene"! How he could say that is beyond belief. The crofter scene is BRILLIANT! It involves fantastic acting from all 3 in the scene (including a young John Laurie from Dad's Army) who convey amazing thoughts and emotions without dialogue simply with their eyes and small gestures. It is pure cinema and pure genius as is the rest of that film.
The Hitchcock version is light years better than this as a film (near perfect actually) but is only loosely based on a few ideas from the Buchan novel. This is more close to the novel but still strays from its source, wrongly so in this case. The novel is very good but this film drags and is quite poorly directed. It loses most suspense or interest and is very disappointing, I think.
Where I thoroughly disagree with that reviewer though is in his comment that some parts of the Hitchcock film were 'stodgy', "particularly the crofter scene"! How he could say that is beyond belief. The crofter scene is BRILLIANT! It involves fantastic acting from all 3 in the scene (including a young John Laurie from Dad's Army) who convey amazing thoughts and emotions without dialogue simply with their eyes and small gestures. It is pure cinema and pure genius as is the rest of that film.
The Hitchcock version is light years better than this as a film (near perfect actually) but is only loosely based on a few ideas from the Buchan novel. This is more close to the novel but still strays from its source, wrongly so in this case. The novel is very good but this film drags and is quite poorly directed. It loses most suspense or interest and is very disappointing, I think.
One of our favorite films
debalan4 November 2004
This is an exciting, well acted version of the Thirty Nine Steps. David Warner is appropriately evil as the head of the Nazi's moles, Robert Powell is a convincing reluctant hero who has been thrust into mystery & danger, Sir John Mills is great as the voice of warning and reason against the pending threat of war, and Karen Dotrice is very sweet as the romantic interest now that she is all grown up. Compared to the earlier Hitchcock version (which we also like) this story is much more believable and less campy.
We love it and watch it every few months. Our only disappointment is that our VHS is getting worn and we can't find a replacement in either VHS or DVD.
We love it and watch it every few months. Our only disappointment is that our VHS is getting worn and we can't find a replacement in either VHS or DVD.
Thriller.
rmax3048239 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
It's quite different from Alfred Hitchcock's 1930s version. The emphasis here is on spying and preventing the assassination of a Greek diplomat in 1914. The Balkans must hold together to give Britain time to prepare for the inevitable war. And it's complicated. Uncovering the villain and the villainous plot is not a simple matter of running into some guy with a bit of his finger missing. The plot is a tangled knot of fake identities and a confusion that results in both the police and the scurrilous assassins chasing Robert Powell (as Hannay) around Scotland and London.
I'm not sure any of the versions I've seen follow the novel very closely. It's been years since I've read the book but I do recall that somewhere along the way Hannay had to take a job as a ditch digger. No such vulgar passage here.
The novel aside, Hitchcock's version is an improvement over this one in many ways. The incident in which Robert Donat as Hannay spends the night in the home of a stingy, jealous farmer with a sympathetic wife is almost a short movie in itself, both suspenseful and dramatic. "Do ye eat the herring?" Nothing like that here.
On the other hand, this is pretty tense on its own. Hannay escapes from a stalled train by climbing under a bridge, only it's not over the Forth of Firth. Nice shots of Hannay as a distant figure on the Scottish hills, running for his life, his long black coat flapping, while two marksmen try to bring him down.
And the exciting climax would have suited Hitchcock to a T. A bomb that will destroy the Greek diplomat and the rest of Parliament with him is set to go off at 11:45. Hannay and the police must stop this from happening by defanging the explosive device then clambering out onto the face of Big Ben and wrestling with the mammoth minute hand. Someone falls to his death. Hitch would have loved it but this version is still well enough done to generate a lot of apprehension.
I'm not sure any of the versions I've seen follow the novel very closely. It's been years since I've read the book but I do recall that somewhere along the way Hannay had to take a job as a ditch digger. No such vulgar passage here.
The novel aside, Hitchcock's version is an improvement over this one in many ways. The incident in which Robert Donat as Hannay spends the night in the home of a stingy, jealous farmer with a sympathetic wife is almost a short movie in itself, both suspenseful and dramatic. "Do ye eat the herring?" Nothing like that here.
On the other hand, this is pretty tense on its own. Hannay escapes from a stalled train by climbing under a bridge, only it's not over the Forth of Firth. Nice shots of Hannay as a distant figure on the Scottish hills, running for his life, his long black coat flapping, while two marksmen try to bring him down.
And the exciting climax would have suited Hitchcock to a T. A bomb that will destroy the Greek diplomat and the rest of Parliament with him is set to go off at 11:45. Hannay and the police must stop this from happening by defanging the explosive device then clambering out onto the face of Big Ben and wrestling with the mammoth minute hand. Someone falls to his death. Hitch would have loved it but this version is still well enough done to generate a lot of apprehension.
Pale Poor Imitation of Hitchcock's Classic
geoffmss18 March 2007
This is a dated and rather corny remake of one of Alfred Hitchcock's finest films. The plot is preposterous, Hannay for example jumps the London to Scotland train to avoid the police somewhere across the border and is within minutes tracked by his enemies, this despite being set in the 1st world war period when transport was severely limited. The music soundtrack is bombastic and over-egged ( I thought I was watching a 70's ITV drama serial,) but typical of British films in the 70's.
The characterisation is either stereotyped or totally lacking in emotion. David the fiancé of the female lead is murdered and she shows no sign of mouning or trauma smiling at her new love Hannay over a "cup of breakfast tea" Robert Powell was a matinée idol and this vehicle was all abhout showcasing him and taking advantage of his then UK popularity.
End scene at Big Ben is the signature moment and is spectacular. The best past of this below par work.
The characterisation is either stereotyped or totally lacking in emotion. David the fiancé of the female lead is murdered and she shows no sign of mouning or trauma smiling at her new love Hannay over a "cup of breakfast tea" Robert Powell was a matinée idol and this vehicle was all abhout showcasing him and taking advantage of his then UK popularity.
End scene at Big Ben is the signature moment and is spectacular. The best past of this below par work.
As good as and often better than the Hitchcock original.
fordraff17 February 2004
This 1978 version of "The 39 Steps" is an excellent film, well worth one's time. The film follows the John Buchan novel closely, except for its climax which, according to Halliwell, is taken from Will Hay's "My Learned Friend"; thus, there is little similarity in plot and characters between this film and the Hitchcock version. There are no handcuffed characters racing about (Thank God!) nor villains with truncated digits.
This film is well cast and performed throughout, with special mention of Robert Powell, John Mills, and David Warner. Made in color, it features beautiful scenery, especially the train trip to Scotland and Hannay's flight over the moors. It has fine period detail and costumes, the equal of anything in Merchant-Ivory films. And it has a lush, romantic score that swept me right along into the film.
The film does reference Hitchcock in a number of ways, most obviously in the plane search for Hannay, which recalls the plane attacking Cary Grant in "North by Northwest." And the climax that takes place on the face of Big Ben is exactly the sort of thing Hitchcock might have done, what with his fondness for using famous landmarks in his films.
The suspenseful climax is as good as anything Hitchcock ever did. But throughout, the film has good suspense. Hannay's escape from the train on the bridge here is better than the Hitchcock scene. And the terrorists' activities as shown here are very modern in that they are ruthless killers.
The people who were involved in making this film have nothing to apologize for. It's a fine film, and it's too bad that it has been overshadowed by the Hitchcock version. Don't miss this one.
This film is well cast and performed throughout, with special mention of Robert Powell, John Mills, and David Warner. Made in color, it features beautiful scenery, especially the train trip to Scotland and Hannay's flight over the moors. It has fine period detail and costumes, the equal of anything in Merchant-Ivory films. And it has a lush, romantic score that swept me right along into the film.
The film does reference Hitchcock in a number of ways, most obviously in the plane search for Hannay, which recalls the plane attacking Cary Grant in "North by Northwest." And the climax that takes place on the face of Big Ben is exactly the sort of thing Hitchcock might have done, what with his fondness for using famous landmarks in his films.
The suspenseful climax is as good as anything Hitchcock ever did. But throughout, the film has good suspense. Hannay's escape from the train on the bridge here is better than the Hitchcock scene. And the terrorists' activities as shown here are very modern in that they are ruthless killers.
The people who were involved in making this film have nothing to apologize for. It's a fine film, and it's too bad that it has been overshadowed by the Hitchcock version. Don't miss this one.
Good remake of the Hitchcock classic
grantss14 August 2020
Good remake of the Alfred Hitchcock classic. Not as good as the original, but entertaining enough. Plot is not identical to the original - less complex, more contemporary, though, interestingly, is set in an earlier period.
Decent performances, though none stand out.
Decent performances, though none stand out.
Has all the good elements of the original Hitchcock adaptation with a little originality.
tonypeacock-112 February 2024
I can now say I have watched all the film (not television) adaptations of this story that was originally brought to the big screen by legendary director Alfred Hitchcock in 1935 and I was pleasently surprised by how much enjoyment I got out of watching it after being in the minority it appears in liking the 1959 Kenneth More version.
I liked the casting of Robert Powell as Hannay. He puts in a good performance throughout. Suspenseful, dashing, and a little bit Hitchcockian in the final sequence I thought. A sequence atop Big Ben that shows all the 1970s pre-CGI effects in their glory! It's a sequence that Hitchcock would have been proud of yet it is original to this film. Another mark of originality was Hannay's escape from the train that wasn't on the Forth bridge.
I liked the casting of Robert Powell as Hannay. He puts in a good performance throughout. Suspenseful, dashing, and a little bit Hitchcockian in the final sequence I thought. A sequence atop Big Ben that shows all the 1970s pre-CGI effects in their glory! It's a sequence that Hitchcock would have been proud of yet it is original to this film. Another mark of originality was Hannay's escape from the train that wasn't on the Forth bridge.
"By the way, what do you know of The Thirty Nine Steps?"
hwg1957-102-26570423 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A Southern African mining engineer Richard Hannay when in London gets involved in a plot to assassinate the Greek prime minister. He gets blamed for a murder and has to go on the run to Scotland. This has a lot of good British actors and the London and Scottish locations are photographed prettily but I didn't find it that gripping until the climax at Big Ben. It follows the original John Buchan novel now and then but isn't a faithful rendition which is a pity. The Hitchcock version wasn't that faithful either but it was more fun.
Robert Powell was OK as Hannay but his hair style seemed very 1970's. (all those curls!) which was a needless distraction.
Robert Powell was OK as Hannay but his hair style seemed very 1970's. (all those curls!) which was a needless distraction.
Very enjoyable British spy thriller adventure film.
poolandrews9 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The Thirty Nine Steps is set during 1914 & starts in London late one night as three men discuss a potential threat to world peace & England, retired secret agent Scudder (John Mills) tells Sir Hugh & Lord Harkness (William Squire) about a plan by three Prussian enemy agents to assassinate the Greek prime minister who is on an official visit to London & plunge all of Europe into a war. Soon after the meeting both Hugh & Harkness are murdered & Scudder know's he is next so he ask's his neighbour Richard Hannay (Robert Powell) for help & to shelter him until he can work out the details of the Prussain's plans, collect proof &prevent the start of a World War. However the Prussain agents find Scudder & murder him, Hannay is blamed for the murder & goes on the run to clear his name, follow up Scudder's leads & try to stop the war himself, but no-one seems to want to believe Hannay & Scudder's notebook is missing...
This British production was directed by Don Sharp & was the third time that the novel The 39 Steps by John Buchan had been adapted for the silver screen following Alfred Hitchcock's original The 39 Steps (1935) & the remake The 39 Steps (1959), while I have not read the book nor seen Hictchcock's take on it I have seen the 1959 version before & I have to say I much prefer this one & I think it's superior in just about every way although still not perfect by any means. While watching this it's clear that while the general feel of the film is similar & many of the same character's appear the basic story is different & the ending also is very different & thankfully ditches the awful idea of Mr. Memory being an agent for evil & instead has a nice, if somewhat short, little set-piece in & outside of London landmark Big Ben. The two killers chasing Hannay, the meeting & murder of a British agent in his flat, the train journey to Scotland, the bridge dangling scene, the hike across the moors, the attractive female Hannay meets, the police Inspector on Hannay's trail & even a scene in which Hannay has to give a speech in a case of mistaken identity. At an hour & forty odd minutes the pace drops occasionally & maybe this isn't as action packed as some may want but it's a pretty solid story of mystery & enemy agents & assassination plots with good character's (although Alex doesn't seem bothered by the murder of her fiancé at all) although the bad guy Appleton doesn't get a big speech to try & justify what he is doing & the ending is rather abrupt. The script is gripping, the mystery aspects work well enough & there's enough incident to keep one interested throughout. I liked it quite a bit actually.
While the 1959 version of The 39 Steps was bright & colourful this one is far more gritty & grey which suits the Victorian period setting very well, the moors actually look like rough terrain rather than pretty fields & the special effects are obviously better this time around as well. The production design is great, the costumes, sets & props all look authentic & add character to the visual style of it, the Big Ben ending feels a little silly as Hannay just decides to dangle hundreds of feet in the air without even thinking about it & the sequence doesn't really lead to anything spectacular. Relying on story & boyish adventure there's no real violence or gore & no profanity so this is one all the family could watch.
Filmed on location in London & Scotland. The production values are great & this is a fine looking film. The acting is good from a solid Brisith cast including Powell, David Warner, Sir John Mills & George Baker.
The Thirty Nine Steps is a cracking little Saturday afternoon spy adventure film with an attractive period setting & a pretty solid & suspenseful script that goes up & down the country & ends on a lofty set-piece in & outside Big Ben. A good way to pass a couple of hours, you could do a lot worse.
This British production was directed by Don Sharp & was the third time that the novel The 39 Steps by John Buchan had been adapted for the silver screen following Alfred Hitchcock's original The 39 Steps (1935) & the remake The 39 Steps (1959), while I have not read the book nor seen Hictchcock's take on it I have seen the 1959 version before & I have to say I much prefer this one & I think it's superior in just about every way although still not perfect by any means. While watching this it's clear that while the general feel of the film is similar & many of the same character's appear the basic story is different & the ending also is very different & thankfully ditches the awful idea of Mr. Memory being an agent for evil & instead has a nice, if somewhat short, little set-piece in & outside of London landmark Big Ben. The two killers chasing Hannay, the meeting & murder of a British agent in his flat, the train journey to Scotland, the bridge dangling scene, the hike across the moors, the attractive female Hannay meets, the police Inspector on Hannay's trail & even a scene in which Hannay has to give a speech in a case of mistaken identity. At an hour & forty odd minutes the pace drops occasionally & maybe this isn't as action packed as some may want but it's a pretty solid story of mystery & enemy agents & assassination plots with good character's (although Alex doesn't seem bothered by the murder of her fiancé at all) although the bad guy Appleton doesn't get a big speech to try & justify what he is doing & the ending is rather abrupt. The script is gripping, the mystery aspects work well enough & there's enough incident to keep one interested throughout. I liked it quite a bit actually.
While the 1959 version of The 39 Steps was bright & colourful this one is far more gritty & grey which suits the Victorian period setting very well, the moors actually look like rough terrain rather than pretty fields & the special effects are obviously better this time around as well. The production design is great, the costumes, sets & props all look authentic & add character to the visual style of it, the Big Ben ending feels a little silly as Hannay just decides to dangle hundreds of feet in the air without even thinking about it & the sequence doesn't really lead to anything spectacular. Relying on story & boyish adventure there's no real violence or gore & no profanity so this is one all the family could watch.
Filmed on location in London & Scotland. The production values are great & this is a fine looking film. The acting is good from a solid Brisith cast including Powell, David Warner, Sir John Mills & George Baker.
The Thirty Nine Steps is a cracking little Saturday afternoon spy adventure film with an attractive period setting & a pretty solid & suspenseful script that goes up & down the country & ends on a lofty set-piece in & outside Big Ben. A good way to pass a couple of hours, you could do a lot worse.
A Superb Thriller
timdalton00726 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
John Buchan's 1915 thriller novel The Thirty-Nine Steps has proved to be a rich ground for filmmakers. From Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 classic to its less stellar 1959 remake and a more recent BBC television movie, Buchan's thriller has been updated and revised time and again. Yet with the exception of the BBC's version, most have chosen to take the bare bones of the novel and create something new out of it. There's an exception to every rule and this 1978 adaptation would prove to be that in returning not just to the original time period of the novel but capturing it in spirit (if not in incident) better than its predecessors.
It's perhaps best than the film owes less to Hitchcock and more to Buchan, especially given how the 1959 film turned out. Much of the flavor of the novel is captured here with the notion of a network of agents of a foreign power up to skullduggery and intrigue in the spring of 1914 which draws Richard Hannary, a mining engineer who has spent some years in Africa before coming to London, into a race against time. Though the film does pay homage to Hitchcock's film (and how could it not?), much of the film's incident can be traced to the original novel, if at times in a roundabout kind of way. The film does make additions including the characters of Alex Mackenzie and her fiancé along with some villains and indeed a totally new ending, these don't deviate hugely from what was originally written. The ending, the largest of the changes, is in fact something of an improvement over Buchan's own ending and it's no surprise that it has found some measure of iconic status in its own right. As a result, the film (despite the changes and additions it makes) might well be the most faithful adaptation of the novel we're ever likely to see.
That said, there's plenty to recommend the film for besides that. Take Robert Powell, made famous for his roles in Doomwatch and Jesus Of Nazareth, as Buchan's archetypal innocent man on the run Richard Hannay, . Powell was perfect casting has the right amount of charm, intelligence and good looks to be believable in the role of unlikely action hero from the moment he opens his apartment door to the iconic closing sequence. Powell pulls the role off with great panache but also the occasional air of vulnerability, something that sets him apart from other Hannay's both before and after him. Powell though is the tip of the iceberg.
The film's cast is a veritable who's who of British acting talent in the late 1970s though not always in large roles. The always excellent David Warner is in fine form as the traitor Sir Sir Edmund Appleton with Donald Pickering and Ronald Pickup superbly bringing his henchmen to life who chase Hannay across the country. Also pursuing Hannay is Eric Porter as Chief Superintendent Lomas while Hannay is aided by Karen Dotrice as Alex with Miles Anderson as her fiancé David Hamilton, all of whom do well even if they are times given limited material to work from. Sir John Mills appears as Scudder, the secret agent who sets invents in motion the events of the film, playing a more likable version of the character than presented in either the original novel or in the subsequent BBC version. The cast is rounded off by notable character actors including George Baker, Timothy West, Andrew Keir, David Collings, and Edward de Souza among others.
The film's production values are splendid as well, capturing the pre-war period feel superbly. These range from the sets created by Harry Pottle to the various costumes and locations chosen which all evoke the era or at least what the viewer often thinks of as that era. Indeed that can be said of the entire approach to the film under the direction of veteran director Don Sharp which brings the right tone to the film. Combined together, they create a film that superbly brings the novel to life while also pastiches it.
While perhaps overshadowed by Hitchcock's film, this 1978 take on the same source material may very well its equal. From Robert Powell and a superb cast to fine production vales and a script that treats Buchan's novel with respect, it manages to be faintly nostalgic but knowingly so in a sleeker and more modern packaging. It takes a very familiar tale and re-energize it into an engrossing and suspenseful watch. The result is not only a good way to spend 98 minutes or so but a fine example of the thriller genre.
It's perhaps best than the film owes less to Hitchcock and more to Buchan, especially given how the 1959 film turned out. Much of the flavor of the novel is captured here with the notion of a network of agents of a foreign power up to skullduggery and intrigue in the spring of 1914 which draws Richard Hannary, a mining engineer who has spent some years in Africa before coming to London, into a race against time. Though the film does pay homage to Hitchcock's film (and how could it not?), much of the film's incident can be traced to the original novel, if at times in a roundabout kind of way. The film does make additions including the characters of Alex Mackenzie and her fiancé along with some villains and indeed a totally new ending, these don't deviate hugely from what was originally written. The ending, the largest of the changes, is in fact something of an improvement over Buchan's own ending and it's no surprise that it has found some measure of iconic status in its own right. As a result, the film (despite the changes and additions it makes) might well be the most faithful adaptation of the novel we're ever likely to see.
That said, there's plenty to recommend the film for besides that. Take Robert Powell, made famous for his roles in Doomwatch and Jesus Of Nazareth, as Buchan's archetypal innocent man on the run Richard Hannay, . Powell was perfect casting has the right amount of charm, intelligence and good looks to be believable in the role of unlikely action hero from the moment he opens his apartment door to the iconic closing sequence. Powell pulls the role off with great panache but also the occasional air of vulnerability, something that sets him apart from other Hannay's both before and after him. Powell though is the tip of the iceberg.
The film's cast is a veritable who's who of British acting talent in the late 1970s though not always in large roles. The always excellent David Warner is in fine form as the traitor Sir Sir Edmund Appleton with Donald Pickering and Ronald Pickup superbly bringing his henchmen to life who chase Hannay across the country. Also pursuing Hannay is Eric Porter as Chief Superintendent Lomas while Hannay is aided by Karen Dotrice as Alex with Miles Anderson as her fiancé David Hamilton, all of whom do well even if they are times given limited material to work from. Sir John Mills appears as Scudder, the secret agent who sets invents in motion the events of the film, playing a more likable version of the character than presented in either the original novel or in the subsequent BBC version. The cast is rounded off by notable character actors including George Baker, Timothy West, Andrew Keir, David Collings, and Edward de Souza among others.
The film's production values are splendid as well, capturing the pre-war period feel superbly. These range from the sets created by Harry Pottle to the various costumes and locations chosen which all evoke the era or at least what the viewer often thinks of as that era. Indeed that can be said of the entire approach to the film under the direction of veteran director Don Sharp which brings the right tone to the film. Combined together, they create a film that superbly brings the novel to life while also pastiches it.
While perhaps overshadowed by Hitchcock's film, this 1978 take on the same source material may very well its equal. From Robert Powell and a superb cast to fine production vales and a script that treats Buchan's novel with respect, it manages to be faintly nostalgic but knowingly so in a sleeker and more modern packaging. It takes a very familiar tale and re-energize it into an engrossing and suspenseful watch. The result is not only a good way to spend 98 minutes or so but a fine example of the thriller genre.
Definitive version of the story
Leofwine_draca4 August 2013
THE THIRTY NINE STEPS is the third adaptation of John Buchan's famous spy novel, following the Hitchcock film and the 1950s-era remake with Kenneth More. The 1950s version remade the Hitchcock film and copied a lot of the elements like the villain with a missing digit and the hero being handcuffed for an extended time. This fresh-faced '70s outing ignores the Hitchcock film totally and goes back to basis to provide a more authentic version of the original novel.
And it's a great little movie! Okay, Don Sharp was no Hitchcock, but he always knew how to shoot fine-looking films and THE THIRTY NINE STEPS is no exception. It has bags of atmosphere to boot, and out of the three adaptations it's the one that has the best spy genre feel to it. It moves along at a cracking pace, slipping in humour and suspense and providing a great time for the viewer along the way.
Robert Powell had a decent decade of playing leading man roles before he disappeared off cinema screens in the mid '80s and this is one of his best productions. His Richard Hannay is more realistic and less cinematic than most, more ordinary and a bit stand-offish to begin with. His character grows on you as the story progresses thanks to his sheer determination so that by the halfway mark the viewer is fully behind him.
The supporting cast is a cracker too: John Mills as the ally, David Warner as the villain, plus a meaty turn from Ronald Pickup as a heavy. The only weak spot is Karen Dotrice, whose bland love interest threatens to drag things down; thankfully she doesn't, and the thrills and spills carry on right until the climax as set-piece builds on set-piece. It sounds strange to say it, but I find THE THIRTY NINE STEPS to be the definitive version of the story and a film that narrowly outdoes Hitchcock at his own game.
And it's a great little movie! Okay, Don Sharp was no Hitchcock, but he always knew how to shoot fine-looking films and THE THIRTY NINE STEPS is no exception. It has bags of atmosphere to boot, and out of the three adaptations it's the one that has the best spy genre feel to it. It moves along at a cracking pace, slipping in humour and suspense and providing a great time for the viewer along the way.
Robert Powell had a decent decade of playing leading man roles before he disappeared off cinema screens in the mid '80s and this is one of his best productions. His Richard Hannay is more realistic and less cinematic than most, more ordinary and a bit stand-offish to begin with. His character grows on you as the story progresses thanks to his sheer determination so that by the halfway mark the viewer is fully behind him.
The supporting cast is a cracker too: John Mills as the ally, David Warner as the villain, plus a meaty turn from Ronald Pickup as a heavy. The only weak spot is Karen Dotrice, whose bland love interest threatens to drag things down; thankfully she doesn't, and the thrills and spills carry on right until the climax as set-piece builds on set-piece. It sounds strange to say it, but I find THE THIRTY NINE STEPS to be the definitive version of the story and a film that narrowly outdoes Hitchcock at his own game.
tedious
didi-518 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The trouble with this version of John Buchan's book is really rather poor. Robert Powell isn't my idea of Richard Hannay - doesn't look right, not the dashing and charismatic adventurer he should be - and the climax at Big Ben is too far-fetched.
The film itself, despite good production values and a fairly decent cast (David Warner, Eric Porter, John Mills, Timothy West, Ronald Pickup), is deadly boring. Maybe it has been shown on television too many times but it is unengaging and was done far better in the two previous versions.
Give me Madeleine Carroll and Robert Donat handcuffed together any day. This version is a lame TV movie at best.
The film itself, despite good production values and a fairly decent cast (David Warner, Eric Porter, John Mills, Timothy West, Ronald Pickup), is deadly boring. Maybe it has been shown on television too many times but it is unengaging and was done far better in the two previous versions.
Give me Madeleine Carroll and Robert Donat handcuffed together any day. This version is a lame TV movie at best.
From the decade that style forgot....it's got style.
ianlouisiana28 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
John Buchan like Dornford Yates and "Sapper" is terribly unfashionable and Ur - British with his ex-public school men roaming the Empire and having "Good" wars before settling down and marrying upper middle class gels who may not be particularly bright but have a good seat and are fearless in The Hunt.Richard Hannay is one such hero,recently returned from the colonies and at a bit of a loose end in London,he is drawn into a plot to drag Britain into a war with a European neighbour. As played by Mr Robert Powell,Hannay is courageous,resourceful and clever,attributes that will be tested to the utmost before good triumphs over evil as,fortunately,it tended to in the innocent days before the first world war. Whilst Robert Donat was rather effete and Kenneth More too hearty by half,Mr Powell makes Hannay a formidable opponent for the diabolical machinations of David Warner. Director Don Sharpe brings with him the lessons learned from his TV work,this is a clean,no frills,crisply - photographed film with every shot counting.You can feel the cold of the British winter in every exterior. The late Sir John Mills has a small part as Col. Scudder.However handsome and charming Mr Powell is,Sir John is the focal point for all their scenes together - his very presence compels you to watch him for the whole time he is on the screen.It is one of my favourites amongst his later performances. "The 39 Steps" is the sort of film I like to recommend to my friends and sit back smugly - mightily pleased with myself - when ,without fail, they say how much they enjoyed it. From the decade that style forgot - it's got style.
Lacking in charm
Gerald-524 October 2003
I still look upon the Robert Donat performance as the measure of this story, the essence of his Hannay being his naivity and innocence when catapulted into the situation. Robert Powell was far too wordly wise and knowing.
And so much of the story has been perverted and changed. A grave mistake. Neverthless, I have scored it 7 as I would have thought better of it if I had not had experience of the "genuine" article!
And so much of the story has been perverted and changed. A grave mistake. Neverthless, I have scored it 7 as I would have thought better of it if I had not had experience of the "genuine" article!
Nothing learnt
paul2001sw-126 October 2003
The finale on Big Ben is thrilling, but in the main, this version of John Buchan's classic adventure 'The 39 Steps' only suggests that little has been learnt since Hitchcock made his celebrated version over 40 years earlier. There's minimal atmosphere, and plot, characterisation and acting are all poor. At one point, the heroine's fiance is murdered and she barely bats an eyelid (it's also quite funny watching her attempt to run away from the evil Prussian agents). Ridiculous and dull.
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