TH Reviews:

Hitchcock's vintage period of British films from the early to mid thirties is one that is often overlooked--but the Master was cutting his teeth as a cinematic genius and hitting his stride with films such as The Lady Vanishes and The 39 Steps. This film has all the classic Hitch touches (I challenge you to find the Hitchcock appearance!). The 39 steps is even more moody and dark edgy because of its black and white appearence. Hitch could use B&W with all the noir shadow and lighting that makes it so compelling. Robert Donat who would go on to legendary status with Goodbye Mr. Chips is wonderful in this with a sort of suave urbanity that foretells of Cary Grant. This Criterion Collection edition is absolutely wonderful with a restored, cleaned up copy that is beautiful. There are scenes from the film in an old documentary film included in the special features where you can see how bad the film had looked after decades of dirt, dust, and multible copies taken. Film buffs of Noir, German Expressionism, and of course the Master--Hitchcock, should reserve queue space for this one!

Firewater:

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for Alfred Hitchcock movies, and THE 39 STEPS is no exception. This 1935 b&w classic is not the best example of Hitchcock's craft, but it is a rollicking adventure story. The MacGuffin, or the device that propels the plot much in the same way the Maltese Falcon propelled that movie, is the phrase "The 39 Steps" itself. What does it mean? Why are people dying because of it? On a basic level, all of Hitchcock's plots were simple, not as convoluted as you may remember. That's the mistake some modern screenwriters and directors make. Watch this one. It won't be your favorite, but I don't think you will hate it either.

DLM:

The story of a innocent, and average Joe who's handed the clue's to save his country. With little knowledge of where to go or what to do, hunted by villains, and the law alike our hero struggles on in his attempt to save himself, and his country. I know Hitchcock later made a version of this that is more known than this , but this is a great movie. One of the movies were Hitchcock perfects the style that made him great. The movie is old at more than 70 years, and the sound at times a little rough, but well worth the watch. Loved it!

Patrick:

Good pacing and done very well, but hardly the most suspenseful of Hitchcock's films. Nice twist at the end though. One quip: I didn't really feel a connection with the characters, and I don't know if it's because of the movie's age or if I just wasn't paying attention to it. But I couldn't explain why the characters were doing what they were doing given what I knew about them. That said, I felt that a director could remake this movie for today and it (with a few changes) would be a hit.

KitCarruthers:

If only all of Hitch's heroes had Robert Donat's wit and naturalness; he's sort of a prototype of Cary Grant in North by Northwest, although I prefer this performance because Grant hasn't got Donat's sense of humor. And while the supporting performances are generally good (particularly Peggy Ashcroft in a brief early role as an abused wife), the film really rests on Donat's shoulders, as well as Hitch's sense of pacing and mood. This movie's about as deep as a puddle, but it's great, expertly made entertainment that I, at least, could watch a thousand times.

Lord Nedrow:

This is the best example of Hitchcock's "British Period." He had truly developed his style at this point, and was beginning to hone his craft. The premise of the movie would be used time and again (see Saboteur, North By Northwest etc.), and has been copied by a vast number of directors. Most Hitchcockian scene: A woman's scream fading into a train whistle

BunnyKing:

This movie is great; it really holds you on the edge of your seat the whole way. Of course, Hitchcock is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, and this movie really gives you a reason why. I don't want to ruin any of the plot, but it's great and really keeps you on the edge.

SP 689213:

Terrific stuff from the master in his early days. Intricately plotted, with one of Hitchcockâ??s first rogueish heroes in Robert Donat, who does his best Cary Grant circa North by Northwest impersonation fifteen years before the start of that illustrious partnership. Itâ??s a clever, tight little devil of a film with a knockout ending. Highly recommended.

bigdan1173:

This may be a great movie, and if it is I'll never know. Why? I couldn't hear a thing!!!! With the volume on full, I couldn't hear anything that was being said, and I turned off the movie after about 15 minutes. Maybe I'll watch this when there is a remastering of the video and audio, but until then I'll enjoy the other great Hitchcock movies.

LA 1724305:

I rented this because I wanted to compare it to the new BBC version. The new BBC version has a 'very long wait' on it for me because I am an old member. I got this right away because it is an 'ancient release', all scuffed up but playable after some clean-up. I really didn't like this version. Partly because I did like the new version, which I watched on Masterpiece Theater, better, and partly because it is so dated. This is pre-50s Hitchcock and lacks the punch of later productions. Quite dull and boring. The story is completely different. Not nearly as dynamic and suspenseful and the love story is almost non-existent. Really sterile. Get the new version and don't waste a rental on this one unless you are a hardcore Hitchcock fan.