The 39 Steps

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson.

The 39 Steps is directed by Ralph Thomas and adapted to screenplay by Frank Harvey from the novel of the same name written by John Buchan. It stars Kenneth More, Taina Elg, Brenda De Banzie, Barry Jones, Reginald Beckwith and Faith Brook. Music is by Clifton Parker and cinematography by Ernest Steward.

Some found it hard to differentiate this interpretation of the classic novel from the superb Alfred Hitchcock version made in 1935. Which is a shame because on its own terms this is a fun packed mystery boosted by More's effervescent charm.

Story is a cracker, Richard Hannay (More) finds himself up to his neck in espionage after a mysterious lady is stabbed to death in is flat. Trying to get to the bottom...

Although it could never be anywhere near as good as the 1935 version, Kenneth More does a reasonable job as John Buchan's "Hannay" here. On leaving the theatre one evening, he finds himself with a new friend (Betty Henderson) whom he invites back to his flat. When he returns from the kitchen to tell her he has no sugar for the tea, he finds that isn't her top priority any more and he is soon embroiled in a murder and espionage mystery that could strike at the very heart of the kingdom. Armed only with a clue about a village in Scotland and a man with a missing finger, he sets off to get to the bottom of it all. Colour photography can be the enemy of films like this. The sense of peril and menace is frequently compromised by the brightness o...