39 Steps
Sometimes, when you hear a cover version or you see a remake, as opposed to the original, you tend to subconciously prefer the remake. It was the first one you saw; you make comparisons. The 39 Steps is most famous for Robert Powell doing the deed in John Buchans’ complex tale. Indeed, my first encounter with this story is the Robert Powell incarnation, and especially the scenes of him....
Sometimes, when you hear a cover version or you see a remake, as opposed to the original, you tend to subconciously prefer the remake. It was the first one you saw; you make comparisons. The 39 Steps is most famous for Robert Powell doing the deed in John Buchans’ complex tale. Indeed, my first encounter with this story is the Robert Powell incarnation, and especially the scenes of him hanging off the minute hand of Big Ben. However, although filled with trepidation I now believe that of three three versions made, this one, made in 1935, is probably the best, simply because of the depth of the characterisations and the humour, much which was retained from the original book, though much of the credit has to go to the inventive and perceptive Charles Bennet who adapted the original novel into a workable and high quality script.
Another interesting thing about this film is it is pre-Hitchcock the legend; masterful and on his game, Hitchcock demonstrates in this film the techniques for building tension and directorial skills which made him almost unparrelled in his field. Films that combine superb acting, classy direction and well plotted narrative are rare, but this is one to savour again and again.
Normally, in these reviews it is customary to give an indication of the plot; I’m not going to. Not out of laziness but out of the sheer belief that this is a film which is so good, so well crafted, that to tell you what happens before you see the execution would be like having me jump out of a cake in swimwear at a stag night. It would ruin it.
Suffice to say it is one of the most engaging, entertaining, funny and gripping films. It is a pleasure to watch. John Laurie and Peggy Ashcroft savour their cameo roles; Donat himself gives posssibly one of the finest performances of his career – outshining even his immortal Mr Chips.
When someone tells you they are going to show you a film which is seventy one years old, before you pull a face, make sure it is not this film. It’s place in the annals of cinematic history is assured.
The DVD plays on most media, though I did have an issue with a cheaper end DVD player, and I put that down to the equipment rather than the actual player itself. There are extras on here, such as cast biographies and behind the scenes stills – rare for a film of this age – but so worth a peek.
In short, this film has SO MUCH to offer, is so well crafted and made, that I cannot imagine anyone not wanting to watch this film again and again. I think you may have picked up on the subtext that I quite liked this.
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