1001 Club - 39 Steps, The (1935)

#95. The 39 Steps (1935)

Why It's In The Book: “After several tentative early steps and a few small breakthroughs, The 39 Steps was the first clear creative peak in Alfred Hitchcock’s British period and arguably marked the first fully successful film in the director’s rapidly deepening oeuvre – starting at the end of the silent era, by the time of The 39 Steps, he had already directed 18 films. After the picture’s financial and critical success, Hitchcock further solidified his reputation as a master filmmaker by embarking on a nearly unparalleled streak of compelling and entertaining thriller that would stretch for several decades. And indeed, many of his most popular films – North by Northwest (1959), for one – clearly have their roots in this early highlight.
Among its many noteworthy achievements, The 39 Steps introduced one key Hitchcock first: the notion of the wrong man, the innocent bystander accused, pursued, or punished for a crime he didn’t commit…

The film… plays out in a rush, a nonstop string of action sequences and chase scenes punctuated by witty dialogue and riveting suspense.”-1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Member Ratings

marie_dressler - 9/10
"If the definition of a classic is a work that remains entertaining and surprising over time and repeated exposure, this film certainly deserves to be called one."
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Siochembio - 9/10
"Watch how Pamela takes her stockings off, then go get a glass of ice water."
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Adolytsi - 8/10
"...One of Hitchcock’s best early films, with a very nice ending and a few great twists and suspenseful scenes thrown in."
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Nicolas Krizan - 8/10
"Cleverly thought out and expertly executed."
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Squish - 8/10
"What truly sets this film apart is the richness of the Noir, while still not being overly serious. The suspense and the heartbeat-skipping escapes are truly what made this film a classic. Worth it."
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TSorensen - 8/10
"The pursuit is intense and the pace is high and we get quite a rollercoaster ride. It is one of those films which feel shorter than they are because we get carried away."
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Kim Wilson - 7.5/10
"The 39 Steps is an enjoyable piece of cinema.  I really think this film helped shape and define Hitchcock’s style for the rest of his career."
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Jay Cluitt - 7/10
"This is Hitchcock, it isn't supposed to be taken seriously"
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Movie Guy Steve - 7/10
"From here, Hitchcock got better with this basic story, but he started strong."
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Lindsey - 5/10
"I hope they are steps for making pie."
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Overall Rating: 7.7/10