This film was one of the turning points in Alfred Hitchcock's career. It shed light on the film-maker, and helped the rest of the world catch on to what a genius he was. The 39 Steps is classic Hitchcock, containing so many of the elements of what made him The Master of Suspense. You have the handsome "everyman," played by Robert Donat. There is the beautiful blonde, a staple in practically every Hitchcock picture. Dark humor, plot twists, suspense, and a climactic surprise ending; This film is a wonderful display of Hitch's powers! The story of Richard Hannay (Robert Donat) is one of spies, government secrets, and conspiracy. It all sounds cliché, but Hitchcock puts your fears at ease early on when Hannay dismisses the whole thing by saying, "It sounds like a spy story." The mysterious Ms. Annabella Smith replies, "That's exactly what it is." Hitchcock takes an old story, and injects it with life, through his dark humor and the brilliant plot twists that occur. I don't want to spoil it for you. This is a tremendously enjoyable movie, one that must not be missed by any Hitchcock fan!
Review of The 39 Steps
