The 39 Steps (1935)

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps is perhaps the best-known and most well-received of Hitchcock's British films. This film, like many other Hitchcock films is a spy thriller. Early in the film a woman is murdered and an innocent man is presumed guilty. He spends the film running from the police while attempting to figure out who is responsible and what secrets the murdered woman knew. The plot in this film is rather similar to Hitchcock's later films Saboteur and North By Northwest.

The lead in this film is played by Robert Donat. His performance is fairly decent, but it isn't his best work. The film also stars Madeleine Carroll who is adequate in her performance.

While this film is not nearly as good as some of Hitchcock's American films, it is still a solid film. It contains several Hitchcockian elements, most notably the MacGuffin in the form of the 39 Steps. This film is better than the rather similar Saboteur but falls well short of North By Northwest. Considered one of the greatest British films ever made by any director, this film is worth a watch for just about anyone.

77/100
C+