The 39 Steps (Original title)The Thirty Nine Steps (Help search title)
Date: 1935 (Release)Country: United KingdomDirected by: Alfred Hitchcock
Synopsis: Spy thriller. A Canadian living in London, Richard Hannay, meets a mysterious woman in a theatre and she insists on coming back to his flat with him. There she explains that she is a spy and her life is in grave danger. Soon Hannay finds himself falsely accused of murder. Chased by the police, he goes on the run and takes a train to Scotland, where he must try to uncover a spy ring to save himself. He hides out in a remote croft, where the jealous old crofter suspects Hannay of romancing his young wife. With a manhunt in full swing, and the real killers now on his heels too, Hannay has to use much ingenuity and energy and, narrowly escaping capture, he even finds himself handcuffed to an attractive young lady named Pamela, who believes he is a killer. They spend a night in an inn, despite the comprising intimacy of their being joined at the wrist. The quest to clear his name finally takes Hannay back to the theatre where it all began, with a special question for the show's memory man, asking him what 'the 39 Steps' are.
Genre: Thriller
Subjects: Espionage, Political assassinations, Manhunts, Highland Region, Theatres
Releases
Date: 1935Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 87 mins Length: 7821 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: August 2015Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 86 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Title: Reviews: DVDs: Hitch before HollywoodAuthor: KEMP, Philip Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review for DVD box set: 'Alfred Hitchcock: The British Years'. Featuring Hitchcock's British films from 1925-1939.
In: Empire n226 April 2008 Pages: 152-153
Title: At home/DVD reissues: Alfred Hitchcock: The British YearsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n227 May 2008 Page: 62
Title: In cinemas: The 39 StepsAuthor: FREER, Ian Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v15 n9 September 2005 Page: 90
Title: The Rank CollectionAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Includes BRIEF ENCOUNTER, The 39 STEPS, GENEVIEVE, The WICKED LADY, HENRY V, HAMLET, A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, The RED SHOES.
In: Journal of British Cinema and Television v1 n1 2004 Pages: 142-148
Title: British Film Guides: The 39 StepsAuthor: BARTON, Ruth Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review essay of 'The 39 Steps' by Mark Glancy (I.B. Tauris, 2003).
In: Film Studies n4 Summer 2004 Pages: 48-57
Title: Hitchcock's innocence plotAuthor: DUE, Reidar Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A discussion of the 'innocence plot' in Hitchcock's The 39 STEPS, YOUNG AND INNOCENT, SABOTEUR, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, I CONFESS, The WRONG MAN, NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Each film involves an unjustified accusation against a main character.
In: Canadian Journal of Film Studies v12 n1 Spring 2003 Pages: 2-15
Title: Bridgespotting: Lepage, Hitchcock, and Landmarks in CanadianAuthor: CLANFIELD, Peter Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines the multiple symbols of the Pont de Québec (Quebec Bridge) in Lepage's Le CONFESSIONAL,alluding to the Scottish Forth Bridge in Hitchcock's The 39 STEPS and also used as a Quebec and Canadian historical reference point.
In: Empire n130 April 2000 Page: 144
Title: DVD: thrillerArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n118 April 1999 Page: 22
Title: New filmsAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Films in Review v46 n3/4 Mar/Apr 1995 Pages: 22-27
Title: The Hitchcock universe: thirty-nine steps and then someAuthor: PHILLIPS, Louis Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: An article listing thirty-nine numbered and separate points concerning Hitchcock's The 39 STEPS e.g. comparing scenes in the film to the text of the novel, relating on-set anecdotes about Hitchcock's attitude to his lead players.
In: Cinema Journal v29 n2 Winter 1990 Pages: 8-22
Title: [Cinema Journal - v29 n2 Winter 1990: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Audience participation and good citizenship in Hitchcock's political films.
In: Empire n3 September 1989 Page: 99
Title: Empire directoryAuthor: TUNNEY, Tom Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: The Listener v117 n3013 28 May 1987 Page: 31
Title: [The Listener - v117 n3013 28 May 1987: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n281/282 Jul/Aug 1984 Pages: 49-53
Title: [Positif - n281/282 Jul/Aug 1984: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Article on this film and the LADY VANISHES (1938) and YOUNG AND INNOCENT (1937).
In: On Film n11 Summer 1983 Pages: 8-14
Title: [On Film - n11 Summer 1983: no known title]Language: English
Description: Analysis of the "secret".
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n249 June 1980 Pages: 11-47
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n249 June 1980: no known title]Article type: ScriptLanguage: French
Description: Script, in French.
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n249 June 1980 Pages: 3-5
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n249 June 1980: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
Description: Credits and intro.
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n249 June 1980 Page: 48
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n249 June 1980: no known title]Language: French
Description: French press comment.
In: Classic Film Collector n50 Spring 1976 Pages: Spring 52-53
Title: [Classic Film Collector - n50 Spring 1976: no known title]Language: English
In: Thousand Eyes Magazine n9 April 1976 Page: 3
Title: [The Thousand Eyes Magazine - n9 April 1976: no known title]Language: English
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v3 n3 Summer 1975 Pages: Summer 232-238
Title: [Literature/Film Quarterly - v3 n3 Summer 1975: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound Supplement n18 May 1949 Pages: 20-21
Title: [Sight and Sound Supplement - n18 May 1949: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits, synopsis, review and note within an index of the works of Alfred Hitchcock.
In: Today's Cinema v67 n5413 25 Oct 1946
Title: [Today's Cinema - v67 n5413 25 Oct 1946: no known title]Language: English
In: Kinematograph Weekly n2063 31 Oct 1946
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2063 31 Oct 1946: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n26 Summer 1938 Page: 85
Title: [Sight and Sound - v7 n26 Summer 1938: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound v5 n18 Summer 1936
Title: [Sight and Sound - v5 n18 Summer 1936: no known title]Language: English
Description: Supplement to sight and sound no.18
In: Cinema Quarterly v3 n4 Summer 1935 Page: 241
Title: [Cinema Quarterly - v3 n4 Summer 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Photoplay v48 n4 September 1935 Page: 68
Title: [Photoplay - v48 n4 September 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Today's Cinema v44 n3024 6 Jun 1935
Title: [Today's Cinema - v44 n3024 6 Jun 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound v4 n13 Spring 1935 Page: 72
Title: [Sight and Sound - v4 n13 Spring 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Film Weekly v13 n347 7 Jun 1935 Page: 31
Title: [Film Weekly - v13 n347 7 Jun 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Kinematograph Weekly n1469 13 Jun 1935
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1469 13 Jun 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Life and Letters To-day v13 n1 September 1935 Page: 202
Title: [Life and Letters To-day - v13 n1 September 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v2 n17 June 1935 Page: 72
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v2 n17 June 1935: no known title]Language: English
Author: CHAPMAN, James Pages: xiii, 346 pages
Title: Hitchcock and the anxiety of authorship
Author: Abramson, Leslie H. Pages: viii, 282 pages
Title: Alfred Hitchcock
Author: BADMINGTON, Neil Pages: 4 volumes
Title: Thematic and methodological foundations of Alfred Hitchcock's artistic vision
Author: DRUMIN, William A. Pages: vii, 432 p.
Title: 39 Steps
Author: GLANCY, Mark Pages: vii, 119 p.
Title: Hitchcock and Poe: the legacy of delight and terror
Author: PERRY, Dennis R. Pages: xvii, 221 p.
Title: Spyscreen: espionage on film and TV from the 1930s to the 1960s
Author: MILLER, Toby Pages: vi, 219 p.
Title: Hitchcock's notebooks: an authorized and illustrated look inside the creative mind of Alfred Hitchcock
Author: AUILER, Dan Pages: 567p.
Title: Hitchcock's secret notebooks: an authorised and illustrated look inside the creative mind of Alfred Hitchcock
Author: AUILER, Dan Pages: 567 pages
Title: Alfred Hitchcock and the British cinema
Author: RYALL, Tom Pages: vi-x. 193p.
Description: With a new introduction.
Title: The 39 steps: the book of the film
Author: PARRY, Geoff Pages: 154p, i-xviii. illus(some col.). bibliog. appendix
Description: NO PHOTCOPYING WITHOUT PERMISSION. Screenplay/shooting script by Charles Bennett. Includes profiles of cast and production personnel as well as reviews and articles.
Title: Fifty key British films
Author: BARROW, Sarah Pages: xviii, 247 pages
Date: 1935 (Release)Country: United KingdomDirected by: Alfred Hitchcock
Synopsis: Spy thriller. A Canadian living in London, Richard Hannay, meets a mysterious woman in a theatre and she insists on coming back to his flat with him. There she explains that she is a spy and her life is in grave danger. Soon Hannay finds himself falsely accused of murder. Chased by the police, he goes on the run and takes a train to Scotland, where he must try to uncover a spy ring to save himself. He hides out in a remote croft, where the jealous old crofter suspects Hannay of romancing his young wife. With a manhunt in full swing, and the real killers now on his heels too, Hannay has to use much ingenuity and energy and, narrowly escaping capture, he even finds himself handcuffed to an attractive young lady named Pamela, who believes he is a killer. They spend a night in an inn, despite the comprising intimacy of their being joined at the wrist. The quest to clear his name finally takes Hannay back to the theatre where it all began, with a special question for the show's memory man, asking him what 'the 39 Steps' are.
Genre: Thriller
Subjects: Espionage, Political assassinations, Manhunts, Highland Region, Theatres
Releases
Date: 1935Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 87 mins Length: 7821 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: August 2015Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 86 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(34)
In: Sight and Sound v18 n4 April 2008 Page: 84Title: Reviews: DVDs: Hitch before HollywoodAuthor: KEMP, Philip Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review for DVD box set: 'Alfred Hitchcock: The British Years'. Featuring Hitchcock's British films from 1925-1939.
In: Empire n226 April 2008 Pages: 152-153
Title: At home/DVD reissues: Alfred Hitchcock: The British YearsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n227 May 2008 Page: 62
Title: In cinemas: The 39 StepsAuthor: FREER, Ian Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v15 n9 September 2005 Page: 90
Title: The Rank CollectionAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Includes BRIEF ENCOUNTER, The 39 STEPS, GENEVIEVE, The WICKED LADY, HENRY V, HAMLET, A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, The RED SHOES.
In: Journal of British Cinema and Television v1 n1 2004 Pages: 142-148
Title: British Film Guides: The 39 StepsAuthor: BARTON, Ruth Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review essay of 'The 39 Steps' by Mark Glancy (I.B. Tauris, 2003).
In: Film Studies n4 Summer 2004 Pages: 48-57
Title: Hitchcock's innocence plotAuthor: DUE, Reidar Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A discussion of the 'innocence plot' in Hitchcock's The 39 STEPS, YOUNG AND INNOCENT, SABOTEUR, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, I CONFESS, The WRONG MAN, NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Each film involves an unjustified accusation against a main character.
In: Canadian Journal of Film Studies v12 n1 Spring 2003 Pages: 2-15
Title: Bridgespotting: Lepage, Hitchcock, and Landmarks in CanadianAuthor: CLANFIELD, Peter Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines the multiple symbols of the Pont de Québec (Quebec Bridge) in Lepage's Le CONFESSIONAL,alluding to the Scottish Forth Bridge in Hitchcock's The 39 STEPS and also used as a Quebec and Canadian historical reference point.
In: Empire n130 April 2000 Page: 144
Title: DVD: thrillerArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n118 April 1999 Page: 22
Title: New filmsAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Films in Review v46 n3/4 Mar/Apr 1995 Pages: 22-27
Title: The Hitchcock universe: thirty-nine steps and then someAuthor: PHILLIPS, Louis Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: An article listing thirty-nine numbered and separate points concerning Hitchcock's The 39 STEPS e.g. comparing scenes in the film to the text of the novel, relating on-set anecdotes about Hitchcock's attitude to his lead players.
In: Cinema Journal v29 n2 Winter 1990 Pages: 8-22
Title: [Cinema Journal - v29 n2 Winter 1990: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Audience participation and good citizenship in Hitchcock's political films.
In: Empire n3 September 1989 Page: 99
Title: Empire directoryAuthor: TUNNEY, Tom Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: The Listener v117 n3013 28 May 1987 Page: 31
Title: [The Listener - v117 n3013 28 May 1987: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n281/282 Jul/Aug 1984 Pages: 49-53
Title: [Positif - n281/282 Jul/Aug 1984: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Article on this film and the LADY VANISHES (1938) and YOUNG AND INNOCENT (1937).
In: On Film n11 Summer 1983 Pages: 8-14
Title: [On Film - n11 Summer 1983: no known title]Language: English
Description: Analysis of the "secret".
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n249 June 1980 Pages: 11-47
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n249 June 1980: no known title]Article type: ScriptLanguage: French
Description: Script, in French.
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n249 June 1980 Pages: 3-5
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n249 June 1980: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
Description: Credits and intro.
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n249 June 1980 Page: 48
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n249 June 1980: no known title]Language: French
Description: French press comment.
In: Classic Film Collector n50 Spring 1976 Pages: Spring 52-53
Title: [Classic Film Collector - n50 Spring 1976: no known title]Language: English
In: Thousand Eyes Magazine n9 April 1976 Page: 3
Title: [The Thousand Eyes Magazine - n9 April 1976: no known title]Language: English
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v3 n3 Summer 1975 Pages: Summer 232-238
Title: [Literature/Film Quarterly - v3 n3 Summer 1975: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound Supplement n18 May 1949 Pages: 20-21
Title: [Sight and Sound Supplement - n18 May 1949: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits, synopsis, review and note within an index of the works of Alfred Hitchcock.
In: Today's Cinema v67 n5413 25 Oct 1946
Title: [Today's Cinema - v67 n5413 25 Oct 1946: no known title]Language: English
In: Kinematograph Weekly n2063 31 Oct 1946
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2063 31 Oct 1946: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n26 Summer 1938 Page: 85
Title: [Sight and Sound - v7 n26 Summer 1938: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound v5 n18 Summer 1936
Title: [Sight and Sound - v5 n18 Summer 1936: no known title]Language: English
Description: Supplement to sight and sound no.18
In: Cinema Quarterly v3 n4 Summer 1935 Page: 241
Title: [Cinema Quarterly - v3 n4 Summer 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Photoplay v48 n4 September 1935 Page: 68
Title: [Photoplay - v48 n4 September 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Today's Cinema v44 n3024 6 Jun 1935
Title: [Today's Cinema - v44 n3024 6 Jun 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Sight and Sound v4 n13 Spring 1935 Page: 72
Title: [Sight and Sound - v4 n13 Spring 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Film Weekly v13 n347 7 Jun 1935 Page: 31
Title: [Film Weekly - v13 n347 7 Jun 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Kinematograph Weekly n1469 13 Jun 1935
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1469 13 Jun 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Life and Letters To-day v13 n1 September 1935 Page: 202
Title: [Life and Letters To-day - v13 n1 September 1935: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v2 n17 June 1935 Page: 72
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v2 n17 June 1935: no known title]Language: English
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(12)
Title: Hitchcock and the spy filmAuthor: CHAPMAN, James Pages: xiii, 346 pages
Title: Hitchcock and the anxiety of authorship
Author: Abramson, Leslie H. Pages: viii, 282 pages
Title: Alfred Hitchcock
Author: BADMINGTON, Neil Pages: 4 volumes
Title: Thematic and methodological foundations of Alfred Hitchcock's artistic vision
Author: DRUMIN, William A. Pages: vii, 432 p.
Title: 39 Steps
Author: GLANCY, Mark Pages: vii, 119 p.
Title: Hitchcock and Poe: the legacy of delight and terror
Author: PERRY, Dennis R. Pages: xvii, 221 p.
Title: Spyscreen: espionage on film and TV from the 1930s to the 1960s
Author: MILLER, Toby Pages: vi, 219 p.
Title: Hitchcock's notebooks: an authorized and illustrated look inside the creative mind of Alfred Hitchcock
Author: AUILER, Dan Pages: 567p.
Title: Hitchcock's secret notebooks: an authorised and illustrated look inside the creative mind of Alfred Hitchcock
Author: AUILER, Dan Pages: 567 pages
Title: Alfred Hitchcock and the British cinema
Author: RYALL, Tom Pages: vi-x. 193p.
Description: With a new introduction.
Title: The 39 steps: the book of the film
Author: PARRY, Geoff Pages: 154p, i-xviii. illus(some col.). bibliog. appendix
Description: NO PHOTCOPYING WITHOUT PERMISSION. Screenplay/shooting script by Charles Bennett. Includes profiles of cast and production personnel as well as reviews and articles.
Title: Fifty key British films
Author: BARROW, Sarah Pages: xviii, 247 pages