It's 1914 in London and engineering miner Richard Hannay returns home briefly from South Africa. In his home he is disturbed by his neighbour, Colonel Scudder telling a desperate story of sleeper agents and a plot to start the Great War early by assassinating a visiting foreign minister. When Scudder is murdered the sleepers frame Hannay. Hannay flees both the police and the agents as he attempts to clear his name but also uncover the plot before the agents can be successful.
Many people prefer the original film and, to be honest, so do I. Although that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this one. The plot is different enough from Hitchcock's version and closer to the book so that in parts it does feel like a different story, even if much is recognisable. The plot moves forward with a great deal of energy even if it does feel at times like Hannay is just being pushed from one set piece to another. The film has great sets and costumes that really give a great sense of time and place better than the 30's version but that's the main selling point. It does feel a little like a big budget BBC drama and some of the action scenes lack real tension or drama.
Powell is good but he doesn't convince me as the hunted everyman that I imagine in this lead role he is too assured and adaptive for the role. Warner has little to do and the rest of the cast sort of blurred for me into a collection of TV faces. Powell tries but really he leads a slightly miscast cast.
Overall this is enjoyable and, if it wasn't for Hitchcock, could have been much better. Sadly whenever this films reminded me of the original version I could only see it's flaws and weaknesses by comparison. Worth watching for some good drama and some good set pieces.
Many people prefer the original film and, to be honest, so do I. Although that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this one. The plot is different enough from Hitchcock's version and closer to the book so that in parts it does feel like a different story, even if much is recognisable. The plot moves forward with a great deal of energy even if it does feel at times like Hannay is just being pushed from one set piece to another. The film has great sets and costumes that really give a great sense of time and place better than the 30's version but that's the main selling point. It does feel a little like a big budget BBC drama and some of the action scenes lack real tension or drama.
Powell is good but he doesn't convince me as the hunted everyman that I imagine in this lead role he is too assured and adaptive for the role. Warner has little to do and the rest of the cast sort of blurred for me into a collection of TV faces. Powell tries but really he leads a slightly miscast cast.
Overall this is enjoyable and, if it wasn't for Hitchcock, could have been much better. Sadly whenever this films reminded me of the original version I could only see it's flaws and weaknesses by comparison. Worth watching for some good drama and some good set pieces.