Notable similarities to 1951's Strangers on a Train and 1959's North by Northwest (among countless others), as well as being almost identical to 1942's Saboteur, it is clear from the off that Hitchcock was establishing here his favourite formula: innocent everyman embroiled in extraordinary criminal conspiracies.
Yet somehow, Hitchcock is able to use and reuse and reuse the exact same formula, and it does not get old. If you love Hitch, then for heaven's sake get on and watch The 39 Steps. It's a salt-of-the-Earth, box-ticking, marvellously escapist production. Its now-recognisable formula doesn't so much alienate you as invite you in like an old friend. Much like its sister film 'Saboteur', its ending is rather abrupt...but who cares? Utterly utterly brilliant.
Yet somehow, Hitchcock is able to use and reuse and reuse the exact same formula, and it does not get old. If you love Hitch, then for heaven's sake get on and watch The 39 Steps. It's a salt-of-the-Earth, box-ticking, marvellously escapist production. Its now-recognisable formula doesn't so much alienate you as invite you in like an old friend. Much like its sister film 'Saboteur', its ending is rather abrupt...but who cares? Utterly utterly brilliant.