The 39 Steps (1959)

In London, a diplomat accidentally becomes involved in the death of a British agent who's after a spy ring that covets British military secrets.

Director:

Ralph Thomas

Writers:

Frank Harvey (screenplay), John Buchan (based upon the novel by)

Stars:

Kenneth More, Taina Elg, Brenda de Banzie

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kenneth More	...	Richard Hannay
Taina Elg	...	Fisher
Brenda de Banzie	...	Nellie Lumsden (as Brenda De Banzie)
Barry Jones	...	Professor Logan
Reginald Beckwith	...	Lumsden
Faith Brook	...	Nannie
Michael Goodliffe	...	Brown
James Hayter	...	Mr. Memory
Duncan Lamont	...	Kennedy
Jameson Clark	...	McDougal
Andrew Cruickshank	...	Sheriff (as Andrew Cruikshank)
Leslie Dwyer	...	Milkman
Betty Henderson	...	Mrs. McDougal
Joan Hickson	...	Miss Dobson
Sidney James	...	Perce

Storyline

Richard Hannay witnesses a hit-and-run involving a woman pushing a pram. Looking in the pram he sees a gun instead of a baby. He tracks the woman down and she reveals that she is a secret agent trying to stop foreign spies leaving the country with important military secrets. Later that night she is murdered in Hannay's flat. Hannay takes it on himself to thwart the enemy agents. This involves travelling to Scotland and keeping one step ahead of the police who are looking for him in connection with the murder of the woman.

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Plot Keywords:

on the run | bicycle | handcuffs | memory | macguffin | 

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Taglines:

The Most Suspenseful Manhunt in History!

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Peter Vaughan.

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Goofs

At the Palace Theatre a man with glasses is sitting directly behind Hannay as he waits for "Nanny" Robinson to arrive. When Mr Memory comes on stage a lady in blue who asks what the name of Napoleon's horse is has suddenly appeared in his place and the man is sitting further along the row.

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Quotes

Fisher: I'm not going to lie on that bed!
Richard Hannay: As long as you're chained to me you can't very well avoid it. Come on.
Fisher: Ow!
Fisher: I wish you wouldn't keep saying 'ow' like that. In a respectable house it might be misinterpreted.

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Connections

Version of The 39 Steps (1935)

User Reviews

Read the book

Having recently re-read John Buchan's (short) novel "The 39 Steps" and already owning the 1935 and 1959 videos, a reappraisal seemed appropriate. While the '59 version is a delightful movie, it is a long way removed from the novel. On screen, Kenneth More is more Kenneth More than Richard Hannay. There are one or two "I don't think so" scenes such as Perce's (Sid James) attitude to a wanted killer. But we'll let that pass. You have to look at the production in its own right, because as a movie version of the book, it just doesn't make it. The Hitchcock version was much better in that respect. However, the Kenneth More film is utterly enjoyable as a bit of light drama. Certainly the underlying plot is worthy and overall, I'd give it 7 out of 10.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

13 March 1959 (UK)

Also Known As:

The 39 Steps

Filming Locations:

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Rank Organisation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1