"What are the thirty-nine steps?"

One of Hitchcock's earlier films, when he was still working in his homeland of England, The 39 Steps is a great early film filled with suspense and adventure. It follows along several Hitchcock themes, such as mistaken identity, an innocent man on the run, and international spy rings. The 1935 film is based on an adventure novel by John Buchan. Another public domain movie, you can also find this one on Google Video right here.

The movie begins with Richard Hannay(Robert Donat), a Canadian visiting London, goes to see the "Mr. Memory" show at a musical hall in London. After a riot breaks out in the theatre, he finds himself helping Annabella Smith(Lucie Mannheim), who claims she is running away from a group of spies who are trying to kill her. Hannay doesn't seem to believe her story until she is murdered in his apartment during the night. Afraid of being accused of her murder as well as the spies and detectives now on his trial, Hannay flees through the countryside. He finds himself desperately attempting to escape his persuers, he uses the beautiful Pamela (Madeleine Carroll), who he meets on a train, as a means evading capture, entangling her in the midst of the spy game he has also unwittingly trapped himself in. Now Hannay has to convince Pamela he is telling the truth, bring down the spy ring on his tail, and figure out the myster that is the 39 Steps.

Hitch uses some great scenery shots in this film, using the beautiful backdrop of England and Scotland for a dark, suspenseful plot. Hannay must rely on the kindness of strangers in order to survive his ordeal and the shots used in the film help to portray his sense of fear and create fear for him in the audience as he his being ruthless chased down for the crime he did not commit.

Britmovie.co.uk explores the plot of the film and the cultural importance of The 39 Steps. This film not only helped to begin Hitchcock's legacy as perhaps the most legendary film director of all time, but had a significant impact on the history of film as well. This film was Hitchcock's first "blockbuster" in England and made US audiences and studio heads begin to take notice of the director's talent. It is the first film that explores the common Hitchcock themes. Also, Filmsite.org gives detailed plot information on the film to clear up any confusion and outlines what happens over the two day period in which the action of the film takes place.
If you want to see a good early Hitchcock film with all of the twists, suspense, and intrique his fans are so accustomed to, The 39 Steps is a good place to begin. It shows Hitchcock's directorial mastery even early on in his career. The film is a great watch for anyone, Hitchcock or suspense fan.