The Thirty Nine Steps

1978
PG
1h 42m

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David Warner, Karen Dotrice, John Mills, and Robert Powell in The Thirty Nine Steps (1978)

In March 1914, a mining engineer named Richard Hannay tries to prevent Prussian Agents from executing a political assassination designed to trigger World War I.In March 1914, a mining engineer named Richard Hannay tries to prevent Prussian Agents from executing a political assassination designed to trigger World War I.In March 1914, a mining engineer named Richard Hannay tries to prevent Prussian Agents from executing a political assassination designed to trigger World War I.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

2.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Robert Powell was cast in the lead role of Richard Hannay due to his popularity from starring in Jesus of Nazareth (1977).

Goofs
Whilst in Scotland, as a guest at the ancestral home and on the heaths, Hannay, wears Cherry Red Dr Marten Airwear boots (first invented in 1960). These are first seen under a chair whilst he is changing in the bedroom.

Quotes
Hannay: I thought he was a harmless lunatic!

Crazy credits
SPOILER: Closing credits epilogue: Edward Appleton was convicted of treason in May 1914.

And thanks to Richard Hannay, Britain gained valuable time to prepare for The Great War.

Connections
Edited into The Clock (2010)

User reviews57

Review

Featured review

I am a long-time Hitchcock fan but he was bested in this remake.

Hitchcock would agree that Don Sharp did him one better in the 1978 remake of "The 39 Steps." Sharp's camera technique may not be as spare and precise as Hitchcock's but the overall blend of script, acting, character and plot development make this a truly delightful and fun film. Robert Powell sparkled in his role as a Richard Hannay from "down under." Great film meant to be viewed again and again. I do believe Hitchcock might have considered a request to pop out of a doorway or jump on a bus lending his profile in cameo to this film as he did in so many of his own.