An innocent man on the run. A beautiful icy blonde. A fast-moving cross-country pursuit. A chaotic world where no one is ever what they seem. The 39 Steps sets the template for Hitchcock's classic suspense thrillers. John Buchan's ery loosely adapted story begins when Richard Hannay (Robert Donat) picks up the exotic 'Annabelle Smith'" (Lucie Mannheim) at a music hall. The next morning he discovers she's been killed and finds himself in the frame for her murder.
Way ahead of it's time in terms of pace, black comedy and the sexual chemistry between charismatic leads (parficularly when Carroll removes her stockings while handcuffed to Donat), The 39 Steps is among Hitchcock's finest and has been voted into the BFI's Top Five Favourite British Films.
Hitchcock: The Early Years' Documentary provides a fascinating insight into how the master developed his characteristic. style amid the constraints of early British filmmaking. Featuring interviews with his early collaborators including director Roy Ward Baker and editor Hugh Stewart.