The 39 Steps (1935) Dir: Alfred Hitchcock
- Ridley Coote
- Jan 3, 2024
- 1 min read
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Alfred Hitchcock is renowned as a master of suspense and the maker of some of the most iconic films ever, such as 'Psycho' and 'The Birds'. But far earlier in his career, he made this 1935 thriller that quietly goes about its business pretty well.
It has the same classic Hitchcockian suspense, though perhaps not to the level of his later films. It was certainly less refined and gripping than his more famous works, but I still enjoyed it a relative amount.
The story lacked a little of the punch I was hoping for, but it functioned well enough. You can definitely see the hallmarks of the director all over the film.
Robert Donat stars, in what is a solid, if not totally remarkable role. That said, he was still the most worthy of praise among the cast.
The only other truly notable display came from Madeleine Carroll, who provided a somewhat interesting, somewhat dull performance.
Overall, while I certainly enjoyed this film, I'd have to say it is my least favourite of the Hitchcock films I've seen, thus far. It just doesn't hold up quite as strongly, and the suspense is not as effectively garnered and maintained.
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