- Classification: PG
- Studio: Cinema Club
- VHS Release Date: 16 April 2001
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005AWEG
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 9,354 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
It's not the 1935 Hitchcock classic, but this sturdy 1978 adaptation of John Buchan's The Thirty Nine Steps is still a rollicking good adventure. In keeping with the Boys' Own derring-do of the story (set in Edwardian London and the Scottish Highlands), the movie maintains a brisk pace that's interrupted only for tea or cocktails. Robert Powell is Richard Hannay, the man who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a dastardly Prussian plot to assassinate the Greek Prime Minister. Framed for murder, Hannay must flee to Scotland and attempt to clear his name whilst outwitting the prune-faced Prussian agents. Among all the deftly choreographed action sequences and careful period settings there's a strong vein of humour in the film, and if it wasn't for the numerous murders there would be little reason for PG certification. The grand dénouement comes with the realisation that the predicted time for the assassination is linked to Big Ben; unlike the earlier movie this version climaxes memorably with Powell hanging from the clock's minute hand. It might not be Hitchcock behind the lens, but it's still jolly good fun. --Joan Byrne
Synopsis
The 39 Steps [1978] is a thrilling spy mystery based on John Buchan's classic novel, which was first adapted for film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935. Like its predecessors, Don Sharp's 1978 film tells the story of an innocent man, Richard Hannay (Robert Powell), who struggles to prove he is not guilty of committing the murder for which he is being held accountable. Richard got much more than he bargained for when he brought home a mysterious woman, who later confessed to being a British agent on the hot trail of a dangerous spy ring. After the woman is killed in Richard's apartment, he immediately finds himself on the run, burdened with the charge for her murder and the dangerous knowledge of her clandestine mission.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
A splendid evenings viewing, this one ! The lead character is thrust into a tale of espionage and murder in pre-first world war London. The plot thickens wonderfully as we watch, with a romantic involvement later as our hero flees to Scotland to retrieve the only evidence of his innocence and a sub-plot which involves the bad guys plan to murder a high ranking foreign diplomat at the House of Commons. The tour-de-force of an ending sees our man saving the day with tremendous courage, putting his life on the line as he does so many times during the film. The sets, the scenery, the costumes, the story, the twists, the whole thing is a piece of escapism sadly lacking in films of today. I must recommend this film whole-heartedly to anyone with a penchant for good old fashioned thrillers.
Happy watching !
Happy watching !
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I always thought the 1935 version could not be beaten but.....i was wrong. For sheer all round excitement, good performances, excellent script and superb set pieces you need look no further. Powell makes a great Richard Hannay (how about releasing Powell's 80s 'Hannay' tv series too). He is suitbly dashing and heroic, Mills is wonderful as Scudder and Warner a vile villain. Karen Dotrice is a bit of a let down as the girl but that's a minor quibble. I still think the 1935 version is wonderful but this is even more fun. Buy it now!
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is an excellent film in every sense.Set in London and the Scottish highlands before the first world war it never lets up from the start.Our hero, played excellently by Robert Powell, is wrongfully accused of murder.In order to clear his name he must travel to Scotland to retrieve the evidence which will do just that.Unfortunately this evidence is also wanted by Prussian spies and they give hot pursuit.He must use all his wits to escape both these and the police.This gives rise to a thrilling chase which at times is also extremely funny.
Fine performances by all actors particularly the late John Mills adds to the drama.Combine this with the period costumes and vehicles and you have an all round classic.Brilliant!
Fine performances by all actors particularly the late John Mills adds to the drama.Combine this with the period costumes and vehicles and you have an all round classic.Brilliant!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Every second counts in the adventure of a lifetime!
The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South Africa, is shocked when one of his neighbours, Colonel... Read more
Published 25 days ago by S. F. husseiny
Best film by far
Nobody has yet filmed the book and this one uses many of the details but has another widely divergent ending, (three films, and one TV all with different versions of what... Read more
Published 2 months ago by John Fareham
"Let the Sleepers Awake"
There's nothing soporiphic about this thrilling adaptation of the John Buchan novel. It's my personal favourite of the four filmed versions, thanks to the compelling performances,... Read more
Published 7 months ago by DJC
Best adaptation
There are five adaptations of the origional John Buchan's novel.
This one (TV movie, 1978) stands out for being the most close to the original text. Read more
This one (TV movie, 1978) stands out for being the most close to the original text. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jose Martins
Great performance by Robert Powell
This is an excellent version of the Thirty Nine Steps. It has some big names that don't disappoint such as John Mills and Eric Porter. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Nick Graham
polite espionage
I first saw this way back in 1979 at school we watched it as part of the coarse work at that time and throughly enjoyed it and was very pleased to say that I enjoyed this time... Read more
Published 15 months ago by JandP
the 39 steps
This is a very good film and in my opinion is the best of the several versions made
Published 20 months ago by D. U. Atkins
39 steps adventure
a classic for me as watched when younger,this is the best one out of lot,for me a great performance from robert powell good photography good acting and joy to watch from start to... Read more
Published 22 months ago by ron
Brilliant Film
I watched this film as a child, alright im only 21 now but do not think for one second because of my age I lack the penchant for good thrillers!! Read more
Published 22 months ago by J
The Number 1 of all 39 steps
Having watched all of the makings of the 39 steps I found this one to be the warmest and most engaging of all. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Snerge
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