Join Amazon Prime and get unlimited Free First Class Delivery. Already a member? Sign in.

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
More Buying Choices
40 used & new from £2.70
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
The 39 Steps [DVD] [1935]
 
See larger image 

See 1 customer image
Share your own customer images

The 39 Steps [DVD] [1935]

DVD ~ Robert Donat
4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
RRP: £15.99
Price: £3.98 & eligible for Free UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £12.01 (75%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Usually dispatched within 7 to 10 days.
Items for dispatch to UK will be sold by Amazon's Preferred Merchant. (Why?) Gift-wrap available.

26 new from £3.42 14 used from £2.70
Learn about Lovefilm
Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this item with The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959] DVD ~ Kenneth More

The 39 Steps [DVD] [1935] + The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959]
Price For Both: £7.96

One of these items ships sooner than the other. Show details

  • This item: The 39 Steps [DVD] [1935] DVD ~ Robert Donat

    Usually dispatched within 7 to 10 days.
    Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.
    Eligible for FREE UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

  • The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959] DVD ~ Kenneth More

    In stock.
    Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.
    Eligible for FREE UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

The 39 Steps [DVD] [1935]
89% buy the item featured on this page:
The 39 Steps [DVD] [1935] 4.3 out of 5 stars (21)
£3.98
The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959]
3% buy
The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959] 3.8 out of 5 stars (6)
£3.98
North By Northwest [1959] [DVD]
3% buy
North By Northwest [1959] [DVD] 4.8 out of 5 stars (45)
£4.98
39 Steps/Sabotage [DVD] [1935]
3% buy
39 Steps/Sabotage [DVD] [1935]
£5.78
Explore similar items

Product details

  • Actors: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim, Godfrey Tearle, Peggy Ashcroft
  • Directors: Alfred Hitchcock
  • Writers: Charles Bennett, Ian Hay, John Buchan
  • Producers: Ivor Montagu, Michael Balcon
  • Format: Black & White, Full Screen, PAL
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: U
  • Studio: ITV DVD
  • DVD Release Date: 13 Aug 2001
  • Run Time: 78 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00005AY13
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 2,341 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

    Popular in this category:

    #5 in  DVD > Crime, Thrillers & Mystery > Alfred Hitchcock

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
A high point of Hitchcock's pre-Hollywood career, 1935's The Thirty-Nine Steps is the first and best of three film versions of John Buchann's rather stiff novel. Robert Donat plays the rancher embroiled in a plot to steal British military secrets. He finds himself on the run; falsely accused of murder, while also pursuing the dastardly web of spies alluded to in the title. With a plot whose twists and turns match the hilly Scottish terrain in which much of the film is set, The Thirty-Nine Steps combines a breezy suavity with a palpable psychological tension. Hitchcock was already a master at conveying such tension through his cinematic methods, rather than relying just on situation or dialogue. Sometimes his ways of bringing the best out of his actors brought the worst out in himself. If the scene in which Donat is handcuffed to co-star Madeline Carroll has a certain edge, for instance, that's perhaps because the director mischievously cuffed them together in a rehearsal, then left them attached for a whole afternoon, pretending to have lost the key. The movie also introduces Hitchcock's favoured plot device, the "McGuffin" (here, the military secret), the unexplained device or "non-point" on which the movie turns. --David Stubbs

Amazon.co.uk Review
A high point of Hitchcock's pre-Hollywood career, 1935's The Thirty-Nine Steps is the first and best of three film versions of John Buchan's rather stiff novel. Robert Donat plays Richard Hannay, who becomes embroiled in a plot to steal military secrets. He finds himself on the run; falsely accused of murder, while also pursuing the dastardly web of spies alluded to in the title. With a plot whose twists and turns match the hilly Scottish terrain in which much of the film is set, The Thirty-Nine Steps combines a breezy suavity with a palpable psychological tension. Hitchcock was already a master at conveying such tension through his cinematic methods, rather than relying just on situation or dialogue. Sometimes his ways of bringing the best out of his actors brought the worst out in himself. If the scene in which Donat is handcuffed to co-star Madeline Carroll has a certain edge, for instance, that's perhaps because the director mischievously cuffed them together in a rehearsal, then left them attached for a whole afternoon, pretending to have lost the key. The movie also introduces Hitchcock's favoured plot device, the "McGuffin" (here, the military secret), the unexplained device or "non-point" on which the movie turns. --David Stubbs

See all Reviews

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959]

The Thirty Nine Steps [DVD] [1959]

DVD ~ Kenneth More
3.8 out of 5 stars (6)  £3.98
North By Northwest [1959] [DVD]

North By Northwest [1959] [DVD]

DVD ~ Cary Grant
4.8 out of 5 stars (45)  £4.98
Goodbye Mr Chips [1939] [DVD]

Goodbye Mr Chips [1939] [DVD]

DVD ~ Robert Donat
5.0 out of 5 stars (15)  £4.98
The Lady Vanishes [DVD] [1938]

The Lady Vanishes [DVD] [1938]

DVD ~ Margaret Lockwood
5.0 out of 5 stars (3)  £4.98
The Third Man [DVD] [1949]

The Third Man [DVD] [1949]

DVD ~ Orson Welles
4.7 out of 5 stars (18)  £6.98
› Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
Check the boxes next to the tags you consider relevant or enter your own tags in the field below
(2)
(1)
(1)
See all 5 tags...

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

Customer Reviews

21 Reviews
5 star:
 (16)
4 star:    (0)
3 star:
 (3)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (21 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Cinematic Bliss, 9 Jan 2002
By A Customer
Hitchcock tore up the original Buchan plot and came up with a much better movie plot; which is fortunate because what he gave us was one of the greatest comedy-thrillers of all time; and possibly the best British movie ever (and I don't say that lightly.) The pace is taught and exciting, and the narrative structure is just delicious. The ridiculously debonaire Robert Donat has never been equalled in the much-played role of Richard Hannay - the classic Hitchcockian 'man on the run for a crime he didn't commit' - which the great director was, of course, to use over and again in later films; and Madeleine Carroll, his effortlessly gorgeous co-star, is proof positive that there was definitely no shortage of sex appeal in our grandparents' day.

All this is brought to you on a fabulous print in this DVD version form Carlton - huge congratulations to them for putting in the effort on this special edition, and treating the film with the care it deserves - it looks and sounds fantastic: not bad for a 70 year old; and when the quality of the transfer is as good as this you realise how favourably these great classics compare with our modern efforts. Every serious movie buff should have this flick - and this has to be the best-looking version of the film around.

If it's cold and wet outside, get the kettle on, find your comfiest armchair and slap this into the DVD player. You'll never look back.

Comment Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Hitchcocks British Masterpiece, 18 May 2004
By J. Skade "joeskade" (London, England) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
This film is so good, so much a part of my life, that it is difficult to know where to start. It has the pace, the wit and the suspense that characterise the best of Hitchcock. It also has Hitchcocks's best lead actor in the truly marvellous Robert Donat. His lightness of touch, flair for comedy and luxurious voice are a real treat. And Madeleine Carroll is no slouch and the interplay between them is the film's real heart. This is (surprisingly, given its age) the sexiest film Hitchcock ever made. Buy it and watch it and then watch it again.
The documentary on Hitchcock's early movies is delightful and the dvd makes the film look great. If the house was on fire and I had to rescue one dvd this could very easily be the one.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars tremendous picture, 15 Jan 2003
Without a doubt, this is the best Hitchcock chase movie, and certainly one of his most enjoyable. Many may be put of by the somewhat shaky production values and the age (I was), which makes the film seem tremendously old. Coupled to this, Robert Donat's hair and moustache does the film no favours. However those who turn a blind eye to this gem will kick
themselves. The film IS better than North By Northwest. Now I have watched the latter film 3-4 times since, but I cannot shake the feeling it is somewhat overrated but by just. It is still an excellent film, but by no means up there with his best. The 39 Steps is better. The story has better pacing, a wittier interchange between the 2 leads (and from the supporting characters - i.e. the 2 gentlemen in the train) and some subtler comedy substances. Plus the fact the locations are moodier - London, and dark, misty Scotland! The chemistry between the two leads is phenomenal much better than in North by Northwest, and yet, is based purely on the their mental and verbal interactions rather than their physical.

There are also some great touches such as that famous sound cut to the roaring train when the first murder is discovered, and just the small, finer creative flourishes littered throughout the film (including an early great continous cut in the car, somehting he would try later in Rope). These touches add so much to the enjoyment value if you can appreciate them. The set pieces, although more brief and low key compared to his later films, they complement the story to no end. They all fit in with the natural flow of the film as opposed to being flamboyant showpieces. For me North by Northwest is a more glossier affair and is a great example of the stereotypical Hollywood romance including the long gazes, passionate kisses, and reliance on star charisma to give charisma.

The 39 Steps is something special and deserves to be in the BFi's greatest list. Certainly at LEAST as good as the THIRD MAN - okay I lie, its better. Thats how good this is. While not as deep or psychologically complex as some of his other works - for pure entertainment, atmosphere and storytelling its hard to beat. What I like about Hitchcock, is the fact that he was always in it for good, intelligent entertainment (fused with creative art) - and certainly the amount of interest and exhaustive examination into who Mr Hitchcock was, is utterly pointless - people need to spend more time watching his films, rather than partaking in pointless exercises. The 39 Steps is the most entertaining, fun and thrilling film I have ever witnessed. A masterpiece in every sense of the word.

PS the similarities of this film to 1942s Saboteur (an underrated Hitchcock movie) are extraordinary, if it were not for the fact that both films are made by him it would be plagiarism. Similarities extend to the device with the handcuffs, the somewhat feisty and hysterical blonde, journeys to the middle of nowhere to confront the mastermind, and the way the main protagonist is helped by locals who are all too quick to place faith in believing him.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars "Have it, my lovely, and welcome"
Lucid, breakneck visual storytelling moves this picture like the Flying Scotsman coming round the mountain. No extra word, no empty gesture impedes it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by rhinocerosfive

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the best of the bunch
This may be a very old film now. However, the acting, warmth, comedy, pace of the film still hits the mark! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Winston Churchill

1.0 out of 5 stars The 39 Steps
Wish I could give you a review however, the DVD you dispatched has a Region Code 2 rating which is completely useless in Australia. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Greg McPherson-Berry

5.0 out of 5 stars Best British Hitchcock
Hitchcock always used to say that he saw no point in adapting an excellent book for one of his films because if a novel was so good, what could he do to improve upon it... Read more
Published 11 months ago by IWFIcon

3.0 out of 5 stars The 86 Mintues
I was really looking forward to this movie since this Criterion dvd is rather costly and a rerelease with a flawless screening seemed like the perfect way to be introduced to this... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Shawn Watson

5.0 out of 5 stars Hitch's most enjoyable British film
Hitchcock's The 39 Steps still holds up remarkably well - indeed, it's one of the few of his films that is consistently delightful, not least because of a great script that... Read more
Published on 12 Dec 2006 by Trevor Willsmer

5.0 out of 5 stars Great edition of wonderful film
This is the best I've seen from Hitchcocks British period. The plot has a lot of odd twists - some of them highly impropable. Read more
Published on 27 Nov 2006 by thomas12321

5.0 out of 5 stars The British classic that really put Hitchcock on the map
1935's The 39 Steps is the film that really put Alfred Hitchcock on the map as a world-class movie director. Read more
Published on 7 May 2006 by Daniel Jolley

3.0 out of 5 stars Classic Action/Adventure
"The 39 Steps" is over 70 years old now , so not surprisingly it looks somewhat dated. It features the kind of wrongly-accused-man-on-the-run scenario so typical of later... Read more
Published on 3 May 2006 by L. Davidson

3.0 out of 5 stars Quick Reviews
One of Hitchcock's earliest hits, The 39 Steps sees The Master unravelling the soon-to-be-typical plot of an innocent man on the run, trying to prove his innocence. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2005 by carlosnightman

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

The Body Shop

The Body Shop - Vitamin C Skin Boost
Protect and boost your glow with The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost.

›Shop The Body Shop

  

More From Alfred (UK) Hitchcock

North By Northwest

North By Northwest [1959] [DVD]

A strong candidate for possibly the most entertaining and enjoyable... Read more
£13.99 £4.98

 

Train Hard...Play Hard

Nike, Gola, Converse, and more
Gear up with up to 60% off athletic and outdoor shoes.

›Shop now

  

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue Shopping: Top Sellers

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates