The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: The 39 Steps (1935)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

The 39 Steps (1935)

If you want to find yourself an extremely well-crafted and entertaining thriller, what filmmaker should you seek out? To be honest, the best of the best has only one name, Alfred Hitchcock. The Master of Suspense is one of the most beloved and acclaimed filmmakers of all time. His track record of success ranges from horror to thrillers to crime with little success outside of that. But when he is doing his thing, it is just so damn good at it. The craftsmanship is unmatched. One of his best formulas for a thriller is “an innocent man on the run with an attractive woman” and that is the formal that provides audiences one of his early classics, The 39 Steps.

What stands out most about this film? The craftmanship. Hitchcock shows off an amazing eye for cinematic voice with this impressive thriller. There are plenty of great set pieces that stand out in the film. The bookend of the film is a live show that is filled with energy, intrigue, and entertainment that seamlessly links into the narrative of the film. The camerawork is so sharp and refined that a single shot of a man’s hand can provide such impact. The thrilling chase across the Scottish moors delivers with its wide-angle shots. This set piece truly stands out when it gets covered in fog during a tense late night escape. Hitchcock’s cinematic magic is on full display with this one.

What makes this such a thrilling and entertaining thriller? This is a tightly written narrative with plenty to sink your teeth into. First off, this film is barely 85 minutes which is such an exciting prospect for a film like this. The set up is pitch perfect with a sexy femme fatale who dies inside our protagonist’s apartment which sends Robert Donat’s Hannay on this wild ride. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way and Charles Bennett’s script keeps Hannay and the audience on their toes as we are never sure who is a “bad guy” and who will be willing to rat our Hannay. The way this film comes together and the revelation of who/what the key to the mystery is will surprise you and feel so satisfied as the experience comes full circle.

What is the perfect treat on top of this thriller sundae? The charismatic duo that anchors it down. Donet is not a household name in the world of global cinema, but he was quite the popular lead at the time in England. He is quite the charismatic lead for the film, and he builds plenty of empathy along the way. His presence is engaging and he carries the whole film on his shoulders. Throw in a gorgeous and charismatic performer like Madeleine Carroll and you have yourself quite the dynamic duo. Carroll is charismatic and charming making for an empathetic addition to this web of thrills.

Do you want some great thrills as a bang for your buck? Hitchcock is THE director for all things thrillers. The 39 Steps is one of the premiere films of Hitchcock’s early career. Lean, thrilling, and entertaining. This is an easy “yes” with a modern feel for a film without losing a classic film vibe.

The 39 Steps is streaming on HBO Max.