The Thirty Nine Steps – The 39 Steps (1978)

Directed by: Don Sharp | 102 minutes | action, drama, thriller, adventure, romance, crime | Actors: Robert Powell, David Warner, Eric Porter, Karen Dotrice, John Mills, George Baker, Ronald Pickup, Donald Pickering, Timothy West, Miles Anderson, Andrew Keir, Robert Flemyng, William Squire, Paul McDowell, David Collings

Not only is it special that the classic ‘The 39 Steps’ by Hitchcock has two adaptations, it is perhaps even more remarkable that each version manages to evoke its own unique tone and atmosphere. Now it is of course advisable to choose your own direction and not to evoke too much memory of the (in almost all cases superior) original, but in the case of the 1978 version, the degree of deviation is perhaps a disadvantage. In fact, Don Sharp’s film contains all the ingredients for a good thriller or adventure film. Lots of action – a nice train escape, a spectacular scene with Hannay hanging from a large clock at dizzying heights, and even a real chase – very Hitchcockian – by a two-wing airplane; romantic entanglements with a beautiful lady; and lots of villains and intrigue. And to a certain extent, it’s also exciting, but still the film never really comes to life and, most importantly, you never care much about the fate of main character Hannay.

There are several reasons for the film’s ultimate failure. Thus, the setting of the film — which, it seems, is more of an adaptation of the book Hitchcock’s film is based on, than the film itself, of the master of suspense — is not the modern age but the nineteenth century, and the characters often form circles with dusty people who speak neat English, dressed in tight suits with top hats, and where business and efficiency reign supreme. It all just feels a bit less effervescent or light-hearted than the previous films, despite the frequent action scenes.

It’s also a problem that the focus is not (just) on Hannay, but at least as much time is spent on the plans and the hierarchy of the villains. Which is all a lot less interesting, or at least what the viewer cares less about. Furthermore, the romantic component of the film is flawed, which is not due to the appearance of Karen Dotrice, but more to the chemistry between her and protagonist Powell, or rather the lack of it. The first scenes with the two seem to promise a lot, with long looks and nodding knees, but unfortunately it is not convincing. This could very well have to do with portrayal of lead actor Robert Powell, which is arguably the film’s biggest obstacle. He is simply a somewhat boring bitch, who, with his straight face and relatively few emotions, does not know how to take the viewer into the story and really care about his fate. It’s a shame, but despite the skilled people behind the camera, this ‘The 39 Steps’ has become a bit of a clinical exercise.