Review of The 39 Steps (1935) by Patrick L — 21 Nov 2009

Some "older pictures" (this was made in 1935, after all, meaning the Academy Awards wasn't even a decade old yet) do not necessarily have the stamina to hold up to those made currently. However, viewing this film was an enrapturing experience, like a full treasure chest to a pirate.

Elements I particularly enjoyed were scenes that multilayered, in which dialogue from some characters symbolically is pointed to the actions of others. That the main character, played by Robert Donat, had to assume several different roles throughout the picture (a politician, a loving husband, "Mr. Hammond," etc.) was also fascinating.

What I probably enjoyed most were moments that were based on directing, that did not involve dialogue at all. For instance, when Madeleine Carroll's character pursues the supposed police officers while Donat is speaking, the audience never hears her words, but what she is doing is always apparent through her actions. Other moments in the editing, such as a woman's scream being replaced by a train's whistle, were creative touches.

This film, as I've read, was THE picture to make Hitchcock get noticed. Now, I see why.