1958's "The 39 Steps" was an outdoor remake of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 classic of an innocent man on the run for a murder he didn't commit, involved in an international spy ring. Director Ralph Thomas and producer Betty Box keep the pace swiftly moving as Kenneth More's Richard Hannay makes the acquaintance of Faith Brook's secret agent Nannie, only to have her stabbed to death in his own flat with a knife off the wall. The only clue he has is located in Scotland, trying to avoid authorities during the lengthy journey from London, the word boomerang uppermost in his mind, and the master spy sporting a cut off finger on his left hand. It's most enjoyable but so breezy that suspense is decidedly lacking, but it manages to hit the bullseye more often than not. Location photography in Scotland truly brings this updated version to vibrant, colorful life, although Finnish-born leading lady Taina Elg doesn't truly enter the story until the final third. Unbilled bits from newcomers Jill Haworth and Barbara Steele coincide with reliable stalwarts like Sam Kydd, Duncan Lamont, and Michael Goodliffe.
Review of The 39 Steps
