Search - The 39 Steps [Special Edition] [Criterion Collection] on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1935 DVD Release: 11/02/1999 Format: DVD - Black and White - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered,Restored/Remastered,Special Collection Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 26 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 24 Genres: Spy Film, Thriller, Chase Movie, Escape Film See Also: The 39 Steps [Special Edition], The 39 Steps, The 39 Steps, 39 Steps, The 39 Steps, Essential Art House: The 39 Steps [Criterion Collection]

This classic British thriller was one of Alfred Hitchcock's first major international successes, and it introduced a number of the stylistic and thematic elements that became hallmarks of his later work. Richard Hannay (Robert Donat), a Canadian rancher on vacation in England, attends a music hall performance by "Mr. Memory" (Wylie Watson); in the midst of the show, shots ring out and Richard flees the theater. Moments later, a terrified woman (Lucie Mannheim) begs Richard to help her; back at his room, she tells him that she's a British spy whose life has been threatened by international agents waiting outside. Richard is certain that she's mad until she reappears at his door in the morning, near death with a knife in her back, a map in her hand, and muttering something about "39 Steps." Discovering that a group of thugs are indeed waiting outside, Richard slips away and takes the first train to the Scottish town on the dead woman's map. Richard learns that he's now wanted by the police for murder, and he must find a way to clear his name. He begins trying to do so with the help of a woman he meets en route, Pamela (Madeleine Carroll), who serves as his unwitting assistant, even after she tries to turn him in. The 39 Steps was later remade in 1959 and 1978 -- both without Hitchcock's participation. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Robert Donat - Richard Hannay
Madeleine Carroll - Pamela
Godfrey Tearle - Prof. Jordan
Peggy Ashcroft - Margaret
Lucie Mannheim - Miss Smith/Annabella

This early masterwork from the "master of suspense" is given a solid presentation from The Criterion Collection. The transfer is full frame (standard) with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and the audio is in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono. The print itself shows a few signs of age, but is generally in splendid shape. The animated menu choices include a commentary by Alfred Hitchcock scholar Marian Keane. It is very educational, covering a wide range of topics including the themes in Hitchcock's work as well as breakdowns of his shot compositions. The disc also includes "The Art of Film: Vintage Hitchcock," a half-hour documentary from the 1970s that focuses on the early U.K. years of the director. There is also a Lux Radio Theatre production of the story from 1937, which runs about one hour and stars the vocal talents of Robert Montgomery and Ida Lupino. A copy of the original 1935 press book is also included. It is quite intriguing, though a bit difficult to navigate. The disc is topped off with a selection of 15 of the original production designs for the film. This is a well put together disc. ~ A.R. Ferguson, All Movie Guide