A suspected murderer is on the run with police at his heels and who should come to his rescue but the daughter of the police officer in charge of the investigation. We have a long chase drama taking us around the countryside in search of a raincoat, the vital piece of evidence which would establish the innocence of the hero of the film.
This is a light, delightful and simple story and we enjoy the leisurely journey through the cottages, lanes, abandoned barns, woods, pubs and even a mine in this very English post Victorian world. Cars need perpetual cranking and occasional pushing and are jolted to a stop by passing steam locomotives. There is something of Toy-land here.
Hitchcock in one of his much later interviews humorously observed that people were surprised to find him not quite the unpleasant kind of person they expected. The present film conveys the director at his most civilized, an acute observer of the ordinary details of life and human behavior, and a great sense of fun. A highly enjoyable film with the innocence and idealism of youth.
4 comments:
It should also be of note that this was one of the earliest examples of his famous "Wrong Man" scenario. This reflected one of Hitchcock's greatest fears: being accused of a crime that he didn't commit.
Perhaps the terror he is able to generate is somewhere related to the timid scaredy-cat that he actually was, and was frank to humorously admit in an interview. He never drove for fear of getting a ticket. He was terrified of the police. The fear he generates is the fear he feels
Although I think "39 Steps"(1935) is better as "Wrong Man" thriller, this one is not bad as an entertainment, and the finale was memorable.
As you implied, All Hitchcocks are not equal, but all bear his stamp. I saw "39 Steps" long ago and found it immensely enjoyable.
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