The 39 Steps (1959)

A Stylish but Lesser-Known Remake

Introduction

Ralph Thomas’s 1959 adaptation of The 39 Steps is a stylish yet often overlooked remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 classic. Starring Kenneth More as the resourceful protagonist Richard Hannay, this version updates John Buchan’s novel with a more polished and colourful aesthetic while retaining the essential elements of espionage, suspense, and romance. While it may not surpass Hitchcock’s masterful interpretation, it offers an entertaining and well-crafted take on the iconic story.

Plot and Narrative Structure

The film follows Richard Hannay (Kenneth More), a Canadian visiting London, who inadvertently becomes entangled in a web of espionage after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman. The woman, who claims to be a spy, is later murdered in his apartment, leaving Hannay as the prime suspect. Before dying, she cryptically mentions "The 39 Steps," setting Hannay on a perilous journey to Scotland to uncover the truth while being pursued by both the police and sinister foreign agents.

Unlike Hitchcock’s version, which leaned heavily on suspense and innovation, the 1959 adaptation follows a more straightforward, polished storytelling approach. The film adheres closely to Buchan’s novel, with a particular emphasis on action sequences and period-appropriate settings. Hannay’s journey is marked by thrilling chases, a tense sequence atop the Forth Bridge, and encounters with various characters who either aid or betray him along the way.

Themes and Differences from the 1935 Version

One of the most notable differences between the two adaptations is the portrayal of Richard Hannay. In the 1935 version, Robert Donat’s Hannay is an everyman caught in extraordinary circumstances, whereas Kenneth More’s portrayal presents him as a more confident and suave hero, embodying the classic British gentleman archetype of the late 1950s.

The 1959 version also places more emphasis on the Cold War paranoia of the era, making the espionage elements more explicit. Unlike Hitchcock’s film, which incorporated a sense of mystery and romantic intrigue with its leading lady, this adaptation focuses more on action and the procedural aspects of Hannay’s predicament.

The film retains the central themes of mistaken identity, paranoia, and survival, but the sense of psychological tension present in Hitchcock’s version is somewhat diluted. The chemistry between Hannay and his female counterpart, played by Taina Elg, is less developed, making the romantic subplot feel secondary to the espionage elements.

Performances

Kenneth More delivers a strong and charismatic performance as Richard Hannay, playing him with a self-assured charm that aligns with his previous roles in adventure and war films. His portrayal makes Hannay feel more like an experienced hero rather than a hapless victim of circumstance. While this reduces some of the tension, it also gives the character a certain confidence that makes his journey engaging in a different way.

Taina Elg, as the film’s leading lady, brings elegance to the role, though her character is given less agency than in Hitchcock’s version. Barry Jones, as the film’s primary antagonist, adds a menacing presence, though his portrayal lacks the same memorable impact as the villains in the earlier adaptation.

Cinematography and Direction

The 1959 adaptation benefits from its use of Technicolor, which enhances the film’s visual appeal and allows for more dynamic and vivid set pieces. The cinematography effectively captures the Scottish Highlands and other key locations, giving the film a grander and more scenic quality compared to the 1935 version’s reliance on studio-bound scenes.

Ralph Thomas’s direction is competent, ensuring a smooth narrative flow, but it lacks the inventive and suspenseful flourishes that defined Hitchcock’s work. While the action sequences and chases are well-executed, they feel more conventional and lack the same sense of urgency that Hitchcock masterfully conveyed.

Legacy and Reception

While The 39 Steps (1959) was generally well-received upon release, it has since been overshadowed by both Hitchcock’s classic version and later adaptations, including the 1978 film and various stage interpretations. Kenneth More’s performance was praised, but many critics and audiences felt that the film did not capture the same level of tension or innovation as its predecessor.

Despite this, the 1959 version remains a solid espionage thriller in its own right, offering a more polished and action-oriented take on Buchan’s novel. It may not be as groundbreaking as Hitchcock’s version, but it is an entertaining film that showcases the charm of Kenneth More and the enduring appeal of the 39 Steps story.

Conclusion

The 39 Steps (1959) is a well-crafted and visually appealing adaptation of John Buchan’s novel, featuring a charismatic performance from Kenneth More and a more action-driven approach to the classic story. While it lacks the suspense and psychological depth of Hitchcock’s 1935 version, it remains an enjoyable and engaging thriller for fans of classic espionage films. For those looking for a more straightforward and colourful take on the story, this adaptation is certainly worth watching, even if it does not quite reach the legendary status of its predecessor.