!!No spoilers!! Now, I must confess, I like this film (I've probably just turned away thousands of people just by saying that!) but hear me out! I loved Hitchcock's 39 steps - it's a classic! And it's brilliant. And I love Buchan's book - it's exciting and a classic! I love the play 'The 39 steps' - it's hilarious! The secret is to NOT COMPARE this film to any of the above! Let it stand alone - there must be about 20 spin-offs and interpretations of Buchan's book by now - let this one be! Looking at this film, and this film alone, I would say it's rather good. The acting is very good - especially Robert Powell as the 30s gentlemen, and it's always a great pleasure to see John Mills. All round good acting.Secondly, the scenery is fantastic! Just because it's not in 'Modern, blu-ray super HD!' doesn't mean it's not stunning. It's not about the definition of the scenery- it's about how it's shown, and I think this presentation of the Scottish highlands is beautiful.Don Sharp's (the director's) camera-work may not be as epic as Hitchcock's, but it's a solid style and presents this whole 1930s world beautifully.All I can ask is that you give this film a chance - if you don't like it, fine. But treat it on its own, if you see what I mean - don't go off comparing it to God knows what! I hope you enjoy it. It's a good film.

Finally got to watch "39 Steps" with John Mills, David Warner etc! What a "Hoot". The entire production staff must have spent time in Northern Manitoba on a Reserve that was oversupplied with "Aeroplane Glue" and "Plastic Bags". I sure would like to talk with any one that was involved with this production. Those still alive must either cringe or break out in voluminous laughter every time the "39 Steps" is mentioned. The acting? Well let's be kind. We haven't seen this much "Ham" since Michael Flatley slapped all that bacon fat on his torso, greased his way into a pair of "Rubber Tights",donned a strange Bolero jacket with matching Head band,had his eyeliner permanetly tattoed and did a 100 yard step dance across a Las Vegas Show Stage. This is a classic tongue in cheeker! Sit back with your "Twinkies",pass the "Bong" and be prepared to "Piss Your Pants" A Definite "10"!! The period costumes especially the use of such a wide variety of "HATS" are well worth the price of admission! The steam locomotive trains,the Moors,the woods and "Harold Lloyd hanging from "Big Ben:" Go out, sell the farm and buy this "Great Video".

cinematography, acting and pace outstanding. Better than the Hitchcock original (and I thought it was superb also). Where can I obtain a DVD or VHS? John Buchan's novel is tweaked a bit to bring the plot to a more contemporary milieu as opposed to a prior to the Great War time, but the excitement of the chase and the quick witted competence of the Renaissance man Richard Hannay (as played by Richard Powell) stands up well to the many action heroes of present day cinema (Bruce Willis, Matt Damon, the new James Bond, etc.). Also, one of the best performances by David Warner I have seen - truly sinister! Hitchcock actually thought Buchan's "Greenmantle" was a better novel, but it has never been produced. I wish Bevis, Clarke and Smith would produce a sequel!!!!

John Buchan like Dornford Yates and "Sapper" is terribly unfashionable and Ur - British with his ex-public school men roaming the Empire and having "Good" wars before settling down and marrying upper middle class gels who may not be particularly bright but have a good seat and are fearless in The Hunt.Richard Hannay is one such hero,recently returned from the colonies and at a bit of a loose end in London,he is drawn into a plot to drag Britain into a war with a European neighbour. As played by Mr Robert Powell,Hannay is courageous,resourceful and clever,attributes that will be tested to the utmost before good triumphs over evil as,fortunately,it tended to in the innocent days before the first world war. Whilst Robert Donat was rather effete and Kenneth More too hearty by half,Mr Powell makes Hannay a formidable opponent for the diabolical machinations of David Warner. Director Don Sharpe brings with him the lessons learned from his TV work,this is a clean,no frills,crisply - photographed film with every shot counting.You can feel the cold of the British winter in every exterior. The late Sir John Mills has a small part as Col. Scudder.However handsome and charming Mr Powell is,Sir John is the focal point for all their scenes together - his very presence compels you to watch him for the whole time he is on the screen.It is one of my favourites amongst his later performances. "The 39 Steps" is the sort of film I like to recommend to my friends and sit back smugly - mightily pleased with myself - when ,without fail, they say how much they enjoyed it. From the decade that style forgot - it's got style.