Programme guide
About this programme
The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South Africa, is shocked when one of his neighbours, Colonel Scudder, bursts into his rooms one night and tells him a story that Prussian 'sleeper' agents are planning to pre-start World War I by murdering a visiting foreign minister. However, Scudder is murdered and Hannay is framed for the death by the 'sleepers'. Fleeing to Scotland Hannay attempts to clear his name and to stop the agents with the aid of Alex Mackenzie but not only is he is chased by Chief Supt Lomas for Scudder's death but by the agents who are headed by Appleton who has managed to hide himself in a high-placed position in the British Government...
MysteryThriller
FeaturingRobert Powell, David Warner, Eric Porter, Karen Dotrice, John Mills, George Baker, Ronald Pickup, Donald Pickering
Review snapshotI had a fun time with this one!
'The Thirty Nine Steps' gave me a lot of entertainment. Robert Powell puts in a top performance, as does John Mills; the whole cast are good, in fairness. Pacing is on point and the music is stellar. There are some nice set pieces too, namely on the railway and at Big Ben. I also really enjoyed the adventure feel.
One of many adaptations of John Buchan's novel, I see. This is my first experience of it in any form, I evidently chose a good one to start with. I ought to check out…
Streaming and catch-up
Where to watch
UK availability for The Thirty Nine Steps. Services and rights can change, and availability may not include this exact episode.
Stream
Included with a streaming service
ITVX PremiumWatch with adverts
Available free with advertising
ITVX Buy
Available to purchase digitally
Apple TV StoreAvailability data: JustWatch
On TV again
More showings of this film
No further showings of this film are currently listed.
Nobody has posted about this programme yet.