Classic Movies on Sky Arts - Series 4 Episode 1 - The Story of the 39 Steps

Ian Nathan introduces the new series with a film that is "classic Hitchcock". Christina Newland says how it is "hugely influential", Neil Norman "how it invented the genre", "probably the first action adventure spy film" and Stephen Armstrong "a fast moving perfect story" and "arguably the first real spy movie". Ian tells us all about the John Buchan book, but also how Hitchcock changed so much for the film. It was about "paranoia and panic" but also a "thriller and a comedy romance". 

After we hear all about the story, we hear about the stars: Robert Donat as Richard Hannay and  Madeleine Carroll as Pamela. Handcuffed together, they have apposing demands as he wants to prove his innocence and she wants him arrested. 

Ian Nathan talks about Alfred Hitchcock, his history and working for Michael Balcombe at British Gaumont Studios. Also how the film was mostly shot in the studio in Lime Grove near Shepherd's Bush. Stephen discusses the work of John Buchan and Christina on all those changes to the novel. These included changing the 39 steps from a physical place to something of a code. 

Christina calls Pamela "the quintessential Hitchcock blonde" and Ian Nathan talks about the selection of the cast. Neil Norman adds if you wanted to know about the best British acting talent, they were all here". Stephen discusses how Richard Hannay is so different in the film to the character in the book and about the actor Robert Donat. Christina compares him with Cary Grant. Ian tells us that Madeleine Carroll  was at the time one of the top box office draws in the UK. Her role was actually built up during filming. 

Neil Norman goes on to describe the first ever helicopter chase in movies. And that you will see other  elements, if not the entire script, played out in other films over the decades. All the presenters talk about how much marriage is such an important theme. This film became the first big hit in America for Hitchcock and led to his move to Hollywood. Ian Nathan wraps up this episode with how Hitch became the master of suspense. He made sure we were with Hannay all the way through. Not ahead, not behind, but that we experience his plight in real time.