THE 39 STEPS Decoded!

The 39 Steps, directed by Alfred Hitchcock is considered by many to the first spy movie ever made! If you came to our site as a Bond, Bourne, Hunt, Smiley, or other spy movie fan, you might not have seen this film.

Join Dan Silvestri and Tom Pizzato as they examine how The 39 Steps, considered by many to be the first spy movie, has influenced other spy movies that came after it. We’ll also look at what happenings in the real world that influenced this spy movie.

The 39 Steps Opening Scene

The film opens in a theater, in London, where a man on stage is about to answer virtually any questions the audience may ask.

The Death of the Spy

Hannay sees Smith come into his room in this flat, with a piece of paper, stumbling, and saying, “You’re next!” She falls, revealing a knife sunk halfway into her back.

The Trains Scene, Flying Scotsman

He heads for the train, the Flying Scotsman. In this clip, we see the death scene, but cuts to the train scene – Hannay is aboard and two are in pursuit of him.

Professor Jordon’s House

Hannay finds the estate, rings the bell, the maid answers the door, he asks for the Master, and says to ask him if he knows Miss Annabella Smith (remember, she is the spy who was murdered in his flat in London). 

The Theater Finale

Back in London, Pamela goes to Scotland Yard – she had phoned from Scotland (unbeknownst to us).

The last 13 minutes

Watch the last 13 minutes of the movie, the culmination of the movie , all on a train.

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