I like the episode in the crofters cottage with the young wife. The crofter was played by the actor John Laurie who 40 year later became famous on British TV as Frazer in 'Dad's Army' The removal of stockings by the fire scene while eating a sandwich is also memorable. The ending when the man is dying while chorus girls are dancing to a popular song of the day : 'Twinkle twinkle twinkle what if the stars don't twinkle' is tragic and funny at the same time to the point of being grotesque.
John Laurie was also known for his long relationship with the director Michael Powell in such films as “The Edge of the World” and “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.” He was a wonderful Scottish imp!
I watched a lot of Hitchcock films last year (I think Letterboxd told me he was my most watched director of 2021) and I loved them all but this one is definitely way up there. Loved that speech you shared, so funny how he made a brilliant speech when it wasn't supposed to be him speaking. My friend is performing in a play of the 39 steps next month. I'm certainly going to see how it works on stage. I'll also recommend your video to him.
Superb film, solidly British, seemingly straightforward but full of subtlety. such as the Professor Jordan scene at the 41st minute where he says 'My whole existence would be jeopardised if it bcame known that I'm not what I seem." Scriptwriting, acting, production, everything, utterly superb!
Being British I have seen this film many times - so interesting to see a pre-war Britain and fashions portrayed so well. Did Hitchcock outgrow the UK film industry and had to move across the Atlantic? There are hints in this fine movie of other Hitchcock preoccupations besides the ones you mention, blondes in trouble, train scenes (Many British directors love train scenes) etc. There is something Victorian London and perhaps perverse about Hitchcock I feel. Btw in the development where Gainsborough Studios once stood there is a huge metal bust of Hitchcock. Great stuff and keep it up!
I have watched this movie several times and was always entertained with the interaction of Hannay and the milkman. Milkman hesitant to give up his coat and hat until he unmistakably thought that Hannay had had a little interlude in his apartment and had to make a get away. Then he also offered his horse and wagon.
I always liked this more than his other major 1930s flick, “The Lady Vanishes.” While that was a masterwork, it had weak explanations while this had about no flaws at all.
Ah, Rebecca! Nothing else compares (though the 1997 PBS version is excellent; Diana Rigg’s portrayal of Mrs. Danvers is iconic). I envy your being able to watch it for the first time.
Personally my favorite Hitchcock right here! So glad to see a creator giving it the props I think it deserves. I am wondering, have you considered ever covering some of Michael Haneke's films here on the channel? I love his movies and I think they are ripe for analysis, would love to hear what you think of Funny Games or 71 Fragments!
A small nit pick: The lead actor who plays Richard Hannay is Robert Donat and not Richard Donat. Loved your analysis and although I've seen both movies many times I never made the connection between IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT and this film.
thank you. yes, I screwed that up, even when I had imdb open while making the video and then adding text afterwards. I have learned these are the hazards of a solo act.
Top 5 w Jamaica Inn Lady Vanishes Secret Agent Psycho/Rope tied….his RKO are the best. Once in the US his TV ended up more powerful while his movies got convoluted by Hell-they-would imho w 39 Steps the plot all ends on final scene….perfect movie/story….they solve mystery as man dies telling it draws out to our couples hands finally together as one in love…perfection.
Wonderful movie even though 85-years-old! Probably know every word uttered. Two further films, a TV movie and a TV series don’t come close. Try and catch the four-handed theatre comedy version (seen five times now).
I think you have melded Robert Donat and Richard Hannay into “Richard Donay.” Otherwise, this is an excellent overview. I have a long history with this film, having owned (in the pre-video era) a Super8 millimeter sound copy of the film, which I watched repeatedly. I have always been struck by it’s relationship to It Happened One Night, especially in the scene in the Inn. Donat and Madeleine Carroll are wonderful in this.
While it's a rather liberal adaptation of the novel, I definitely enjoyed this movie. Although I don't think I put nearly as much thought into the movie's themes. Without spoiling anything, I'll confess that I felt rather dumb the first time I saw the ending. I felt better after I listened to the commentary on the Criterion edition. 😁
His late 30's/40''s B&W political propaganda films are probably my favorites. Those big color production films from his later period don't interest me as much anymore.
It is very much an idiosyncratic version of the book, which is full of menace. None of the four films are close to the book, especially the ludicrous finale in the one Robert Powell stars in. Hitchcock's version is probably the best, but, for me as a Buchan fan, that isn't saying much. Good posting though and a thorough and enjoyable analysis of the film. Thank you.
