The Thirty Nine Steps ( 1978 )

The Thirty Nine Steps (1978): A Closer Look

The Thirty Nine Steps (1978), directed by Don Sharp, is a British thriller film, and a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's acclaimed 1935 adaptation of John Buchan's novel of the same name. While Hitchcock's version is arguably the more iconic and remembered, the 1978 film offers its own distinct interpretation of the source material, showcasing a different stylistic approach and a greater adherence to the original novel's plot. This article delves into the nuances of the 1978 film, examining its strengths, weaknesses, deviations from both the Hitchcock version and the Buchan novel, and ultimately, its place within the broader landscape of spy thrillers.

Historical Context and Production

The late 1970s were a period of considerable political and social upheaval, reflected in the cinema of the time. The Cold War was still a dominant force, anxieties about national security were high, and the public was increasingly skeptical of governmental authority. This backdrop provides crucial context for understanding the 1978 Thirty Nine Steps. The film's themes of espionage, conspiracy, and the abuse of power resonated with contemporary audiences, who were increasingly aware of the potential for corruption within the establishment.

The film was produced by Rank Organisation and was intended to be a big-budget, star-studded affair. Robert Powell, fresh off his success as Jesus in Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth, was cast as Richard Hannay, a role previously immortalized by Robert Donat in Hitchcock's version. The supporting cast included David Warner as Sir Edmund Appleton, Eric Porter as Lomas, and Karen Dotrice as Alex Mackenzie, representing a strong ensemble cast. The film was shot on location in various parts of Britain, including Scotland, which contributed significantly to its visual authenticity.

Plot Synopsis

The story follows Richard Hannay, a mining engineer on vacation in London, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after encountering a mysterious woman named Sarah, who claims to be a secret agent. Sarah reveals that she is tracking a network of spies known as The Thirty Nine Steps, who are planning to steal vital military secrets. Before she can divulge the full details, Sarah is murdered in Hannay's apartment. Falsely accused of the murder, Hannay is forced to flee, becoming a fugitive as he attempts to clear his name and expose the spy ring.

Hannay's journey takes him across the Scottish Highlands, where he encounters various individuals, some helpful, some treacherous. He is pursued relentlessly by both the police and the spies. He attempts to decipher clues left by Sarah, leading him to a seemingly innocuous village, where he discovers the headquarters of The Thirty Nine Steps. The climax involves Hannay infiltrating the organization's meeting, exposing their plot, and ultimately thwarting their plans, all while evading capture.

Key Differences from the Hitchcock Film

While both films are based on the same novel, they differ significantly in their interpretation of the story. Here's a comparison highlighting the main distinctions:

One of the most significant differences is the character of the female lead. In Hitchcock's film, the female character is an entirely new invention, added to create romantic tension and further complicate Hannay's predicament. In the 1978 version, the female character is Alex Mackenzie, a character from the novel, who offers Hannay shelter and eventually becomes convinced of his innocence. Their relationship is based more on trust and shared values than on romantic attraction.

Another crucial difference lies in the film's tone. Hitchcock's film is characterized by its wit and suspense, often employing moments of dark humor to alleviate the tension. The 1978 film adopts a more serious and straightforward approach, focusing on the action and suspense without the same degree of levity. The villains are also portrayed differently. In Hitchcock's film, Professor Jordan is a charismatic and sinister figure, while in the 1978 version, Sir Edmund Appleton is a more calculating and intellectual adversary.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The 1978 Thirty Nine Steps boasts several strengths. Its closer adherence to the original novel allows for a more complex and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their motivations. The Scottish Highlands provide a stunning backdrop, adding to the film's visual appeal and creating a sense of isolation and danger. Robert Powell delivers a compelling performance as Richard Hannay, capturing the character's resourcefulness and determination. The film's pacing allows for greater character development, allowing the audience to connect with Hannay and understand his motivations.

However, the film also suffers from certain weaknesses. Compared to Hitchcock's version, the 1978 film lacks the same level of suspense and excitement. Its more serious tone may not appeal to viewers who prefer the Hitchcock version's wit and humor. The film's climax, while faithful to the novel, may feel less dramatic than the climax in Hitchcock's film. Some critics have argued that the 1978 version lacks the stylistic flair and innovation that made Hitchcock's film so iconic.

Themes and Interpretation

The 1978 film explores several key themes. The most prominent is the theme of mistaken identity and the struggle to clear one's name. Hannay is falsely accused of murder and must prove his innocence while evading both the police and the spies. This theme resonates with anxieties about the potential for injustice and the abuse of power.

The film also examines the theme of conspiracy and the dangers of unchecked authority. The Thirty Nine Steps represent a clandestine network of spies who are willing to betray their country for personal gain. This theme reflects the public's growing skepticism of governmental institutions and the potential for corruption within the establishment.

Furthermore, the film explores the theme of trust and betrayal. Hannay must learn to trust the right people in order to survive. He relies on the help of Alex Mackenzie, who initially distrusts him but eventually becomes his ally. The film highlights the importance of human connection and the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.

Robert Powell's Performance

Robert Powell's portrayal of Richard Hannay is a key element of the 1978 film. He brings a different sensibility to the role compared to Robert Donat in the Hitchcock version. Powell's Hannay is more grounded and pragmatic, reflecting the character's background as a mining engineer. He conveys a sense of intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination that is crucial to the character's success. While Donat's Hannay possessed a certain charm and wit, Powell's Hannay is more serious and focused, reflecting the film's overall tone.

Powell's performance is particularly effective in capturing the character's vulnerability and resilience. He portrays Hannay as a man who is constantly under pressure, forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive. He also conveys the character's growing sense of outrage at the injustice he faces and his determination to expose the truth.

Reception and Legacy

The 1978 Thirty Nine Steps received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its faithfulness to the novel and its strong performances, others criticized its lack of suspense and excitement compared to Hitchcock's version. Commercially, the film was moderately successful, but it did not achieve the same level of popularity as its predecessor.

Despite its mixed reception, the 1978 film has gained a cult following over the years. It is appreciated for its closer adherence to the novel, its stunning Scottish locations, and Robert Powell's compelling performance. While it may not be as iconic as Hitchcock's version, it offers a valuable alternative interpretation of the story, exploring its themes and characters in a different and compelling way.

The legacy of the 1978 film lies in its contribution to the broader landscape of spy thrillers. It demonstrates the enduring appeal of John Buchan's novel and the potential for multiple interpretations of the same story. While Hitchcock's version may remain the definitive adaptation for many, the 1978 film offers a worthwhile alternative for those seeking a more faithful and nuanced portrayal of the classic thriller.

Conclusion

The Thirty Nine Steps (1978) is a solid, if not spectacular, adaptation of John Buchan's novel. While inevitably compared to Hitchcock's more famous version, it offers its own distinct strengths, including a closer adherence to the source material, strong performances, and stunning visuals. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder that classic stories can be reinterpreted in different ways, each offering its own unique perspective and appealing to different audiences. It remains a worthy entry in the spy thriller genre and a testament to the enduring power of Buchan's original tale.