The 39 Steps

In the first of our new Film Studies series, FRAMEWORK, film scholar Michael van den Bos will illuminate aspects of one of the most illustrious 20th century filmmakers, Alfred Hitchcock, across four monochrome masterworks: The 39 Steps (1935), Shadow of a Doubt (1943), Strangers on a Train (1951), and The Wrong Man (1956).

Each of these films represents a different phase in the career of the “master of suspense”: The 39 Steps is the apotheosis of his English period, a witty spy thriller (from John Buchan’s novel) that introduces many of the motifs that would come to define the director in years to come. Indeed, it’s a bit of a dry run for North by Northwest, with a dashing hero going on the run after being mistaken for a murderer, becoming entangled with an attractive blonde and real-life spies.

Michael van den Bos will introduce the screening with a 25-minute talk to contextualize the film and give patrons pointers to better understand Hitchcock’s technical prowess and artistic interests and accomplishments. There will be a short talkback afterwards (repeat screenings will be film only).

FRAMEWORK brings the history of cinema to life with lighthearted but insightful introductions combined with classic film screenings. Each series will be structured across a four-week period devoted to a key director in the advancement of the form.

The 39 Steps is a masterclass in propulsive narrative cinema that even today’s so-called blockbuster auteurs should study.

Kevin Maher, The Times

As an artist, Alfred Hitchcock surpassed this early achievement many times in his career, but for sheer entertainment value it still stands in the forefront of his work.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader