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6.7 / 10(45 votes)IMDb19781h 42mUnited Kingdom

The Thirty Nine Steps

“Every second counts in the adventure of a lifetime!”

Synopsis

The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South Africa, is shocked when one of his neighbours, Colonel Scudder, bursts into his rooms one night and tells him a story that Prussian 'sleeper' agents are planning to pre-start World War I by murdering a visiting foreign minister. However, Scudder is murdered and Hannay is framed for the death by the 'sleepers'. Fleeing to Scotland Hannay attempts to clear his name and to stop the agents with the aid of Alex Mackenzie but not only is he is chased by Chief Supt Lomas for Scudder's death but by the agents who are headed by Appleton who has managed to hide himself in a high-placed position in the British Government...

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The 39 Steps (1978) Original Trailer

Type: Trailer • Published 2010-01-18

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

May 2, 1980

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Don Sharp
Screenplay & Story
Michael Robson
Original Score
Ed Welch
Original Title
The Thirty Nine Steps
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 42m
Production Studios
Norfolk International Pictures, The Rank Organisation

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Don Sharp

Screenplay & Story

Michael Robson, John Buchan

Original Score & Music

Ed Welch

Director of Photography

John Coquillon

Film Editing

Eric Boyd-Perkins

Producers

Greg Smith, James Kenelm Clarke

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:John Buchan

Department Leadership Roster

Don Sharp

Don Sharp

Director

Colin Skeaping

Colin Skeaping

Stunt Coordinator

Michael Robson

Screenplay

Greg Smith

Producer

John Coquillon

Director of Photography

Eric Boyd-Perkins

Editor

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

United Kingdom (BBFC)PG

Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Thirty Nine Steps.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Thirty Nine Steps.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Thirty Nine Steps

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The Thirty Nine Steps about?

The year is 1914 and Richard Hannay, Mining Engineer who is visiting Britain for a short time before returning to South Africa, is shocked when one of his neighbours, Colonel Scudder, bursts into his rooms one night and tells him a story that Prussian 'sleeper' agents are planning to pre-start World War I by murdering a visiting foreign minister. However, Scudder is murdered and Hannay is framed for the death by the 'sleepers'. Fleeing to Scotland Hannay attempts to clear his name and to stop the agents with the aid of Alex Mackenzie but not only is he is chased by Chief Supt Lomas for Scudder's death but by the agents who are headed by Appleton who has managed to hide himself in a high-placed position in the British Government...

Who directed The Thirty Nine Steps?

The Thirty Nine Steps was directed by Don Sharp.

Who stars in The Thirty Nine Steps?

The principal cast of The Thirty Nine Steps includes Robert Powell, David Warner, Eric Porter, Karen Dotrice, John Mills.

When was The Thirty Nine Steps released and how long is it?

The Thirty Nine Steps was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 42m.

Who composed the musical score for The Thirty Nine Steps?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The Thirty Nine Steps was composed by Ed Welch.

Is The Thirty Nine Steps based on a book or true story?

The Thirty Nine Steps is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "John Buchan".

What is the age rating and content advisory for The Thirty Nine Steps?

The Thirty Nine Steps holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.).