Week 2: The 39 Steps

Despite this being only the second film directed by Alfred Hitchcock I have seen to date, it would be safe for me to say I already have begun to respect his work. In the movie 39 Steps, I feel Hitchcock stays true to his way of creating films by utilizing similar techniques incorporated in the first film we saw The Lodger. The movie revolves around a man named Richard Hannay who, because mostly his bad luck, became circumstantially involved in an international spy organization. 

Although many to choose from, I would like to discuss a specific set of scenes starting at around 27:30 after Richard wanders into this family owned farm trying to find his way to the town/village that Annabelle had told him about. We are immediately introduced to a seemingly stern and suspicious fellow, the owner of the farm named John. After discovering Richard wouldn’t be able to traverse the 14 miles distance from the farm to the village, John allows him to stay the night for some money. We are then introduced to John’s wife Margret who resembles someone who could potentially be John’s daughter adding to the uncomforting situation. As we progress through the scenes it is realized John tries to contain Margret’s ambitious/passionate views. 

Throughout the scene, John is portrayed as a spiteful, money-hungry old man and the audience is given the impression that he cannot be trusted. It turns out, in the end of the scene John indeed does try to double-cross Richard by asking him to wait and telling him he will take care of the police while he is actually inquiring about a potential reward.