Watch 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock

The 39 Steps opens with Canadian Richard Hannay (portrayed by Robert Donat) visiting a London music hall. While Hannay is watching a novelty act by "Mr. Memory," shots ring out and pandemonium breaks out in the theater. Hannay finds himself holding brunette Annabelle Smith (portrayed by Lucie Mannheim), who persuades Hannay to take her to his flat.

Annabelle enlists Hannay's help in stopping a plot to sneak British naval secrets out of the country. She makes reference to the "39 steps," but does not explain what these "39 steps" are. Hannay flees his flat after Annabelle is murdered during the night when she is stabbed with a knife from Hannay's flat.

En route by train to Scotland, Hannay meets a woman named Pamela (portrayed by Madeleine Carroll), and attempts to enlist her help. Pamela, however, turns him over to the police. Hannay escapes, and finds himself being chased by spies and police. Hannay and Pamela meet up again, and she once again turns him over to the police. Hannay and Pamela end up being handcuffed together as the chase continues across the moors of Scotland.

Pamela eventually accepts Hannay's assertions about the plot to steal military secrets. They return to London, where the plot's climax occurs during their visit to Mr. Memory's show at the London Palladium.

British actor Robert Donat had a career in film and on stage. In 1939 Donat received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mr. Chips in Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He was also nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Andrew Manson in the 1938 film, The Citadel.

Madeleine Carroll followed up her performance in The 39 Steps with a role in another Hitchock film (Secret Agent) in 1936.

Lucie Mannheim appeared in several films in Britain during World War II. She returned to Germany after the war, and resumed her acting career there.

The 39 Steps also featured Godfrey Tearle as the villain, Peggy Ashcroft as the wife of a Scottish farmer (portrayed by John Laurie), and Wylie Watson as Mr. Memory.