Hitchcock made some very good, highly successful films before this one. But this is his first movie that stands out as superlatively exceptional and deservedly absolutely world-class.

The 39 Steps is beautifully shot and performed, has well-developed storyline and script, the performances (particularly by the two stars and a few others) are terrific and sparkling, the production values are very polished and top notch, and everything about this feels like Hitch truly completely "nailed" it.

The movie's bickering banter between the Hannay and Pamela characters can't be beat. One of my favourite moments is when Pamela, sick of being dragged around through the Scottish moors, attached to Hannay via handcuffs, asks, "What chance have you got tied to me?" (meaning via the cuffs). His response: "Keep that question for your husband. Meanwhile, I'll admit you're the white man's burden."

Even funnier is when, still handcuffed together and in bed (everything entirely respectable), they're playfully conversing about when Hannay's wax figure may someday be displayed in Madame Tussauds as a famous murderer. Hannay, speaking of if Pamela goes to see this display with her future children: "Yes, you'll point me out and say, 'Chicks, if I were to tell you how matey I once was with that gentleman, you'd be sur....'" (Hannay's speaking stops when Pamela, in pain, begins commenting that the handcuffs are hurting her wrist).

Robert Donat's and Madeleine Carroll's chemistry and timing with one another in this is absolutely wonderful.

One of the movie's particularly delightful moments is when Hannay finds himself in a campaign meeting and learns that he's been mistaken for the guest speaker, so is forced to "wing" a campaign speech. The scenes in the inn, where he and Pamela overnight, pretending to be honeymooners, likewise are a true joy. The innkeeper's wife is total perfection!

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