Book review – “The 39 Steps” by John Buchan

Buchan’s classic tale of a man on the run, was enormously influential, especially for Alfred Hitchcock, who not only adapted it into a classic film, but made several variations on it (Young and Innocent, Saboteur, North by Northwest). It is written by an author with the prejudices of his time (eg reference to Jewish conspiracy) but is pacy and not very long. Richard Hannay is drawn into the conspiracy by his neighbour who is murdered, after which Hannay goes into hiding. He doesn’t have any particular destination in mind (unlike the film) but elects to go to Scotland.

It’s fascinating to read it after the movie to see how Charles Bennett improved it. The encounter with the milkman is there – Bennett made it comic. Ditto the Scottish farmer and wife, who in Buchan aren’t much. The literary-aspiring inn keeper who helps out in the novel was cut. The bit where Hannay pretends to be a politician is in the book – Bennett cut it down, made it short and punchy. The great moment where Hannay accidentally finds himself in the lion’s den (the baddy’s house) is in Buchan, and is effective here, though Hitchcock (or Bennett) added the finger and brought it earlier. (Although to be honest the way Buchan gets Hannay out of trouble – locking him in a closet, whereupon he makes a home made bomb – is cleverer that Hitchcock, with the all too convenient hymn book.)

I’d forgotten how well Buchan could describe the countryside and movement, and how much time Hannay spent in disguise. Also how much of a script edit he needed – three times he has one character go to another: “I didn’t know if I should help you – but what the hell I will”.
There’s one scene I’m surprised was never used in the film versions – Hannay runs into a horrible fat stock broker that he knew as Hannay and enjoys tormenting him. It’s a great twist that just when Hanny is told the Greek premier is saved he finds out he’s dead – it’s odd this was never used either. As in the films, the excitement lessens once Hannay’s not in danger from the police or assassins, but it’s good that he figures out the British ministers have met the baddy and how deduces where they are leaving England. The climax isn’t that exciting – Hannay isn’t in danger, and there’s perhaps too much of putting on a disguise by “feeling the part” (John Buchan on method acting!), which never quite convinces.