How Did Alfred Hitchcock Build Suspense In The 39 Steps

In light of John Buchan’s The 39 Steps, there have been various adaptions that seek to refine the classic spy novel, famous among them being Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 version. Alfred Hitchcock sought to take John Buchan’s novel and added flourishes of his directorial style. These flourishes include themes of alluring female characters, ordinary individuals in extraordinary situations, and institutional failure. In that respect, Hitchcock’s version considerably diverges from that of Buchan’s novel in terms of plot, characterization, and pace. Furthermore, the historical significance of Alfred Hitchcock’s version is amplified within the context of the thirties seeing the rise of fascism and authoritarian regimes that would elicit such paranoia and fear. As such, Alfred Hitchcock’s version is a greater introduction to the theme of espionage in twentieth-century popular culture due to its emphasis on suspense, relatability, and spy tactics which makes it the stronger work in comparison to Buchan’s version. In regards to suspense, John Buchan’s novel does not seem to elicit

In spite of her initial encounter with Richard Hannay through an unwanted kiss, she is a much embroiled in the plot as he is and thus rely upon one another. As a result, a relationship develops between them to the point that the audience is invested in both characters. As such, the same cannot be said about Richard Hannay in the book. He has no immediate family nor friends to rely upon and connect with on an emotional level to the degree that Donat’s Hannay is towards Pamela. Richard Hannay within Buchan’s version is a Mary Sue with the personality of a cypher who can outmaneuver any situation without breaking a sweat. However, Hitchcock’s Hannay is an ordinary man with enough charm to uncover a spy ring and get the girl as