39 Steps, The (1935) Movie Script
Stall, please.
Ladies and gentlemen...
with your kind attention
and permission...
I have the honor
of presenting to you...
one of the most remarkable men
in the world.
- How remarkable?
- He's sweating.
Can you be surprised
at that, gentlemen?
Every day he commits to memory
and remembers every one of them.
Facts from history, from geography,
from newspapers...
from scientific books,
millions and millions of them.
Think of the strain involved
by his prodigious feat.
His feet ain't half as big
as yours, cully.
I'm referring
to his feats of memory.
Test him, please.
Ladies and gentlemen,
ask him your questions...
and he will answer you,
fully and freely.
Mr. Memory.
I also add, ladies and gentlemen,
before retiring...
that Mr. Memory has left his brain
to the British Museum.
Hurray!
A question, please.
Ladies first.
Where's my old man been
since last Saturday?
- On the booze!
- In quod!
Out with his bit!
A serious question, please.
What won the Derby in 1921?
Mr. Jack Jool's Humorist
with Steve Donoghue up.
Won by a length
at odds 6 to 1.
Second and third:
Craig-an-Eran and Lemonora.
- Am I right, sir?
- Right.
What won in 1936?
Come back in 1937,
and I'll tell you.
How far is Winnipeg from Montreal?
What won the Cup in 1926?
- Cup? Waterloo, football or tea.
- Football, silly.
- When did Chelsea win it?
- 63 B.C. in the presence of Nero.
- What causes pip in poultry?
- Don't make yourself so common.
Our fowls have it,
haven't they?
How many races
did Mick the Miller win?
How old is Mae West?
When was Crippen hanged?
Who was the last British
heavyweight champion of the world?
- Henry Vlll!
- My old woman!
Bob Fitzsimmons.
He defeated Jim Corbett...
heavyweight champion of America
at Carson City, Nevada...
in October, 1897.
He was 34 years of age.
Am I right, sir?
How old is Mae West?
I know, sir,
but I never tell a lady's age.
Next, please.
What causes pip in poultry?
- How far is Winnipeg from Montreal?
- Miss Winnie Who, sir?
How far is Winnipeg from Montreal?
A gentleman from Canada.
You're welcome, sir.
Winnipeg, the third city of Canada
and the capital of Manitoba.
Distance from Montreal:
- Am I right?
- Quite right.
How old's Mae West?
How old's Mae West?
Hey, you!
How old's Mae West?
Gentlemen!
Please, you're not at home!
Hey, you!
What causes pip in...
causes pip in po... po...
Hey, come on!
For God's sake,
play something!
Stop them from running!
Here we are.
May I come home with you?
What's the idea?
I'd like to.
It's your funeral.
Come on, there's a bus.
- You don't stay here always?
- No, I've taken a furnished flat.
I'm only here from Canada
for a few months.
By the way, am I allowed
to know your name?
- Smith.
- All right.
Do you want to know more about me?
What do you think I do for a living?
- Actress?
- Not in the way you mean.
- Chorus?
- No.
- I'm sorry.
- I'm a freelance.
- Out for adventure, eh?
- That's right.
This way.
My sitting room is all upset.
I haven't decorated.
I'll find the switch.
Not yet.
Now.
Mr. Hannay, would you be kind
and turn that mirror to the wall?
You'd be happier if there were
curtains over those windows.
- Yes.
- I'm sorry.
There's the telephone.
Just a minute.
- Don't answer the telephone.
- Why not?
Because I think it's for me.
Please don't answer.
Just as you say.
- Won't you sit down?
- Would you kick that footstool to me?
You needed that.
I did. Thank you.
- I owe you an explanation.
- Don't bother about me.
- I'm nobody.
- We cannot talk here.
All right.
Just a minute.
- Okay?
- Mm-hmm.
- Cigarette?
- No, thank you.
- There's our friend again.
- Take no notice.
Would you think me very troublesome
if I asked for something to eat?
- I've had nothing all day.
- Sure.
- You like haddock?
- Yes, please.
I suppose your name
isn't really Smith.
It depends on where I am.
- You may call me Annabella.
- Annabella Smith.
A clergyman's daughter,
I presume.
Hello. Nervy?
Upset by those shots tonight?
I fired those shots.
- You what?
- Yes, to create a diversion.
I had to get away
from that theater quickly.
There were two men there
who wanted to kill me.
You should be more careful
in choosing your gentlemen friends.
- You don't understand.
- You don't make it easy for me.
Beautiful, mysterious woman
pursued by gunmen.
Sounds like a spy story.
That's exactly what it is.
- Only I prefer the word agent better.
- "Agent"?
- For what country?
- Any country that pays me.
- What is your country?
- I have no country.
Born in a balloon?
We'll let that go.
I suppose you've come here...
to dig up
some great big state secret.
I am here to save a secret
from being divulged.
A very important secret
for this country.
Not because I love England,
but because it will pay me better.
- Thank you.
- The very brilliant agent...
of a certain foreign power...
is on the point of obtaining
a secret vital to your air defense.
I tracked two of his men
to that music hall.
Unfortunately,
they recognized me.
- That's why they're after me now.
- That was too bad.
You ever heard of a thing
called "persecution mania"?
- You don't believe me?
- Frankly, I don't.
Go and look down
into the street then.
You win.
- Are they there?
- Yes.
I'd hoped I'd shaken them off.
I'm going to tell you something
which is not very healthy to know.
But now that they have
followed me here...
you are in it
as much as I am.
How do you mean?
- Have you ever heard of the 39 Steps?
- No. What's that, a pub?
Never mind.
But what you were laughing at is true.
These men will stop at nothing.
I'm the only person
who can stop them.
If they are not stopped, it's only
a matter of days, perhaps hours...
- before the secret is out.
- Why don't you phone the police?
Because they wouldn't believe me
any more than you did.
If they did, how long do you think
it would take to get them going?
These men act quickly.
You don't know
how clever their chief is.
- Clever and ruthless.
- Who is he? What's his name?
He has a dozen names,
and he can look like a hundred people.
But one thing he cannot disguise:
this.
Part of his little finger is missing.
If ever you should meet a man
with no top joint there...
- be very careful, my friend.
- Thanks. I'll make a note of it.
Meanwhile, what are you going to do?
First, I'll eat my haddock...
then, if you are not going to
turn me out onto the street...
- have a good night's rest.
- You're welcome to my bed.
I'll get a shakedown
on the couch.
Anything else I can get you?
- A map of Scotland.
- Why Scotland?
There's a man in Scotland whom I must
visit next if anything is to be done.
Are the 39 Steps in Scotland,
by any chance?
Perhaps I'll tell you tomorrow.
Clear out, Hannay.
They'll get you next.
What you were laughing at
just now is true.
These men will stop at nothing.
There's a man in Scotland...
whom I must visit next
if anything is to be done.
It is only a matter of days,
perhaps hours...
before the secret
is out of the country.
The police will not believe me
any more than you did.
I tell you,
these men act quickly.
Quickly. Quickly.
Good morning, sir.
You're up bright and early this morning.
Could you use a pound note,
brother?
- What's the catch?
- I want to borrow your cap and coat.
- What's all this? What's the big idea?
- I want to make a getaway.
- To a bunk?
- Yes.
- What have you been up to?
- I'll have to trust you.
There's been a murder
up on the first floor.
- By you?
- No, by those two men out there.
I see. I suppose they're waiting there
for a copper to come and arrest them.
It's quite true.
They're spies, foreigners.
They've murdered a woman in my flat,
and now they're waiting for me.
Come off it.
Funny jokes at 5:00 in the morning.
All right.
I'll tell you the truth.
- Are you married?
- Yes, but don't rub it in.
- What's the idea now?
- I'm not. I'm a bachelor.
A married woman
lives on the first floor.
- Does she?
- Yes. I've just been paying her a call.
- Now I want to go home.
- What's preventing you?
One of those men is her brother,
the other's her husband. Now do you see?
Why didn't you tell me before?
I only wanted to be told.
Trying to keep me with tales
about murders and foreigners.
Here, put this on.
Put on my hat. There you are.
- Take the pound.
- No, sir, you're welcome to it.
You'd do the same for me one day.
Lead the pony around the corner.
- So long, old sport.
- Good-bye. Thank you.
Oy! The empties!
Papers, magazines,
chocolates, cigarettes.
There he is.
For one thing, they're much prettier
than they were 20 years ago.
- More free. Free and easy.
- You're right there.
I could never understand how people used
to put up with the old-fashioned sort.
All bones and no bend.
- The old-fashioned did last longer.
- I don't know.
Mine last about a year.
Here, I'll show you.
Big demand for these now.
- The old-fashioned sort.
- Brrr! My wife.
Now look at these.
- Our new Streamline Model Number 1.
- Anything go with it?
I should say so. This.
Put a pretty girl inside those,
and she needn't be ashamed of herself.
- Bring it back to me when it's filled.
- I will.
What's this? Edinburgh, Waverley.
We're getting on.
- Pardon us for talking business, sir.
- Certainly.
- Good day.
- Good day, sir.
Good day.
- Good day.
- Broad-minded old geezer.
Bet he's very good at charades.
- I wonder what won the 2:00 at Windsor.
- I don't know. Let's get a paper.
- Paper.
- Say, son, speak the English?
Dispatch.
- Hello.
- What won it?
There's been another woman murdered
in a West End flat.
- What?
- "Woman murdered in West End flat. "
These sex dramas don't appeal to me.
What won?
- Bachelor Bud. Seven to four odds.
- Good. Not so good.
Portland Mansions, Portland Place.
By the BBC. That's a nice, quiet place
to put someone to sleep.
- "Good night, everybody. "
- That's a good one.
What was she like?
One of the usual?
"A well-dressed woman of about 35
with a knife in her back.
The tenant, Richard Hannay,
is missing. "
You surprise me.
"At 7:00 this morning, the
charwoman, Elizabeth Briggs... "
If that isn't the blasted limit.
- What's the matter now?
- Is there no honesty in this world?
I ask you. "The new Bodyline
rubber panty corset.
On sale today.
McCutcheon Brothers, Princess Street.
Price: 17 and 9. Brassiere to match:
The Bodyline. One and three
cheaper than our Streamline.
No use going to Aberdeen now.
- Might I have a look at your paper?
- Certainly.
- Thank you.
- Quite all right.
There's enough evidence there
to hang any man.
What can I do for you, sir?
Can you tell me what station
the train stops at next?
Do you think I'm a railway porter?
Go find out for yourself.
- I can tell a better one than that.
- You couldn't. That was very funny.
You liked it? Have you heard the one
about the young lady of Bulgar?
- I can't remember them all.
- You must hear that.
- There was a young lady of Bulgar.
- Yes, we...
- Taking tea, sir?
- Yes. Thank you.
Darling, how lovely to see you!
Young man having a free meal
in there.
I was desperate.
I'm terribly sorry. I had to do it.
My name's Hannay. They're after me.
I swear I'm innocent.
You've got to help me. I've got
to keep free for the next few days.
Have you seen a man pass
in the last few minutes?
This is the man you want, I think.
- But when we passed just now...
- He told me his name was Hannay.
- Is your name Hannay?
- Are you coming into tea, sir?
I'll be right along.
Pull that cord!
Stay away.
Go on, men. Go down there.
Get on with it.
Heel! Why did you pull
the communication cord?
- To stop the train, you old fool.
- It's against all the regulations...
- to stop the train on the bridge.
- A man jumped out.
He's a murderer.
We've got to take him.
- Which way did he go?
- He must have jumped off here.
- I can't see him.
- Are you sure he jumped?
- I cannot wait here any longer!
- There he is, getting on the train.
- No, that's a passenger.
- It's him, I tell you!
Come on, then.
- Hannay escapes! Paper!
- Hannay escapes! Paper!
Extra special!
Hannay escapes from police!
Paper!
Extra, extra! Paper!
Correct.
Height: about five foot ten.
Small moustache.
Last seen wearing a dark suit...
but he may have obtained
a change of clothing.
- Good day.
- And to you.
- What'll your business be?
- I'm a motor mechanic looking for a job.
- You'll find no work here.
- Are there no big houses around here?
Only Sir Andrews.
He won't be wanting you.
He's had the same chauffeur
for 40 years.
I didn't know
there had been cars that long.
He was coachman besides
when he was a boy.
I see.
What's that?
That's the manse.
But the minister has no motorcar.
Are there no newcomers?
Aye.
There's an Englishman, a professor.
- A professor?
- He lives in Alt-na-Shellach.
- Where?
- On the other side of the loch.
- Would that be near that village?
- It would.
Thanks. I'll try there.
- You won't try tonight. It's 14 miles.
- Could I get a lift in that van?
No, it's going the other way.
I guess you're right.
Could you put me up for the night?
- Free?
- No, I'll pay.
- All right. Can you eat herring?
- I could eat a half dozen right now.
- Can you sleep in a box bed?
- I can try.
- Two and six.
- Take it now. Thank you.
Go in with the gentleman. He'll stay
with us till tomorrow morning.
- Your daughter?
- My wife.
- Will you now come in?
- Thank you.
Here's your bed.
I'll lift these things.
- Could you sleep there?
- You try and stop me.
You'll be tired.
I'll say I am.
I'm on the tramp,
looking for a job.
Won't you sit down
while I go on with our supper?
Thank you.
- Have you been in these parts long?
- No, I'm from Glasgow.
- Did you ever see it?
- No.
You should see Sauchiohall Street
with all its fine shops...
and Argyll Street
on a Saturday night...
with the trams
and the lights...
and the cinema palaces
and their crowds.
And it's Saturday night tonight.
You certainly don't get
those things out here.
No.
You miss them?
Sometimes.
I've never been to Glasgow,
but I've been to Edinburgh...
and Montreal and London.
I'll tell you all about London
at supper.
- John wouldn't approve of that.
- Why not?
He says it's best not to think
of such places and the wickedness there.
Why not listen now
before he comes back?
What do you want to know?
Is it true that all the ladies
paint their toenails?
Some of them.
- Do London ladies look beautiful?
- They do.
But they wouldn't
if you were beside them.
- You ought not say that.
- What ought he not to say?
I was saying I prefer living in town
than the country.
God made the country.
- Is the supper ready, woman?
- Aye.
- Do you mind if I look at your paper?
- I don't mind.
Thank you.
- You did not tell me your name.
- Hammond.
Well, Mr. Hammond, if you'll put down
that paper, I'll say a blessing.
Of course.
Sanctify these bounteous masses
to us miserable sinners.
O Lord,
make us truly thankful...
for them and for all
Thy manifold blessings.
Continually turn our hearts...
from wickedness...
and from worldly things...
unto Thee.
Amen.
I forgot to lock the barn.
There are cars coming.
It'll be the police. You best be going.
- Thank you. I was having a grand sleep.
- Don't let them catch you.
All right. I'll never forget you
for doing this for me.
- Which way do I go?
- I'll show you.
Aye. I might have known.
Making love behind my back.
- Get out. You too.
- Just a minute...
- Get out of my house before I...
- Aye. Go.
- And leave you like this?
- It's your chance at liberty.
You don't understand.
You're all wrong about this.
She was only trying to help me.
Aye, to bring shame and disgrace
upon my house.
She was helping me to escape
from the police.
- The police?
- Yes, they're after me for murder.
- What?
- They're here.
She was only warning me.
I had to tell her last night.
Don't let them in. Say I'm not here.
I'll make it worth your while.
- How much?
- Five pounds.
Have you got that much?
Give it to me.
After they've gone.
Get back into bed.
Shut him in. Hide him.
- Not there. I do not trust him.
- But he took the money.
He could not resist it.
Here.
Have you seen a stranger
about here?
What kind of a stranger?
I was right.
He's asking if there's a reward
if you get catched.
He'll argue about it for a moment longer
before he lets them in.
Now's your time.
Your jacket's terrible light-colored.
I'm a-feared they'll see you.
- You best take this one.
- Is this your husband's coat?
His son's, but never mind.
They must not see you.
- What will happen to you?
- I'll say I couldn't stop you.
- He'll not ill treat you?
- He'll pray at me, but no more.
- What's your name?
- Margaret.
Good-bye, Margaret.
I'll never forget you for this.
There he goes!
Spread out in a line.
- Is the master in?
- What name should I say, sir?
He wouldn't know my name.
Ask if he knows Miss Annabella Smith.
- Would you wait here while I inquire?
- Yes. Go on.
We'd better make inquiries here.
Somebody may have seen him
through the windows.
- There's been a couple motorcars here.
- Aye.
Murderers do not make calls
in motorcars.
- Good day, dear.
- The same to you.
Have you seen any strangers
this morning?
There's a few callers upstairs now,
but they're not strangers.
You haven't seen any suspicious-looking
bodies outside the windows...
- or calling at the house?
- No, sir.
There hasn't been anybody near here
for the last half hour.
- You're from Annabella Smith?
- Yes.
We're just having a few drinks
to celebrate my daughter's birthday.
Give me five minutes,
then we can talk.
- Of course.
- Come meet my wife. Louisa, my dear.
I've another guest for you.
This is Mr...
- I forgot to ask your name.
- Hammond.
He's come to see me on business,
all the way from London.
There's a police inspector at the door.
He wants to speak to you.
At the door?
All right.
I'll deal with it.
- Take him in, my dear.
- Come and meet my daughters.
- This is Patricia.
- How do you do?
Mrs. Bailey. Mrs. Hutchins.
Hilary, my dear,
this is Mr. Hammond.
- He just arrived from London.
- How do you do?
Forgive the orgy. We've been to church
and the sermon lasted 45 minutes.
- This is Captain and Mrs. Ogilvey.
- How do you do?
- Have a drink?
- Thank you.
This is Derek Stewart.
And this is Sheriff Watson.
You've got to be polite to him.
He's our Sheriff Substitute.
Scotch for a local beak.
He'll give you six months hard
as soon as look at you.
It's all right. Don't worry.
I've sent them away.
Come and look at the view
from this window.
We're rather proud of it.
- When will you catch that murderer?
- What murderer?
The man that stuck a carving knife
into that woman last week.
- He's here in the district.
- How exciting. Where?
Somewhere about.
He's been on the moors.
Sheriff Ames, why don't you catch him?
You wouldn't like me to be stuck
in the back with a carving knife.
It's no business of mine to catch him.
You catch him, and I'll convict him.
- Is there a reward?
- It's nearly 1:00. We must leave.
- The professor wants his lunch.
- There's no hurry, my dear.
Still, if you must go...
Pat, ring for Captain Ogilvey's car.
Yes, sir.
Are you coming out?
Come show us your new car.
- Come again another time.
- Good-bye. We'd love to.
Whenever you catch him, you'll find me
at the Sherif Court every morning.
- Bring him along.
- Good-bye.
Louisa, if you'll excuse us...
Mr. Hammond and I want
to have a chat before lunch.
Now, Mr. Hannay... I suppose it's safe
to call you by your real name now.
What about our mutual friend,
Annabella?
- She's been murdered.
- "Murdered"?
The Portland Mansions affair.
Why our friends outside
are looking for you.
- I didn't do it.
- Of course you didn't.
But why come all this way
to Scotland to tell me?
I believe she was coming to see you
about some Air Ministry secret.
She was killed by a foreign agent
who was interested too.
- Did she tell you what he looked like?
- There wasn't time.
One thing:
Part of his little finger was missing.
- Which one?
- This one, I think.
Sure it wasn't this one?
- Lunch is ready, dear.
- I'm coming right away.
I've been guilty of leading you
down the garden path.
Or should it be up?
I never can remember.
It seems to be the wrong garden,
all right.
Well.
- What are we going to do?
- That's just the point.
What are we going
to do about it?
I live here
as a respectable citizen.
You must realize that my whole existence
would be jeopardized...
if it became known
that I'm not what I seem.
Mr. Hannay,
why have you come here?
Why have you forced me
into this difficult position?
I can't lock you up in a room
or anything like that.
There's my wife and daughters
to think of.
I don't know what to think.
Really, I don't.
Making it doubly important
that I shouldn't let you go is...
I'm about to convey some very vital
information out of the country.
Yes, I've got it.
Poor Annabella
would have been too late.
- That's fair.
- Yes. What about it?
- What about what?
- Yourself.
- It seems there's only one way out.
- What's that?
Supposing I left you alone
with this revolver?
Tomorrow's newspapers would announce
that the Portland Place murderer...
- had taken his own life.
- I thought you were coming directly.
We've all been waiting.
- Will Mr. Hammond be staying?
- I don't think so, dear.
Well, what do you think,
Mr. Hannay?
I'm afraid
you leave me no alternative.
I cannot find my hymn book.
- Where did you leave it?
- In the breast pocket of my overcoat.
It was hanging here.
I'm afraid I gave it to that gentleman
who was staying here that night.
Cigarette cases, yes, but I've never
seen it happen to a hymn book before.
And this bullet stuck
among the hymns, eh?
I'm not surprised. Some of those hymns
are terrible hard to get through.
I've stuck in them myself
before now.
I'm not complaining, Sheriff.
"Hymns that have helped me. "
That's a good one!
That's fine.
And to think I was drinking
his champagne only half an hour before.
It's a lesson to us all: not to mix
with doubtful company on the Sabbath.
And how did you escape?
If you look through the window,
you'll see.
They put the body
in the dressing room.
When I came to, I borrowed this suit
and pinched his car.
I don't want to hurry you,
but shouldn't we take steps?
This is serious. Otherwise, I wouldn't
put myself in your hands...
- with a murder charge hanging over me.
- Never heed the murder.
You'll be able to convince
Scotland Yard of your innocence...
as easily
as you've convinced me.
I'll need a short statement
I can forward to the proper authority.
I have someone coming
from the police station to take it down.
Thank you.
- Are you wishing to see me?
- Indeed, I am.
Do you think I enjoy playing for time
with a murderer?
- "Murderer"?
- Certainly.
You're under arrest on the charge
of willful murder...
of a woman unknown in Portland
Mansions, London on Tuesday last.
- Take him over to the county jail.
- Every word of my story is true.
We are not so daft in Scotland
as some smart Londoners may think.
Do you think I believed your
cock-and-bull story about the professor?
He's my best friend in the district.
Get me Professor Jordan.
If the professor didn't shoot me,
where did that bullet come from?
That's easy.
From one of your pursuers on the moor.
- Isn't that so, Inspector?
- I had a shot at him myself.
I demand you allow me to telephone the
High Commissioner for Canada in London.
You better do that from London.
You'll be there soon enough.
It'll save you the cost
of a trunk call.
That's the professor's car.
Hannay must be inside
spilling the beans.
- Stop him!
- My God!
How do you do?
We're all waiting for you.
Pamela's gone to meet you
at the station. This way.
Leader and standard-bearer himself.
I welcome this opportunity
of discussing with you...
another question vital
to the import of our country...
at this critical
and momentous hour.
But first of all,
as a preliminary to this...
- I shall occupy your time...
- You've occupied too much time already!
We've had enough of you!
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm now going
to call upon the speaker of the evening.
- Speak up!
- There's no need to say who he is...
or to speak of his brilliant record
as a soldier and a statesman.
He's a son of Scotland who has crossed
the border and conquered England.
He is now one
of the foremost figures...
in the diplomatic political world
in the great city of London.
I'm, therefore, going to ask him
to tell you something...
- It's about time too.
- How important it is...
to this constituency
that at this crucial by-election...
our candidate should be returned
by an adequate majority.
I now ask for Captain Fraser.
Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize
for my hesitation in rising just now...
but I'd entirely failed
while listening...
to the chairman's flattering description
of the next speaker...
to realize
he was talking about me.
As for you, may I say
from the bottom of my heart...
and with the utmost sincerity...
how delighted and relieved I am
to find myself...
in your presence at this moment.
Delighted because
of your friendly reception...
relieved because so long
as I stand on this platform...
I am delivered from the cares
and anxieties...
which must always be the lot
of a man in my position.
When I journeyed up to Scotland
a few days ago...
traveling on the Highland Express
over that magnificent Forth Bridge...
that monument to Scottish engineering
and Scottish muscle...
That is to say, on that journey
I had no idea that in a few days time...
I should find myself addressing
an important political meeting.
I had planned a very different program
for myself.
A very different program.
You'd be for the moors
to shoot something.
Or somebody.
I'm a rotten shot.
Anyhow, I little thought
I should be speaking tonight...
in support of that brilliant,
young statesman.
That rising...
The gentleman on my right...
already known among you
as one destined to make...
no uncertain mark in politics.
In other words,
your future member of Parliament...
your candidate, Mr...
McCrocodile.
He doesn't know the candidate's name.
I know your candidate will forgive
my referring to him...
by the friendly nickname
by which he's already known...
in anticipation, mark you...
at Westminster.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, we'll
discuss some topic. What shall it be?
- The herring fisheries!
- Unemployment!
- What about the idle rich?
- That's an old-fashioned topic...
especially for me because I'm not rich
and I've never been idle.
I've been pretty busy all my life,
and I expect to be much busier soon.
Have you ever worked
with your hands?
Indeed I have. I've known what it is
to feel lonely and helpless...
and have the whole world
against me.
Those are things that no man
or woman ought to feel.
I ask your candidate...
and all those who love
their fellowmen...
to set themselves resolutely to make
this world a happier place to live in.
A world where no nation
plots against nation...
where no neighbor
plots against neighbor...
where there is no persecution
or hunting down...
where everybody gets a square deal
and a sporting chance...
and where people try to help
and not to hinder.
A world from which suspicion
and cruelty...
and fear have been
forever banished.
That is the sort of world I want!
Is that the sort of world you want?
Fine!
That's all I have to say.
Good night!
- I kept them going as long as I could.
- You're a difficult man to follow.
I suppose you think
you've been damn clever.
- Tell your prisoner not to insult me.
- Try and stop me.
- Come along with me.
- I was speaking the truth.
You must have seen
I was genuine.
Whether you believe me or not,
will you put a telephone call through...
to High Commissioner
for Canada in London?
- Tell him an important secret...
- That will do now.
An important secret is being taken out
of this country by a foreign agent.
I can't do anything myself
because of this fool of a detective.
- Has that penetrated?
- Right to the funny bone.
- Now tell me another one.
- Haven't you any sense at all?
Put that call through!
I beg of you! Refer them to me.
- Will you do this?
- No. Good night.
I beg pardon, miss,
but we should like you to come too.
- Whatever for?
- To identify the prisoner formally.
- Will you come to the police station?
- What?
- It's only for a few minutes.
- If it's necessary, let's get it over.
Now you.
- Must I sit next to this man?
- It's only for a short time.
Be as quick as you can.
All right.
Isn't that the police station?
We're running past it.
- Tell the man.
- You must have misunderstood me.
We're not exactly going
to this police station.
- Where are we going?
- To Inverary.
- Inverary?
- Yes, miss.
This man is to be questioned
by the Sheriff Principal.
- We have orders to take him there.
- You have no orders to take me.
No, miss,
but I'm afraid you must go.
I'll see you're sent back
as early as possible.
- How far is it to Inverary?
- Forty miles.
- Keep quiet.
- Sorry.
- We'll be there in less than two hours.
- I'm spending half the night with you?
It looks like it.
Isn't the man going the wrong way?
Surely that's the way to Inverary.
There's a bridge fallen down
on that road.
We shall have to go around.
The man knows the way.
- Might I see your warrant?
- Shut your mouth. You'll see it soon.
Would you like to have
a small bet with me, Pamela?
All right, I'll have it
with you, Sherlock.
I'll lay you 100 to 1
that your Sheriff Principal...
has the top joint
of his little finger missing.
What about it?
I win.
What are we stopping for?
It's a whole flock of detectives.
They're all over the road.
Get out and clear them away.
- What about him?
- I'll soon fix that.
There, miss.
Now you're a Special Constable.
- What's the idea?
- As long as you stay, he stays.
Yes, and as long as I go, you go.
Come on.
Stop them! They got away!
- Come on.
- I won't!
Won't you?
- You're hurting me.
- Shut up.
See if they've gone down that way.
Where could they have gone?
Help!
Let me go!
One yip out of you, and I'll
shoot you first and myself after.
There's nobody down here,
I tell you.
Come up here, blast you,
and don't waste any more time.
Spread out and find them.
They must be a mile away by now.
Don't do that.
Do stop whistling.
You can't possibly escape.
What chance have you got tied to me?
That question's for your husband. I'll
admit you're the white man's burden.
I know, and I can't tell you
what comfort that thought gives me.
What's the use of this? Those policemen
will get you as soon as it's daylight.
They may get me,
but they're not policemen.
- When did you find that out?
- You found that out yourself.
I should never have known
that was the wrong road to Inverary.
They were taking us to their boss, and
God help us if they ever catch us again.
I see. You're still sticking
to your penny novelette spy story.
Oh!
There are 20 million women
in this island, and I'm chained to you.
Listen, once more.
I'm telling you the truth.
I told you once in the train. I tried
to tell you after the election meeting.
I'm telling you now
for the third time.
There's a conspiracy against this island
and we're the only ones who can stop it.
Think what you've seen happen
right under your very nose.
The gallant knight to the rescue.
All right, then I'm just a plain,
common murderer...
who stabbed an innocent, defenseless
woman in the back not four days ago.
How do you come out over that?
I don't know how innocent you may be...
but you're a woman, you're defenseless,
and you're alone...
on a desolate moor in the dark,
manacled to a murderer...
who'd stop at nothing
to get you off his hands.
If that's the situation you prefer,
have it, my lovely, and welcome.
I'm not afraid of...
For all you know,
I may murder a woman a week.
So listen to a bit of advice.
Do every single thing I tell you to do,
and do it quick.
You big bully.
I like your pluck.
Come on.
- We're going in there.
- What for?
That's my business. Remember what
I said: the civil tongue or else.
We're going in there, and you'll
back me up on everything I say or do.
- Has that penetrated the ivory dome?
- Only just.
Pull yourself together. Put your hand
in my pocket and look in a hurry.
Come along.
Come in.
The young lady's terrible wet.
We had an accident with our car
a few miles back.
- You'll be staying the night?
- Yes.
We've just the one room left
with the one bed in it.
- But you'll not be minding that.
- No, quite the reverse.
- You're man and wife, I suppose?
- Yes.
Uh, yes.
- Have you any luggage?
- We left that behind in the car.
Maybe I could lend the young lady
a nightgown.
Will you please to register?
James, the book.
- Aye.
- I'll light the fire for you.
- Will you be needing supper?
- No, thank you.
Just a whiskey and soda
and a few sandwiches.
- And a glass of milk.
- Very well, sir.
Can't write with my left hand,
but I can shoot with it.
You can guess what's
in this pocket.
You sign, darling. The sooner you get
used to your new name, the better.
Off we go. "Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Hopkinson, The Hollyhocks, Hammersmith. "
I'll be back in a minute, chaps.
Off with that wet skirt,
and I'll have it dried in the kitchen.
Don't bother. It'll dry
in front of the fire just as well.
Thanks all the same.
No doubt the gentleman
will take care of you.
Good night, sir.
Good night, ma'am.
Good night.
Good night.
- Is he married to her, do you think?
- I do not care.
They are so terrible in love
with each other.
I'm going to tell them
the whole story.
You want to hang me
for a murder I never committed?
As long as they hang you, I don't care
whether you committed it or not.
Let me go! Do you think I'm going
to spend the night with you?
- Of course. What else can you do?
- Can I come in?
Come here.
Come in.
We were just getting warm
before the fire.
I can see that. I thought
you'd like this in your bed.
Thank you very much. You'd like
a hot water bottle, wouldn't you?
Say yes, darling.
- Yes, darling.
- Very well.
- Please don't go.
- Why not?
Is anything wrong?
Of course there's nothing wrong.
She just wants to tell you something.
- We're a runaway couple.
- I knew it. They're after you?
You won't give us away,
will you? Please.
Of course we will not give you up.
A good night to you both.
- You'll not be disturbed.
- But...
Thank God for a bite to eat.
Come along.
There you are.
What's the next item
on the program?
- Get these things off.
- Right. How will we set about it?
Anything in that bag of yours
that will help?
- A pair of scissors or a hairpin?
- Do you think a nail file would help?
Easily. It'll take about ten years,
but we can try it.
Let's make ourselves comfortable.
What about that skirt of yours?
It's still pretty damp.
I don't want to be tied to a pneumonia
case on top of everything else.
- Take it off. I don't mind.
- I'll keep it on, thank you.
And that is that.
My shoes and stockings are soaked.
I think I'll take them off.
That's the first sensible thing
I've heard you say.
- Can I be of any assistance?
- No, thank you.
Sorry.
- Hold this.
- Yeah.
Half a minute.
- Thank you.
- Don't mention it.
- Do you like your milk now?
- No, thank you. I'll wait a little.
All right.
Cheerio.
That's better.
- Are your feet quite warm again?
- Yes, thanks.
Come on.
Will you kindly place yourself
on the operating table?
Nobody's gonna hurt you.
This is Armistice Day.
- Let's get some rest while we can.
- I'm not going to lie on this bed.
So long as you're chained to me,
you'll lie wherever I lie.
- We're the Siamese twins.
- Don't gloat.
Do you think I'm looking forward
to waking up in the morning...
and seeing your face beside me,
unwashed and shiny?
What a sight you'll be. Give me
that nail file. Let's have a go at this.
Thank you.
There I go again.
I wish I could get
that damn tune out of my head.
I wonder where I heard it.
- You sound very sleepy.
- Sleepy? I'll say so.
Do you know when I last slept
in a bed?
Saturday night, whenever that was.
Then I only got a couple of hours.
- What made you wake so soon? Dreams?
- What do you mean "dreams"?
I've always been told
murderers have terrible dreams.
But only at the first.
Got over that a long time ago.
When I first took to crime,
I was quite squeamish about it.
- I was a most sensitive child.
- You surprise me.
Used to wake screaming,
thinking the police were after me.
But one gets hardened.
- How did you start?
- Quite a small way, like most of us.
Pilfering pennies from other
children's lockers at school...
then a little pocket picking,
then a spot of car pinching...
then smash and grab and so on
to plain burglary.
Killed my first man
when I was 19.
In years to come, you'll be able
to take your grandchildren...
to Madame Tussaud's
and point me out.
- Which section?
- It's early to say. I'm still young.
But I'll be there, all right,
in one department or another.
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... "
- What's the matter?
- This handcuff is pinching my wrist.
Sorry.
Talking of Madame Tussaud's,
that's how it all began.
- What began?
- My career of crime.
All hereditary.
Great Uncle Penruddock.
- Who was he?
- My girl, where were you brought up?
Never heard of my Great Uncle
Penruddock, the Cornish Bluebeard?
- Got it all from him.
- I thought your family came from Canada.
No, that's where they went
after the Penruddock incident.
He murdered three wives
and got away with it.
His third mother-in-law got the goods
on him and tried to have him arrested.
Did she succeed?
No, he was too quick for her.
Took her for a walk to Land's End
and shoved her into the Atlantic Ocean.
He's in Madame Tussaud's.
There's no doubt
about his department.
You must go down
and see him sometime.
Can't mistake him.
Third on the left as you go in.
Red whiskers and a harelip.
That, lady,
is the sad story of my life.
Poor orphan boy
who never had a chance.
Are you still set on
giving me up to the police?
You're sure everything's
going to be all right?
Bound to be.
He can't have much time.
As soon as I've picked up you know what,
I'll clear out of the country.
Be careful.
Wire to me.
- Good-bye, my dear.
- Good-bye.
Is that Professor Jordan's house?
Can I speak to Mrs. Jordan then?
Is that Mrs. Jordan?
He's gone to London already?
- If you manage, I'd like hot whiskey.
- I'll get the hot water.
No, he ducked down a side street,
the police went the wrong way.
The girl handed him over to us,
thinking we were detectives.
We had to take her as well
because he told her everything.
Very good, ma'am. I see.
Yes, ma'am.
- Well?
- The old man's got the wind up.
- He's cleared out already.
- Whatever for?
He thought it too dangerous
with Hannay on the loose.
He's warning the whole 39 Steps.
- Has he got the... you know?
- Yes.
He's picking up our friend
at the London Palladium on the way out.
Here's toddy.
That will be half a crown.
- And the phone call?
- We'll say a schilling.
- Is this a hotel as well?
- Aye.
- Do you have people staying here?
- Aye.
- You get a few this time of year?
- Aye.
- Did you have anyone in tonight?
- Aye.
They weren't by any chance
a young couple?
James, do not finish!
What kind of a silly creature
am I married to?
Do you want to get us all jailed?
- How much did you take for these?
- Half a crown.
Out, the pair of you!
Do not let on to anybody that
you got a drink here after hours.
Ohh!
You old fool.
Would you give away a young couple?
Good morning.
What's the idea?
How did we get out of these?
You didn't. I slipped out of mine
last night and camped out here.
- Why didn't you run away?
- I did, but just as I was going...
I discovered that you've
been speaking the truth.
I decided to stay.
May I ask what earthquake
caused your brain to work at last?
Those two men were in here last night.
I overheard them telephoning.
- What did they say?
- A lot of stuff about the 39 Steps.
- You... Go on.
- What?
Someone's going to warn them.
How can you warn steps?
- Never mind. Go on.
- Yes, and there was another thing.
Someone got scared
and is clearing out and...
Yes, I know. And is picking up someone
at the London Palladium.
London Palladium?
What the devil?
Is that the professor with half
of the little finger missing?
What does he want
to go there for?
I feel such a fool,
not having believed you.
That's all right.
We ought to get a move on.
- What room are those two men in?
- No room.
They went as soon
as they telephoned.
- They what?
- Didn't I tell you?
You let them go
after hearing what they said?
- You button-headed little idiot.
- Don't talk to me like that!
Four or five precious hours wasted!
Why didn't you wake me up at once?
Even you might have realized
what they said was important.
Why not leave well enough alone?
Let well alone?
Good girl, I'm accused of murder!
Can't you realize the only way I can
clear myself is to expose these spies?
You still can. The man's going
to the London Palladium.
Really? First or second house?
I'll get there five hours late!
- Fine! The show will suit you.
- What's that?
Crazy Month!
You're quite right, madame.
The Air Ministry has got a new thing
a lot of people are interested in.
But they are positive that no papers
are missing about it...
that would be of any use
to a spy.
I'm certain about it. A man is leaving
the country tonight with something.
Since you phoned us from Scotland
this morning...
we've made the minutest inquiries.
It's obvious
I'm wasting my time here.
Just a moment, miss, please.
There's one thing
you haven't told us.
Where's Richard Hannay?
I haven't the faintest idea.
Look here, miss, you can't...
- You're in the telephone book?
- Yes.
If anything crops up,
we'll give you a ring.
That will be all now.
Thank you.
Tell Archer and Seagrave to get another
taxi and follow that girl.
She'll lead us to Hannay.
Love is a flower that blooms
Cover every exit, and on no account
let anyone leave the building.
You two men go
in the orchestra pit.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we shall now sing.
Come on. Move along there,
please. Come on, sir.
- No one's allowed to leave the theater.
- Can't a mate go out and have a drink?
- Ticket, please.
- I'm just looking for someone.
- Can I go through, please?
- Very good.
She's seen him.
She's on her way down to the stalls.
May I borrow your opera glasses,
please?
Excuse me.
May I take your place, please?
What are you doing here?
I found him. He's up in that box.
You can't do anything about it.
I've been to Scotland Yard.
Nothing has been stolen from the
Air Ministry. They're certain about it.
You heard those men say
he got in there. There he is.
Shall we take him now
or wait till the interval?
What you going to do? There's nothing
missing. There's an end to it.
Hear that tune? That's that damn thing
I couldn't get out of my head.
Now I know where I heard it before.
Of course, that music hall.
Annabella's...
Ladies and gentlemen...
with your kind attention
and permission...
I have now the honor
to present to you...
one of the most remarkable men
in the world.
- That's the same man.
- Every day he commits to memory...
and remembers every one of them.
Facts from history,
from geography...
from newspapers,
from scientific textbooks...
millions and millions of them
down to the smallest detail.
Test him, ladies and gentlemen.
Ask him any question.
I've got it!
Of course there are no papers missing.
All the information's
inside Memory's head.
Mr. Memory.
- I still don't understand.
- Don't you see?
The details of that Air Ministry secret
were borrowed, memorized by this man...
and then replaced
before anyone could find out.
That's why he's here: to take Memory
out of the country after the show.
- Surely...
- Some gentlemen want to speak to you.
Question, please.
- Where's the boat race?
- When did Florence Nightingale die?
- How tall is the Empire State Building?
- Are you Richard Hannay?
- There's something you should know.
- Come along quietly.
- That man on the stage...
- Don't cause any trouble...
- and spoil people's entertainment.
- What date did General Gordon die?
What are the 39 Steps?
Come on, answer up!
What are the 39 Steps?
The 39 Steps is an organization
of spies...
collecting information on behalf
of the foreign office of...
Keep your seats, please!
There is no need for alarm,
no cause for alarm.
- I'm all right.
- Sure you are.
I don't want a chair.
Let me rest here.
- I'm all right.
- Take it easy now.
- Take it easy.
- I'm all right.
Get the girls on straightaway!
The girls' introduction right away.
Mr. Memory,
what was the secret formula...
you were taking out of the country?
Would it be all right,
me telling you, sir?
It was a big job to learn it...
the biggest job I ever tackled...
- and I don't want to throw it all away.
- It'll be quite all right.
The first feature
of the new engine is...
its greatly increased ratio
of compression...
represented by R minus 1 over R
to the power of gamma...
where R represents the ratio
of compression and gamma...
Seen in end elevation, the axis
of the two lines of cylinders...
Angle of 65 degrees.
Dimensions of cylinders
as follows...
This device renders the engine
completely silent.
Am I right, sir?
Quite right, old chap.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you.
I'm glad it's off my mind,
at last.
Ladies and gentlemen...
with your kind attention
and permission...
I have the honor
of presenting to you...
one of the most remarkable men
in the world.
- How remarkable?
- He's sweating.
Can you be surprised
at that, gentlemen?
Every day he commits to memory
and remembers every one of them.
Facts from history, from geography,
from newspapers...
from scientific books,
millions and millions of them.
Think of the strain involved
by his prodigious feat.
His feet ain't half as big
as yours, cully.
I'm referring
to his feats of memory.
Test him, please.
Ladies and gentlemen,
ask him your questions...
and he will answer you,
fully and freely.
Mr. Memory.
I also add, ladies and gentlemen,
before retiring...
that Mr. Memory has left his brain
to the British Museum.
Hurray!
A question, please.
Ladies first.
Where's my old man been
since last Saturday?
- On the booze!
- In quod!
Out with his bit!
A serious question, please.
What won the Derby in 1921?
Mr. Jack Jool's Humorist
with Steve Donoghue up.
Won by a length
at odds 6 to 1.
Second and third:
Craig-an-Eran and Lemonora.
- Am I right, sir?
- Right.
What won in 1936?
Come back in 1937,
and I'll tell you.
How far is Winnipeg from Montreal?
What won the Cup in 1926?
- Cup? Waterloo, football or tea.
- Football, silly.
- When did Chelsea win it?
- 63 B.C. in the presence of Nero.
- What causes pip in poultry?
- Don't make yourself so common.
Our fowls have it,
haven't they?
How many races
did Mick the Miller win?
How old is Mae West?
When was Crippen hanged?
Who was the last British
heavyweight champion of the world?
- Henry Vlll!
- My old woman!
Bob Fitzsimmons.
He defeated Jim Corbett...
heavyweight champion of America
at Carson City, Nevada...
in October, 1897.
He was 34 years of age.
Am I right, sir?
How old is Mae West?
I know, sir,
but I never tell a lady's age.
Next, please.
What causes pip in poultry?
- How far is Winnipeg from Montreal?
- Miss Winnie Who, sir?
How far is Winnipeg from Montreal?
A gentleman from Canada.
You're welcome, sir.
Winnipeg, the third city of Canada
and the capital of Manitoba.
Distance from Montreal:
- Am I right?
- Quite right.
How old's Mae West?
How old's Mae West?
Hey, you!
How old's Mae West?
Gentlemen!
Please, you're not at home!
Hey, you!
What causes pip in...
causes pip in po... po...
Hey, come on!
For God's sake,
play something!
Stop them from running!
Here we are.
May I come home with you?
What's the idea?
I'd like to.
It's your funeral.
Come on, there's a bus.
- You don't stay here always?
- No, I've taken a furnished flat.
I'm only here from Canada
for a few months.
By the way, am I allowed
to know your name?
- Smith.
- All right.
Do you want to know more about me?
What do you think I do for a living?
- Actress?
- Not in the way you mean.
- Chorus?
- No.
- I'm sorry.
- I'm a freelance.
- Out for adventure, eh?
- That's right.
This way.
My sitting room is all upset.
I haven't decorated.
I'll find the switch.
Not yet.
Now.
Mr. Hannay, would you be kind
and turn that mirror to the wall?
You'd be happier if there were
curtains over those windows.
- Yes.
- I'm sorry.
There's the telephone.
Just a minute.
- Don't answer the telephone.
- Why not?
Because I think it's for me.
Please don't answer.
Just as you say.
- Won't you sit down?
- Would you kick that footstool to me?
You needed that.
I did. Thank you.
- I owe you an explanation.
- Don't bother about me.
- I'm nobody.
- We cannot talk here.
All right.
Just a minute.
- Okay?
- Mm-hmm.
- Cigarette?
- No, thank you.
- There's our friend again.
- Take no notice.
Would you think me very troublesome
if I asked for something to eat?
- I've had nothing all day.
- Sure.
- You like haddock?
- Yes, please.
I suppose your name
isn't really Smith.
It depends on where I am.
- You may call me Annabella.
- Annabella Smith.
A clergyman's daughter,
I presume.
Hello. Nervy?
Upset by those shots tonight?
I fired those shots.
- You what?
- Yes, to create a diversion.
I had to get away
from that theater quickly.
There were two men there
who wanted to kill me.
You should be more careful
in choosing your gentlemen friends.
- You don't understand.
- You don't make it easy for me.
Beautiful, mysterious woman
pursued by gunmen.
Sounds like a spy story.
That's exactly what it is.
- Only I prefer the word agent better.
- "Agent"?
- For what country?
- Any country that pays me.
- What is your country?
- I have no country.
Born in a balloon?
We'll let that go.
I suppose you've come here...
to dig up
some great big state secret.
I am here to save a secret
from being divulged.
A very important secret
for this country.
Not because I love England,
but because it will pay me better.
- Thank you.
- The very brilliant agent...
of a certain foreign power...
is on the point of obtaining
a secret vital to your air defense.
I tracked two of his men
to that music hall.
Unfortunately,
they recognized me.
- That's why they're after me now.
- That was too bad.
You ever heard of a thing
called "persecution mania"?
- You don't believe me?
- Frankly, I don't.
Go and look down
into the street then.
You win.
- Are they there?
- Yes.
I'd hoped I'd shaken them off.
I'm going to tell you something
which is not very healthy to know.
But now that they have
followed me here...
you are in it
as much as I am.
How do you mean?
- Have you ever heard of the 39 Steps?
- No. What's that, a pub?
Never mind.
But what you were laughing at is true.
These men will stop at nothing.
I'm the only person
who can stop them.
If they are not stopped, it's only
a matter of days, perhaps hours...
- before the secret is out.
- Why don't you phone the police?
Because they wouldn't believe me
any more than you did.
If they did, how long do you think
it would take to get them going?
These men act quickly.
You don't know
how clever their chief is.
- Clever and ruthless.
- Who is he? What's his name?
He has a dozen names,
and he can look like a hundred people.
But one thing he cannot disguise:
this.
Part of his little finger is missing.
If ever you should meet a man
with no top joint there...
- be very careful, my friend.
- Thanks. I'll make a note of it.
Meanwhile, what are you going to do?
First, I'll eat my haddock...
then, if you are not going to
turn me out onto the street...
- have a good night's rest.
- You're welcome to my bed.
I'll get a shakedown
on the couch.
Anything else I can get you?
- A map of Scotland.
- Why Scotland?
There's a man in Scotland whom I must
visit next if anything is to be done.
Are the 39 Steps in Scotland,
by any chance?
Perhaps I'll tell you tomorrow.
Clear out, Hannay.
They'll get you next.
What you were laughing at
just now is true.
These men will stop at nothing.
There's a man in Scotland...
whom I must visit next
if anything is to be done.
It is only a matter of days,
perhaps hours...
before the secret
is out of the country.
The police will not believe me
any more than you did.
I tell you,
these men act quickly.
Quickly. Quickly.
Good morning, sir.
You're up bright and early this morning.
Could you use a pound note,
brother?
- What's the catch?
- I want to borrow your cap and coat.
- What's all this? What's the big idea?
- I want to make a getaway.
- To a bunk?
- Yes.
- What have you been up to?
- I'll have to trust you.
There's been a murder
up on the first floor.
- By you?
- No, by those two men out there.
I see. I suppose they're waiting there
for a copper to come and arrest them.
It's quite true.
They're spies, foreigners.
They've murdered a woman in my flat,
and now they're waiting for me.
Come off it.
Funny jokes at 5:00 in the morning.
All right.
I'll tell you the truth.
- Are you married?
- Yes, but don't rub it in.
- What's the idea now?
- I'm not. I'm a bachelor.
A married woman
lives on the first floor.
- Does she?
- Yes. I've just been paying her a call.
- Now I want to go home.
- What's preventing you?
One of those men is her brother,
the other's her husband. Now do you see?
Why didn't you tell me before?
I only wanted to be told.
Trying to keep me with tales
about murders and foreigners.
Here, put this on.
Put on my hat. There you are.
- Take the pound.
- No, sir, you're welcome to it.
You'd do the same for me one day.
Lead the pony around the corner.
- So long, old sport.
- Good-bye. Thank you.
Oy! The empties!
Papers, magazines,
chocolates, cigarettes.
There he is.
For one thing, they're much prettier
than they were 20 years ago.
- More free. Free and easy.
- You're right there.
I could never understand how people used
to put up with the old-fashioned sort.
All bones and no bend.
- The old-fashioned did last longer.
- I don't know.
Mine last about a year.
Here, I'll show you.
Big demand for these now.
- The old-fashioned sort.
- Brrr! My wife.
Now look at these.
- Our new Streamline Model Number 1.
- Anything go with it?
I should say so. This.
Put a pretty girl inside those,
and she needn't be ashamed of herself.
- Bring it back to me when it's filled.
- I will.
What's this? Edinburgh, Waverley.
We're getting on.
- Pardon us for talking business, sir.
- Certainly.
- Good day.
- Good day, sir.
Good day.
- Good day.
- Broad-minded old geezer.
Bet he's very good at charades.
- I wonder what won the 2:00 at Windsor.
- I don't know. Let's get a paper.
- Paper.
- Say, son, speak the English?
Dispatch.
- Hello.
- What won it?
There's been another woman murdered
in a West End flat.
- What?
- "Woman murdered in West End flat. "
These sex dramas don't appeal to me.
What won?
- Bachelor Bud. Seven to four odds.
- Good. Not so good.
Portland Mansions, Portland Place.
By the BBC. That's a nice, quiet place
to put someone to sleep.
- "Good night, everybody. "
- That's a good one.
What was she like?
One of the usual?
"A well-dressed woman of about 35
with a knife in her back.
The tenant, Richard Hannay,
is missing. "
You surprise me.
"At 7:00 this morning, the
charwoman, Elizabeth Briggs... "
If that isn't the blasted limit.
- What's the matter now?
- Is there no honesty in this world?
I ask you. "The new Bodyline
rubber panty corset.
On sale today.
McCutcheon Brothers, Princess Street.
Price: 17 and 9. Brassiere to match:
The Bodyline. One and three
cheaper than our Streamline.
No use going to Aberdeen now.
- Might I have a look at your paper?
- Certainly.
- Thank you.
- Quite all right.
There's enough evidence there
to hang any man.
What can I do for you, sir?
Can you tell me what station
the train stops at next?
Do you think I'm a railway porter?
Go find out for yourself.
- I can tell a better one than that.
- You couldn't. That was very funny.
You liked it? Have you heard the one
about the young lady of Bulgar?
- I can't remember them all.
- You must hear that.
- There was a young lady of Bulgar.
- Yes, we...
- Taking tea, sir?
- Yes. Thank you.
Darling, how lovely to see you!
Young man having a free meal
in there.
I was desperate.
I'm terribly sorry. I had to do it.
My name's Hannay. They're after me.
I swear I'm innocent.
You've got to help me. I've got
to keep free for the next few days.
Have you seen a man pass
in the last few minutes?
This is the man you want, I think.
- But when we passed just now...
- He told me his name was Hannay.
- Is your name Hannay?
- Are you coming into tea, sir?
I'll be right along.
Pull that cord!
Stay away.
Go on, men. Go down there.
Get on with it.
Heel! Why did you pull
the communication cord?
- To stop the train, you old fool.
- It's against all the regulations...
- to stop the train on the bridge.
- A man jumped out.
He's a murderer.
We've got to take him.
- Which way did he go?
- He must have jumped off here.
- I can't see him.
- Are you sure he jumped?
- I cannot wait here any longer!
- There he is, getting on the train.
- No, that's a passenger.
- It's him, I tell you!
Come on, then.
- Hannay escapes! Paper!
- Hannay escapes! Paper!
Extra special!
Hannay escapes from police!
Paper!
Extra, extra! Paper!
Correct.
Height: about five foot ten.
Small moustache.
Last seen wearing a dark suit...
but he may have obtained
a change of clothing.
- Good day.
- And to you.
- What'll your business be?
- I'm a motor mechanic looking for a job.
- You'll find no work here.
- Are there no big houses around here?
Only Sir Andrews.
He won't be wanting you.
He's had the same chauffeur
for 40 years.
I didn't know
there had been cars that long.
He was coachman besides
when he was a boy.
I see.
What's that?
That's the manse.
But the minister has no motorcar.
Are there no newcomers?
Aye.
There's an Englishman, a professor.
- A professor?
- He lives in Alt-na-Shellach.
- Where?
- On the other side of the loch.
- Would that be near that village?
- It would.
Thanks. I'll try there.
- You won't try tonight. It's 14 miles.
- Could I get a lift in that van?
No, it's going the other way.
I guess you're right.
Could you put me up for the night?
- Free?
- No, I'll pay.
- All right. Can you eat herring?
- I could eat a half dozen right now.
- Can you sleep in a box bed?
- I can try.
- Two and six.
- Take it now. Thank you.
Go in with the gentleman. He'll stay
with us till tomorrow morning.
- Your daughter?
- My wife.
- Will you now come in?
- Thank you.
Here's your bed.
I'll lift these things.
- Could you sleep there?
- You try and stop me.
You'll be tired.
I'll say I am.
I'm on the tramp,
looking for a job.
Won't you sit down
while I go on with our supper?
Thank you.
- Have you been in these parts long?
- No, I'm from Glasgow.
- Did you ever see it?
- No.
You should see Sauchiohall Street
with all its fine shops...
and Argyll Street
on a Saturday night...
with the trams
and the lights...
and the cinema palaces
and their crowds.
And it's Saturday night tonight.
You certainly don't get
those things out here.
No.
You miss them?
Sometimes.
I've never been to Glasgow,
but I've been to Edinburgh...
and Montreal and London.
I'll tell you all about London
at supper.
- John wouldn't approve of that.
- Why not?
He says it's best not to think
of such places and the wickedness there.
Why not listen now
before he comes back?
What do you want to know?
Is it true that all the ladies
paint their toenails?
Some of them.
- Do London ladies look beautiful?
- They do.
But they wouldn't
if you were beside them.
- You ought not say that.
- What ought he not to say?
I was saying I prefer living in town
than the country.
God made the country.
- Is the supper ready, woman?
- Aye.
- Do you mind if I look at your paper?
- I don't mind.
Thank you.
- You did not tell me your name.
- Hammond.
Well, Mr. Hammond, if you'll put down
that paper, I'll say a blessing.
Of course.
Sanctify these bounteous masses
to us miserable sinners.
O Lord,
make us truly thankful...
for them and for all
Thy manifold blessings.
Continually turn our hearts...
from wickedness...
and from worldly things...
unto Thee.
Amen.
I forgot to lock the barn.
There are cars coming.
It'll be the police. You best be going.
- Thank you. I was having a grand sleep.
- Don't let them catch you.
All right. I'll never forget you
for doing this for me.
- Which way do I go?
- I'll show you.
Aye. I might have known.
Making love behind my back.
- Get out. You too.
- Just a minute...
- Get out of my house before I...
- Aye. Go.
- And leave you like this?
- It's your chance at liberty.
You don't understand.
You're all wrong about this.
She was only trying to help me.
Aye, to bring shame and disgrace
upon my house.
She was helping me to escape
from the police.
- The police?
- Yes, they're after me for murder.
- What?
- They're here.
She was only warning me.
I had to tell her last night.
Don't let them in. Say I'm not here.
I'll make it worth your while.
- How much?
- Five pounds.
Have you got that much?
Give it to me.
After they've gone.
Get back into bed.
Shut him in. Hide him.
- Not there. I do not trust him.
- But he took the money.
He could not resist it.
Here.
Have you seen a stranger
about here?
What kind of a stranger?
I was right.
He's asking if there's a reward
if you get catched.
He'll argue about it for a moment longer
before he lets them in.
Now's your time.
Your jacket's terrible light-colored.
I'm a-feared they'll see you.
- You best take this one.
- Is this your husband's coat?
His son's, but never mind.
They must not see you.
- What will happen to you?
- I'll say I couldn't stop you.
- He'll not ill treat you?
- He'll pray at me, but no more.
- What's your name?
- Margaret.
Good-bye, Margaret.
I'll never forget you for this.
There he goes!
Spread out in a line.
- Is the master in?
- What name should I say, sir?
He wouldn't know my name.
Ask if he knows Miss Annabella Smith.
- Would you wait here while I inquire?
- Yes. Go on.
We'd better make inquiries here.
Somebody may have seen him
through the windows.
- There's been a couple motorcars here.
- Aye.
Murderers do not make calls
in motorcars.
- Good day, dear.
- The same to you.
Have you seen any strangers
this morning?
There's a few callers upstairs now,
but they're not strangers.
You haven't seen any suspicious-looking
bodies outside the windows...
- or calling at the house?
- No, sir.
There hasn't been anybody near here
for the last half hour.
- You're from Annabella Smith?
- Yes.
We're just having a few drinks
to celebrate my daughter's birthday.
Give me five minutes,
then we can talk.
- Of course.
- Come meet my wife. Louisa, my dear.
I've another guest for you.
This is Mr...
- I forgot to ask your name.
- Hammond.
He's come to see me on business,
all the way from London.
There's a police inspector at the door.
He wants to speak to you.
At the door?
All right.
I'll deal with it.
- Take him in, my dear.
- Come and meet my daughters.
- This is Patricia.
- How do you do?
Mrs. Bailey. Mrs. Hutchins.
Hilary, my dear,
this is Mr. Hammond.
- He just arrived from London.
- How do you do?
Forgive the orgy. We've been to church
and the sermon lasted 45 minutes.
- This is Captain and Mrs. Ogilvey.
- How do you do?
- Have a drink?
- Thank you.
This is Derek Stewart.
And this is Sheriff Watson.
You've got to be polite to him.
He's our Sheriff Substitute.
Scotch for a local beak.
He'll give you six months hard
as soon as look at you.
It's all right. Don't worry.
I've sent them away.
Come and look at the view
from this window.
We're rather proud of it.
- When will you catch that murderer?
- What murderer?
The man that stuck a carving knife
into that woman last week.
- He's here in the district.
- How exciting. Where?
Somewhere about.
He's been on the moors.
Sheriff Ames, why don't you catch him?
You wouldn't like me to be stuck
in the back with a carving knife.
It's no business of mine to catch him.
You catch him, and I'll convict him.
- Is there a reward?
- It's nearly 1:00. We must leave.
- The professor wants his lunch.
- There's no hurry, my dear.
Still, if you must go...
Pat, ring for Captain Ogilvey's car.
Yes, sir.
Are you coming out?
Come show us your new car.
- Come again another time.
- Good-bye. We'd love to.
Whenever you catch him, you'll find me
at the Sherif Court every morning.
- Bring him along.
- Good-bye.
Louisa, if you'll excuse us...
Mr. Hammond and I want
to have a chat before lunch.
Now, Mr. Hannay... I suppose it's safe
to call you by your real name now.
What about our mutual friend,
Annabella?
- She's been murdered.
- "Murdered"?
The Portland Mansions affair.
Why our friends outside
are looking for you.
- I didn't do it.
- Of course you didn't.
But why come all this way
to Scotland to tell me?
I believe she was coming to see you
about some Air Ministry secret.
She was killed by a foreign agent
who was interested too.
- Did she tell you what he looked like?
- There wasn't time.
One thing:
Part of his little finger was missing.
- Which one?
- This one, I think.
Sure it wasn't this one?
- Lunch is ready, dear.
- I'm coming right away.
I've been guilty of leading you
down the garden path.
Or should it be up?
I never can remember.
It seems to be the wrong garden,
all right.
Well.
- What are we going to do?
- That's just the point.
What are we going
to do about it?
I live here
as a respectable citizen.
You must realize that my whole existence
would be jeopardized...
if it became known
that I'm not what I seem.
Mr. Hannay,
why have you come here?
Why have you forced me
into this difficult position?
I can't lock you up in a room
or anything like that.
There's my wife and daughters
to think of.
I don't know what to think.
Really, I don't.
Making it doubly important
that I shouldn't let you go is...
I'm about to convey some very vital
information out of the country.
Yes, I've got it.
Poor Annabella
would have been too late.
- That's fair.
- Yes. What about it?
- What about what?
- Yourself.
- It seems there's only one way out.
- What's that?
Supposing I left you alone
with this revolver?
Tomorrow's newspapers would announce
that the Portland Place murderer...
- had taken his own life.
- I thought you were coming directly.
We've all been waiting.
- Will Mr. Hammond be staying?
- I don't think so, dear.
Well, what do you think,
Mr. Hannay?
I'm afraid
you leave me no alternative.
I cannot find my hymn book.
- Where did you leave it?
- In the breast pocket of my overcoat.
It was hanging here.
I'm afraid I gave it to that gentleman
who was staying here that night.
Cigarette cases, yes, but I've never
seen it happen to a hymn book before.
And this bullet stuck
among the hymns, eh?
I'm not surprised. Some of those hymns
are terrible hard to get through.
I've stuck in them myself
before now.
I'm not complaining, Sheriff.
"Hymns that have helped me. "
That's a good one!
That's fine.
And to think I was drinking
his champagne only half an hour before.
It's a lesson to us all: not to mix
with doubtful company on the Sabbath.
And how did you escape?
If you look through the window,
you'll see.
They put the body
in the dressing room.
When I came to, I borrowed this suit
and pinched his car.
I don't want to hurry you,
but shouldn't we take steps?
This is serious. Otherwise, I wouldn't
put myself in your hands...
- with a murder charge hanging over me.
- Never heed the murder.
You'll be able to convince
Scotland Yard of your innocence...
as easily
as you've convinced me.
I'll need a short statement
I can forward to the proper authority.
I have someone coming
from the police station to take it down.
Thank you.
- Are you wishing to see me?
- Indeed, I am.
Do you think I enjoy playing for time
with a murderer?
- "Murderer"?
- Certainly.
You're under arrest on the charge
of willful murder...
of a woman unknown in Portland
Mansions, London on Tuesday last.
- Take him over to the county jail.
- Every word of my story is true.
We are not so daft in Scotland
as some smart Londoners may think.
Do you think I believed your
cock-and-bull story about the professor?
He's my best friend in the district.
Get me Professor Jordan.
If the professor didn't shoot me,
where did that bullet come from?
That's easy.
From one of your pursuers on the moor.
- Isn't that so, Inspector?
- I had a shot at him myself.
I demand you allow me to telephone the
High Commissioner for Canada in London.
You better do that from London.
You'll be there soon enough.
It'll save you the cost
of a trunk call.
That's the professor's car.
Hannay must be inside
spilling the beans.
- Stop him!
- My God!
How do you do?
We're all waiting for you.
Pamela's gone to meet you
at the station. This way.
Leader and standard-bearer himself.
I welcome this opportunity
of discussing with you...
another question vital
to the import of our country...
at this critical
and momentous hour.
But first of all,
as a preliminary to this...
- I shall occupy your time...
- You've occupied too much time already!
We've had enough of you!
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm now going
to call upon the speaker of the evening.
- Speak up!
- There's no need to say who he is...
or to speak of his brilliant record
as a soldier and a statesman.
He's a son of Scotland who has crossed
the border and conquered England.
He is now one
of the foremost figures...
in the diplomatic political world
in the great city of London.
I'm, therefore, going to ask him
to tell you something...
- It's about time too.
- How important it is...
to this constituency
that at this crucial by-election...
our candidate should be returned
by an adequate majority.
I now ask for Captain Fraser.
Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize
for my hesitation in rising just now...
but I'd entirely failed
while listening...
to the chairman's flattering description
of the next speaker...
to realize
he was talking about me.
As for you, may I say
from the bottom of my heart...
and with the utmost sincerity...
how delighted and relieved I am
to find myself...
in your presence at this moment.
Delighted because
of your friendly reception...
relieved because so long
as I stand on this platform...
I am delivered from the cares
and anxieties...
which must always be the lot
of a man in my position.
When I journeyed up to Scotland
a few days ago...
traveling on the Highland Express
over that magnificent Forth Bridge...
that monument to Scottish engineering
and Scottish muscle...
That is to say, on that journey
I had no idea that in a few days time...
I should find myself addressing
an important political meeting.
I had planned a very different program
for myself.
A very different program.
You'd be for the moors
to shoot something.
Or somebody.
I'm a rotten shot.
Anyhow, I little thought
I should be speaking tonight...
in support of that brilliant,
young statesman.
That rising...
The gentleman on my right...
already known among you
as one destined to make...
no uncertain mark in politics.
In other words,
your future member of Parliament...
your candidate, Mr...
McCrocodile.
He doesn't know the candidate's name.
I know your candidate will forgive
my referring to him...
by the friendly nickname
by which he's already known...
in anticipation, mark you...
at Westminster.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, we'll
discuss some topic. What shall it be?
- The herring fisheries!
- Unemployment!
- What about the idle rich?
- That's an old-fashioned topic...
especially for me because I'm not rich
and I've never been idle.
I've been pretty busy all my life,
and I expect to be much busier soon.
Have you ever worked
with your hands?
Indeed I have. I've known what it is
to feel lonely and helpless...
and have the whole world
against me.
Those are things that no man
or woman ought to feel.
I ask your candidate...
and all those who love
their fellowmen...
to set themselves resolutely to make
this world a happier place to live in.
A world where no nation
plots against nation...
where no neighbor
plots against neighbor...
where there is no persecution
or hunting down...
where everybody gets a square deal
and a sporting chance...
and where people try to help
and not to hinder.
A world from which suspicion
and cruelty...
and fear have been
forever banished.
That is the sort of world I want!
Is that the sort of world you want?
Fine!
That's all I have to say.
Good night!
- I kept them going as long as I could.
- You're a difficult man to follow.
I suppose you think
you've been damn clever.
- Tell your prisoner not to insult me.
- Try and stop me.
- Come along with me.
- I was speaking the truth.
You must have seen
I was genuine.
Whether you believe me or not,
will you put a telephone call through...
to High Commissioner
for Canada in London?
- Tell him an important secret...
- That will do now.
An important secret is being taken out
of this country by a foreign agent.
I can't do anything myself
because of this fool of a detective.
- Has that penetrated?
- Right to the funny bone.
- Now tell me another one.
- Haven't you any sense at all?
Put that call through!
I beg of you! Refer them to me.
- Will you do this?
- No. Good night.
I beg pardon, miss,
but we should like you to come too.
- Whatever for?
- To identify the prisoner formally.
- Will you come to the police station?
- What?
- It's only for a few minutes.
- If it's necessary, let's get it over.
Now you.
- Must I sit next to this man?
- It's only for a short time.
Be as quick as you can.
All right.
Isn't that the police station?
We're running past it.
- Tell the man.
- You must have misunderstood me.
We're not exactly going
to this police station.
- Where are we going?
- To Inverary.
- Inverary?
- Yes, miss.
This man is to be questioned
by the Sheriff Principal.
- We have orders to take him there.
- You have no orders to take me.
No, miss,
but I'm afraid you must go.
I'll see you're sent back
as early as possible.
- How far is it to Inverary?
- Forty miles.
- Keep quiet.
- Sorry.
- We'll be there in less than two hours.
- I'm spending half the night with you?
It looks like it.
Isn't the man going the wrong way?
Surely that's the way to Inverary.
There's a bridge fallen down
on that road.
We shall have to go around.
The man knows the way.
- Might I see your warrant?
- Shut your mouth. You'll see it soon.
Would you like to have
a small bet with me, Pamela?
All right, I'll have it
with you, Sherlock.
I'll lay you 100 to 1
that your Sheriff Principal...
has the top joint
of his little finger missing.
What about it?
I win.
What are we stopping for?
It's a whole flock of detectives.
They're all over the road.
Get out and clear them away.
- What about him?
- I'll soon fix that.
There, miss.
Now you're a Special Constable.
- What's the idea?
- As long as you stay, he stays.
Yes, and as long as I go, you go.
Come on.
Stop them! They got away!
- Come on.
- I won't!
Won't you?
- You're hurting me.
- Shut up.
See if they've gone down that way.
Where could they have gone?
Help!
Let me go!
One yip out of you, and I'll
shoot you first and myself after.
There's nobody down here,
I tell you.
Come up here, blast you,
and don't waste any more time.
Spread out and find them.
They must be a mile away by now.
Don't do that.
Do stop whistling.
You can't possibly escape.
What chance have you got tied to me?
That question's for your husband. I'll
admit you're the white man's burden.
I know, and I can't tell you
what comfort that thought gives me.
What's the use of this? Those policemen
will get you as soon as it's daylight.
They may get me,
but they're not policemen.
- When did you find that out?
- You found that out yourself.
I should never have known
that was the wrong road to Inverary.
They were taking us to their boss, and
God help us if they ever catch us again.
I see. You're still sticking
to your penny novelette spy story.
Oh!
There are 20 million women
in this island, and I'm chained to you.
Listen, once more.
I'm telling you the truth.
I told you once in the train. I tried
to tell you after the election meeting.
I'm telling you now
for the third time.
There's a conspiracy against this island
and we're the only ones who can stop it.
Think what you've seen happen
right under your very nose.
The gallant knight to the rescue.
All right, then I'm just a plain,
common murderer...
who stabbed an innocent, defenseless
woman in the back not four days ago.
How do you come out over that?
I don't know how innocent you may be...
but you're a woman, you're defenseless,
and you're alone...
on a desolate moor in the dark,
manacled to a murderer...
who'd stop at nothing
to get you off his hands.
If that's the situation you prefer,
have it, my lovely, and welcome.
I'm not afraid of...
For all you know,
I may murder a woman a week.
So listen to a bit of advice.
Do every single thing I tell you to do,
and do it quick.
You big bully.
I like your pluck.
Come on.
- We're going in there.
- What for?
That's my business. Remember what
I said: the civil tongue or else.
We're going in there, and you'll
back me up on everything I say or do.
- Has that penetrated the ivory dome?
- Only just.
Pull yourself together. Put your hand
in my pocket and look in a hurry.
Come along.
Come in.
The young lady's terrible wet.
We had an accident with our car
a few miles back.
- You'll be staying the night?
- Yes.
We've just the one room left
with the one bed in it.
- But you'll not be minding that.
- No, quite the reverse.
- You're man and wife, I suppose?
- Yes.
Uh, yes.
- Have you any luggage?
- We left that behind in the car.
Maybe I could lend the young lady
a nightgown.
Will you please to register?
James, the book.
- Aye.
- I'll light the fire for you.
- Will you be needing supper?
- No, thank you.
Just a whiskey and soda
and a few sandwiches.
- And a glass of milk.
- Very well, sir.
Can't write with my left hand,
but I can shoot with it.
You can guess what's
in this pocket.
You sign, darling. The sooner you get
used to your new name, the better.
Off we go. "Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Hopkinson, The Hollyhocks, Hammersmith. "
I'll be back in a minute, chaps.
Off with that wet skirt,
and I'll have it dried in the kitchen.
Don't bother. It'll dry
in front of the fire just as well.
Thanks all the same.
No doubt the gentleman
will take care of you.
Good night, sir.
Good night, ma'am.
Good night.
Good night.
- Is he married to her, do you think?
- I do not care.
They are so terrible in love
with each other.
I'm going to tell them
the whole story.
You want to hang me
for a murder I never committed?
As long as they hang you, I don't care
whether you committed it or not.
Let me go! Do you think I'm going
to spend the night with you?
- Of course. What else can you do?
- Can I come in?
Come here.
Come in.
We were just getting warm
before the fire.
I can see that. I thought
you'd like this in your bed.
Thank you very much. You'd like
a hot water bottle, wouldn't you?
Say yes, darling.
- Yes, darling.
- Very well.
- Please don't go.
- Why not?
Is anything wrong?
Of course there's nothing wrong.
She just wants to tell you something.
- We're a runaway couple.
- I knew it. They're after you?
You won't give us away,
will you? Please.
Of course we will not give you up.
A good night to you both.
- You'll not be disturbed.
- But...
Thank God for a bite to eat.
Come along.
There you are.
What's the next item
on the program?
- Get these things off.
- Right. How will we set about it?
Anything in that bag of yours
that will help?
- A pair of scissors or a hairpin?
- Do you think a nail file would help?
Easily. It'll take about ten years,
but we can try it.
Let's make ourselves comfortable.
What about that skirt of yours?
It's still pretty damp.
I don't want to be tied to a pneumonia
case on top of everything else.
- Take it off. I don't mind.
- I'll keep it on, thank you.
And that is that.
My shoes and stockings are soaked.
I think I'll take them off.
That's the first sensible thing
I've heard you say.
- Can I be of any assistance?
- No, thank you.
Sorry.
- Hold this.
- Yeah.
Half a minute.
- Thank you.
- Don't mention it.
- Do you like your milk now?
- No, thank you. I'll wait a little.
All right.
Cheerio.
That's better.
- Are your feet quite warm again?
- Yes, thanks.
Come on.
Will you kindly place yourself
on the operating table?
Nobody's gonna hurt you.
This is Armistice Day.
- Let's get some rest while we can.
- I'm not going to lie on this bed.
So long as you're chained to me,
you'll lie wherever I lie.
- We're the Siamese twins.
- Don't gloat.
Do you think I'm looking forward
to waking up in the morning...
and seeing your face beside me,
unwashed and shiny?
What a sight you'll be. Give me
that nail file. Let's have a go at this.
Thank you.
There I go again.
I wish I could get
that damn tune out of my head.
I wonder where I heard it.
- You sound very sleepy.
- Sleepy? I'll say so.
Do you know when I last slept
in a bed?
Saturday night, whenever that was.
Then I only got a couple of hours.
- What made you wake so soon? Dreams?
- What do you mean "dreams"?
I've always been told
murderers have terrible dreams.
But only at the first.
Got over that a long time ago.
When I first took to crime,
I was quite squeamish about it.
- I was a most sensitive child.
- You surprise me.
Used to wake screaming,
thinking the police were after me.
But one gets hardened.
- How did you start?
- Quite a small way, like most of us.
Pilfering pennies from other
children's lockers at school...
then a little pocket picking,
then a spot of car pinching...
then smash and grab and so on
to plain burglary.
Killed my first man
when I was 19.
In years to come, you'll be able
to take your grandchildren...
to Madame Tussaud's
and point me out.
- Which section?
- It's early to say. I'm still young.
But I'll be there, all right,
in one department or another.
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... "
- What's the matter?
- This handcuff is pinching my wrist.
Sorry.
Talking of Madame Tussaud's,
that's how it all began.
- What began?
- My career of crime.
All hereditary.
Great Uncle Penruddock.
- Who was he?
- My girl, where were you brought up?
Never heard of my Great Uncle
Penruddock, the Cornish Bluebeard?
- Got it all from him.
- I thought your family came from Canada.
No, that's where they went
after the Penruddock incident.
He murdered three wives
and got away with it.
His third mother-in-law got the goods
on him and tried to have him arrested.
Did she succeed?
No, he was too quick for her.
Took her for a walk to Land's End
and shoved her into the Atlantic Ocean.
He's in Madame Tussaud's.
There's no doubt
about his department.
You must go down
and see him sometime.
Can't mistake him.
Third on the left as you go in.
Red whiskers and a harelip.
That, lady,
is the sad story of my life.
Poor orphan boy
who never had a chance.
Are you still set on
giving me up to the police?
You're sure everything's
going to be all right?
Bound to be.
He can't have much time.
As soon as I've picked up you know what,
I'll clear out of the country.
Be careful.
Wire to me.
- Good-bye, my dear.
- Good-bye.
Is that Professor Jordan's house?
Can I speak to Mrs. Jordan then?
Is that Mrs. Jordan?
He's gone to London already?
- If you manage, I'd like hot whiskey.
- I'll get the hot water.
No, he ducked down a side street,
the police went the wrong way.
The girl handed him over to us,
thinking we were detectives.
We had to take her as well
because he told her everything.
Very good, ma'am. I see.
Yes, ma'am.
- Well?
- The old man's got the wind up.
- He's cleared out already.
- Whatever for?
He thought it too dangerous
with Hannay on the loose.
He's warning the whole 39 Steps.
- Has he got the... you know?
- Yes.
He's picking up our friend
at the London Palladium on the way out.
Here's toddy.
That will be half a crown.
- And the phone call?
- We'll say a schilling.
- Is this a hotel as well?
- Aye.
- Do you have people staying here?
- Aye.
- You get a few this time of year?
- Aye.
- Did you have anyone in tonight?
- Aye.
They weren't by any chance
a young couple?
James, do not finish!
What kind of a silly creature
am I married to?
Do you want to get us all jailed?
- How much did you take for these?
- Half a crown.
Out, the pair of you!
Do not let on to anybody that
you got a drink here after hours.
Ohh!
You old fool.
Would you give away a young couple?
Good morning.
What's the idea?
How did we get out of these?
You didn't. I slipped out of mine
last night and camped out here.
- Why didn't you run away?
- I did, but just as I was going...
I discovered that you've
been speaking the truth.
I decided to stay.
May I ask what earthquake
caused your brain to work at last?
Those two men were in here last night.
I overheard them telephoning.
- What did they say?
- A lot of stuff about the 39 Steps.
- You... Go on.
- What?
Someone's going to warn them.
How can you warn steps?
- Never mind. Go on.
- Yes, and there was another thing.
Someone got scared
and is clearing out and...
Yes, I know. And is picking up someone
at the London Palladium.
London Palladium?
What the devil?
Is that the professor with half
of the little finger missing?
What does he want
to go there for?
I feel such a fool,
not having believed you.
That's all right.
We ought to get a move on.
- What room are those two men in?
- No room.
They went as soon
as they telephoned.
- They what?
- Didn't I tell you?
You let them go
after hearing what they said?
- You button-headed little idiot.
- Don't talk to me like that!
Four or five precious hours wasted!
Why didn't you wake me up at once?
Even you might have realized
what they said was important.
Why not leave well enough alone?
Let well alone?
Good girl, I'm accused of murder!
Can't you realize the only way I can
clear myself is to expose these spies?
You still can. The man's going
to the London Palladium.
Really? First or second house?
I'll get there five hours late!
- Fine! The show will suit you.
- What's that?
Crazy Month!
You're quite right, madame.
The Air Ministry has got a new thing
a lot of people are interested in.
But they are positive that no papers
are missing about it...
that would be of any use
to a spy.
I'm certain about it. A man is leaving
the country tonight with something.
Since you phoned us from Scotland
this morning...
we've made the minutest inquiries.
It's obvious
I'm wasting my time here.
Just a moment, miss, please.
There's one thing
you haven't told us.
Where's Richard Hannay?
I haven't the faintest idea.
Look here, miss, you can't...
- You're in the telephone book?
- Yes.
If anything crops up,
we'll give you a ring.
That will be all now.
Thank you.
Tell Archer and Seagrave to get another
taxi and follow that girl.
She'll lead us to Hannay.
Love is a flower that blooms
Cover every exit, and on no account
let anyone leave the building.
You two men go
in the orchestra pit.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we shall now sing.
Come on. Move along there,
please. Come on, sir.
- No one's allowed to leave the theater.
- Can't a mate go out and have a drink?
- Ticket, please.
- I'm just looking for someone.
- Can I go through, please?
- Very good.
She's seen him.
She's on her way down to the stalls.
May I borrow your opera glasses,
please?
Excuse me.
May I take your place, please?
What are you doing here?
I found him. He's up in that box.
You can't do anything about it.
I've been to Scotland Yard.
Nothing has been stolen from the
Air Ministry. They're certain about it.
You heard those men say
he got in there. There he is.
Shall we take him now
or wait till the interval?
What you going to do? There's nothing
missing. There's an end to it.
Hear that tune? That's that damn thing
I couldn't get out of my head.
Now I know where I heard it before.
Of course, that music hall.
Annabella's...
Ladies and gentlemen...
with your kind attention
and permission...
I have now the honor
to present to you...
one of the most remarkable men
in the world.
- That's the same man.
- Every day he commits to memory...
and remembers every one of them.
Facts from history,
from geography...
from newspapers,
from scientific textbooks...
millions and millions of them
down to the smallest detail.
Test him, ladies and gentlemen.
Ask him any question.
I've got it!
Of course there are no papers missing.
All the information's
inside Memory's head.
Mr. Memory.
- I still don't understand.
- Don't you see?
The details of that Air Ministry secret
were borrowed, memorized by this man...
and then replaced
before anyone could find out.
That's why he's here: to take Memory
out of the country after the show.
- Surely...
- Some gentlemen want to speak to you.
Question, please.
- Where's the boat race?
- When did Florence Nightingale die?
- How tall is the Empire State Building?
- Are you Richard Hannay?
- There's something you should know.
- Come along quietly.
- That man on the stage...
- Don't cause any trouble...
- and spoil people's entertainment.
- What date did General Gordon die?
What are the 39 Steps?
Come on, answer up!
What are the 39 Steps?
The 39 Steps is an organization
of spies...
collecting information on behalf
of the foreign office of...
Keep your seats, please!
There is no need for alarm,
no cause for alarm.
- I'm all right.
- Sure you are.
I don't want a chair.
Let me rest here.
- I'm all right.
- Take it easy now.
- Take it easy.
- I'm all right.
Get the girls on straightaway!
The girls' introduction right away.
Mr. Memory,
what was the secret formula...
you were taking out of the country?
Would it be all right,
me telling you, sir?
It was a big job to learn it...
the biggest job I ever tackled...
- and I don't want to throw it all away.
- It'll be quite all right.
The first feature
of the new engine is...
its greatly increased ratio
of compression...
represented by R minus 1 over R
to the power of gamma...
where R represents the ratio
of compression and gamma...
Seen in end elevation, the axis
of the two lines of cylinders...
Angle of 65 degrees.
Dimensions of cylinders
as follows...
This device renders the engine
completely silent.
Am I right, sir?
Quite right, old chap.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you.
I'm glad it's off my mind,
at last.