The 39 Steps (1935)

A Canadian visitor (Robert Donat) takes in a frightened woman (Lucie Mannheim) who claims to be a spy who has uncovered a plot to steal important military secrets. When she is murdered, he takes it upon himself to warn the proper authorities but it backfires on him and he finds himself on the run from the law. Based on the novel by John Buchan and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this smooth and affable spy thriller showcases the often impudent humor and suspense that define the term Hitchcockian. This was the film that began all those "wrong man on the run with an unwilling female" movies culminating perhaps with Hitchcock's own 1959 NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Donat is no Cary Grant but he's charming and has a nice chemistry with Madeleine Carroll, the archetypal Hitchcock blonde. It's not a film that should be scrutinized or the film's lack of logic will drive you batty but just enjoy the ride. With Peggy Ashcroft, John Laurie, Helen Haye, Elizabeth Inglis (Sigourney Weaver's mother) and Godfrey Tearle as the film's villain.