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COMIC TURN FOR CLASSIC THRILLER John Buchan s The 39 Steps comes to the stage in a fresh new adaptation

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From: Evening Times
Date: 20050811
Author:Brian Beacom

WHEN Alfred Hitchcock filmed John Buchan's gripping romantic whodunit The 39 Steps in 1935 he threw out most of the plot.

This stage show owes more to Hitchcock's classic film, which was in essence a collection of set pieces.

The ripping yarness of the story still sustains however.

In the film, dashing Richard Hannay, all pencil moustache, square jaw and serious outlook, attends a music hall performance by "Mr Memory".

But during the show, shots ring out and Richard flees the theatre.

Moments later, a terrified woman begs him to help her. Back at his room, she reveals that she's a British spy ...

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