39 Steps, The (1959)

In nautical attire, a Man retrieves a model boat from the lake. This is alongside the Boating Lake in The Regent’s Park, London NW1 with a dome on one of the properties in Sussex Place to the top left. A reverse point of view from this spot appears in 'Tons of Trouble'.

About here. SJ

A Nanny (Faith Brook) follows the Man through the park. The footbridge passes over the Boating Lake.

The bridge was also seen in One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing. SJ

The Man reaches a roadway. Chris Nicol confirms the location as Inner Circle in Regents Park NW1.

I've always wanted it to be the Inner Circle but this is definitely not in harmony continuity-wise of the previous shots. This though is a possibility. SJ

Standing by their Ford Zephyr Zodiac, Brown (Michael Goodliffe) and Kennedy (Duncan Lamont) watch the Man being followed.

And this decayed finial, along with the curve of Inner Circle would seem to match, though there's a new lamppost. Additionally, the Zodiac is in the right place as seen in the previous capture. SJ

With a signal from the Man, the car speeds towards the Nanny, knocking her down. Chris Nicol again confirms that this is Inner Circle in Regent's Park.

This is the east curve of the Inner Circle with Chester Road running off to the left. SJ

After secretly taking a handbag and gun that he discovered in the otherwise empty pram, Richard Hannay (Kenneth More) answers a Policeman’s (Victor Brooks) questions. Inner Circle in London NW1 identified by Chris Nicol who, as an eight year old, recalls filming taking place in Greenberry Street, which is seen later in the film.

Now looking the other way north to St. John's Lodge. SJ

Hannay visits the hospital to speak with the Nanny and finds that she has been discharged. The Wilkins Building at University College London on Gower Street WC1 which was also seen in ‘Raising the Wind’, ‘Thunderbirds’, 'A Business Affair', ‘Doctor in the House’ and ‘The Idol’.

Peter paid a return visit to the location.

Learning that the Nanny’s name is Miss Robinson, the diplomat makes his way to Norwich Terrace in Paddington after obtaining her address. Neil Rigby discovered Stanhope Gardens in Kensington SW7. (RL)

Looking at the replacement building which stands on the corner of Cromwell Road from the east side of Stanhope Gardens. SJ

Seeing that the address no longer exists, Hannay attends the theatre using tickets found in Miss Robinson’s handbag. Neil Rigby finds that the true location does still exist. Stanhope Gardens overlooking Stanhope Mews East. (RL)

This replaces my go in June '23 with a view nearer, but slightly further north, to the mews, than the original camera placement. The bricked block centre top right mid background here matches the top right of the original. SJ

After Miss Robinson turns up at the theatre, Hannay takes her back to his apartment only to discover that the two of them have been followed. The corner of St. John's Wood High Street and Greenberry Street in London NW8.

There is a saying about not seeing the wood for the trees! (RL)

The next morning, Kennedy and Brown wait for Hannay outside the building after murdering Miss Robinson on the previous evening. Haven Green Court in London W5 recognised by Tony Crampton.

The grass strip has yielded to parking. SJ

Disguised as the Milkman, Hannay appears from the building. Haven Green Court, Ealing advises Tony Crampton. The same corner was seen eight years later in 'Danger Route' and the mansion block can also be seen in 'Echo of Diana', 'The Wrong Arm of the Law', 'The Return of Mr. Moto' and 'The Sicilians'.

The location now. SJ

Fooling Kennedy and Brown, Hannay rides away on the milk float. Haven Green Court on Haven Green, Ealing.

Looking east, capturing the white buildings of 20-23 Haven Green. SJ

A Policeman takes note of the abandoned milk float. King’s Cross station on Euston Road, London N1.

Yes, Kings Cross station depicted by Brian Hockey.

An ever-so-slightly improved clock face angle. SJ

Using information gleaned from Miss Robinson, Hannay travels by express train to Scotland. This footage also appears in ‘Raising the Wind’ and the location is identified by Gregor Baddley as Penmanshiel near Grantshouse on the East Coast Main Line between Berwick and Edinburgh in Berwickshire. Gregor adds that "The train is heading North and will shortly enter Penmanshiel tunnel. The railway now follows a new alignment following a fatal tunnel collapse in 1979."

Andy McArthur provides this view taken from where the bridge which carried the A1 over the railway before realignment explaining that "An investigation found that fracturing of the rock overlying the tunnel was the cause of the tragic collapse and making repairs was deemed too difficult and dangerous. The main line was moved to a new open cut to the west and the tunnel was sealed at both ends. The operation to reopen the East Coast Main Line, which included realignment of the A1 trunk road, took five months of round the clock work. A memorial, located at Grid NT79 796 760, commemorates two workers who died in the tunnel collapse whose remains were never recovered."

As newspapers begin to carry stories about the Nanny’s death, the train pulls into Edinburgh. Platforms 8 and 7 at Waverley station, now designated platforms 11 and 7. The same footage appears in 'Upstairs and Downstairs' from the same year and other views of the station can be seen in 'The Flying Scotsman', 'The Girl with a Pistol' and 'Halam Foe'.

Platform 7 and the construction of the new platforms 5 and 6 on the left. (SD)

A Detective (Michael Brennan) and two Constables check passengers on the platform. Edinburgh Waverley station. Identified by Roy Barnacle.

Waverley station platform 5, now re-numbered as platform 3 which is home to the Operations Depot. SD

Hannay alights to purchase a newspaper.

Waverley Station, platform 5, now re-numbered as platform 3. Taken further forward because of the position of the Operations Depot. SD

With Hannay back on board after getting rid of his distinctive raincoat, the train departs. Edinburgh Waverley station with the clock tower of the North British Hotel, now The New Balmoral, to the top left.

Taken from platform 11 by Andy McArthur who explains that the Balmoral Hotel clock is always three minutes fast to allow those people running to catch a train the luxury of a few minutes grace. Waverley Station was constructed over the man made Nor Loch (North Loch) which was drained and built over.

The journey northward gets under way. The west end of Edinburgh Waverley station with the Mound Tunnels running beneath The Mound on the left.

Andy McArthur captures the view towards the Mound Tunnels now which are framed by the gantries carrying the catenary for today's electric trains.

Hannay jumps from the train after being discovered by the Detective. The Forth Bridge carrying the railway line between Dalmeny, West Lothian and North Queensferry in Fife. Another rail level view of the bridge appears in 'Six-Five Special'.

Jeff Kirk provides us with this shot taken in 1980 very near to where Richard Hannay jumps off the train. (RL)

A Passenger (John Young) and the Detective search outside the train. The Forth Bridge over the Firth of Forth.

Cars are checked as they leave the Queen’s Ferry. The slipway of the Railway Pier in North Queensferry, Fife with the Forth Bridge to the left. The ferry ceased running in September 1964.

This replaces my photo from February 2019 when I made the silly mistake of positioning myself too far back. This is the correct position, at the top of the slipway. (SD)

Hannay makes it to the south side of the Forth. The harbour at South Queensferry in West Lothian.

Brian Leng provides this modern view.

Looking for a safe route, Hannay turns to see a Constable walk past the far end of an alleyway. Looking along Harbour Lane in Queensferry with Bell Stane at the far end of the alley.

Photo by regular contributor Brian Leng.

Queensferry Harbour in South Queensferry with the Forth Bridge in the distance. The bridge is seen in the 1935 version of ‘The 39 Steps’ while South Queensferry appears in ‘Let’s Be Happy’ and 'The Ballad of Tam Lin'.

Comparison photo by Doug Hill.

The fugitive runs from the harbour to find a way northwards. Facing Harbour Lane from Hillwood Place in South Queensferry, West Lothain.

Comparison shot from Brian Leng.

Having been given a lift in Percy Baker’s lorry, the following morning Hannay is helped to get away by Nellie Lumsden and her Husband. This is Glen Finglas Road at Brig o' Turk, Perthshire and out of sight to the left stands the Brig o' Turk Tea Room.

A little less activity in this Google Earth view from Clive Brett. (RL)

Hannay conceals himself in a group of cyclists. The road to the west of Brig o’ Turk found by Ged Browne.

The same road now, captured by Ged.

Watched from a Police road block, two cars overtake the cyclists. Looking south near the summit of the Dukes Pass, recognised by Ged Browne.

Ged Browne found that the greenery has increased.

As the group of cyclists draw near, Officers at the road block begin to check the occupants of the two vehicles. Ged Browne locates this as Dukes Pass at Aberfoyle, looking east.

The scene now by Ged.

While police chase after Mr. Lumsden cycling in a brown suit, Hannay falls behind the group as he struggles up a hill. Ged Browne found that the only section of road that fits this view is at the very summit of the Dukes Pass, just north of Aberfoyle.

Ged went to the Dukes Pass for this shot, here looking north.

Escaping detection by hiding within the ranks of the Freewheelers of Clackmannan, Hannay rides towards Glenkirk. Looking towards Main Street in Killin, Perthshire.

Alan Watt provides this view with only yellow lines to give away the different era.

Hannay checks his map as a sheep herder approaches. Bridge of Dochart crossing the River Dochart in Killin.

Alan Watts found it impossible to match up the stonework exactly, but close enough I think . . . and we think so too.

Being told by Mr. Lowrie (John Grieve) about newcomers in the village, Hannay cycles away to Glenkirk House. Looking north from Bridge of Dochart, Killin. All of the Perthshire locations are now situated in the modern Stirlingshire.

Alan Watts supplied this image of the bridge over River Dochart.

The cycle chain snaps as Hannay cycles over a bridge. The River Balvag bridge at Balquhidder in Perthshire.

Alan Watt advises that this is the best angle possible due to overgrown shrubbery adding "I think it's interesting to note that you can still see the original iron railing just to the right of the signpost."

The Police search continues. In the background stands the Village Hall in Balquhidder identified by Andy McArthur, with Creag an Tuire (Boar's Rock) in the right distance. Andy McArthur tells us that Balquhidder is also the location for outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy McGregor's grave and that the K6 telephone kiosk is still in place, but now serving as the Balquhidder Book Exchange.

Taken from a similar position by Ged Browne who adds that "Just a couple of hundred yards down this road is the bridge where the chain comes off Hannay's bike."

The B829 about a mile from Kinlochard towards Blairuskinmore with the bridge crossing Allt Tairbh in the foreground and the cottage known as Teapot in the right background.

Andy McArthur found that Teapot cottage is still there adding that driving further along the B829 will bring you Loch Katrine and then on to the Inversnaid Hotel on the Loch Lomond side. Loch Katrine was selected as the water supply for the City of Glasgow.

Hannay reaches Glenkirk House, home of Professor Logan. Altskeith Hotel on Loch Ard Road to the east of Kinlochard in Perthshire. Information from Scotland, the Movie Location Guide

Replacing Clive Brett's Google Earth view, Andy supplies this view of the Alstkeith Hotel, which is currently a wedding venue with a commanding view across Loch Ard and the surrounding forest..

Discovering that the Professor is the leader of the spy ring being tracked by Miss Robinson, Hannay flees the house. Altskeith Hotel on Loch Ard Road, Kinlochard.

A close up the front door of the Altskeith Hotel with fresh looking paint taken by Andy McArthur.

When he finds the car locked, Hannay takes a scooter. The hotel is currently branded Altskeith Country House on Loch Ard.

Andy found that the garage has gone and instead there's access to a cottage behind the outbuilding of the hotel.

Hannay rides away on the Vespa to tell the police about Logan. Altskeith Hotel with Loch Ard in the right background.

Andy McArthur took this shot . . . different wall but the same view down the road towards Aberfoyle.

Having followed in their car, Kennedy comes across the stolen scooter outside the Sheriff’s office. Outside Burgh Chambers on The Cross in Dunblane with the Cathedral in the left background.

Doug Hill sent this image of the same building.

When the Sheriff doesn’t believe the story and arrests him, Hannay looks for a means of escape. Looking onto The Cross in Dunblane.

Andy McArthur didn't have access to the Burgh Chambers building to take a picture from the first floor window so his comparison includes the arched garage doors across the road. The external staircase to the first floor on the same building has since been removed.

Hannay jumps from the window into a passing truck. Burgh Chambers, now offices for Stirling Council.

The Burgh chambers remain unchanged in Andy's view. Dunblane Cathedral in the left background dates from the 1200s and 1560's Reformation in Scotland saw alterations to the building. A recent addition is a memorial commemorating the Dunblane Massacre which occurred on 13th of March 1996 when a lone gunman shot and killed sixteen primary school pupils and a teacher.

Kennedy and Brown pull away as the lorry as it heads from the town. Looking south along High Street from The Cross, Dunblane, then in Perthshire. Location found by Graham Shewan and Graeme Allister.

Alan Watt took this wider shot of the street.

Looking back from the sheep transporter, the wanted man sees the Professor’s Henchmen following. Stirling Road in Callander, Perthshire located by Andy McArthur.

Andy advises that the garage petrol pumps have been relocated from the kerb side to the centre of the forecourt but the feeder pipes to the old pumps are still visible in the forecourt which assured him that this was is the right location.

The lorry reaches St. Catherine’s School for Girls. The Trossachs Hotel at Tigh Mor, then in Perthshire. Location identified by Chris Haywood.

Andy tells us that the Tigh Mor, formerly the Trossachs Hotel, dates back to the 19th century and was built to accommodate the then growing numbers of tourists visiting the area. New owners redeveloped the building in the 1990s and retained the charm of the architecture. The view from the hotel is over Loch Achray towards Ben Venue in the background.

The hotel became neglected but has been restored and is now known as Tigh Mor Trossachs.

Andy McArthur found no lorry carrying the sheep when he arrived but does note that the drive way into the hotel appears to have been altered since filming.

Hannay runs into the school where he sees Miss Fisher, a teacher that he met on the train. The Trossachs Hotel stands on the site of a small inn known as Ardcheanochrochan. Gavin McCord advises that the interiors of the school were filmed at the King's Hall on South Road in Southall, Middlesex. Dating from 1916, the Methodist church was damaged by fire in February 2026.

Andy McArthur took this view from the edge of what is now the disabled car park at Tigh Mor. The original drive way has been removed and the road entry redesigned. Still visible are the two stone built gate posts minus the ornamental vases. Also gone is the residents lounge bay window which connected the main building with the annexe.

Crashing the car whilst escaping from Kennedy and Brown at the school, Hannay carries Miss Fisher (Taina Elg) from the wreckage. Easter Gartchonzie formerly in Perthshire.

Alan Watt visited the area to take this shot which replaces an earlier Google image from Keith Woods.

As their pursuers begin to catch up, Hannay and Miss Fisher leave the road to hide under a bridge. Gartchonzie Bridge with Eas Gobhain flowing beneath.

The very same. Image copyright Google.

The two Agents run towards the crashed Ford Zephyr. Keith draws our attention to the helpful signpost.

Ged Browne found no agents on his visit.

Kennedy and Brown reach the site of the collision. Gartchonzie Bridge over the Eas Gobhain at Easter Gartchonzie to the west of Callander.

Alan Watt replaces Keith's Google image with this shot of the location now.

Hannay and Miss Fisher continue their escape across a waterfall as darkness falls. Ged Browne identifies this as Inversnaid waterfall on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond in Stirlingshire.

Ged also provides this view of the cascade which is next to the Inversnaid Hotel.

With his adventure over, Richard Hannay returns to Regent’s Park in London. The same bridge over the Boating Lake that was seen earlier as well as in 'Tons of Trouble'.

This is the bridge nearest to Baker Street tube in NW1. SJ.