The 39 Steps
Dir: Alfred Hitchcock
1935
****
The 39 Steps acts like a blue print, a hint of the greatness that was to come from Hitchcock and the foundations of an amazing body of work. It's where he truly found an audience, although I'm going to have to be unpopular and honest here, it's not his best but it has a certain charm to it unlike any of his other films. In all honesty it's not a great film overall, it has moments of greatness, it's just that certain aspects spoil it somewhat but it is of a time that I adore to watch, with acting styles long gone but still enjoyed. It's easy to mock The 39 Steps (the brilliant London West end show does with great respect) but at the time it was cutting edge stuff, but as dated as it now is, it's so very easy to watch and I believe it will remain so for many years to come.

Annie Oakley
Dir: George Stevens
1935
****
A largely fictional but very enjoyable version of the Annie Oakley story. For all of its historical inaccuracies and unfortunate stereotyping it is hugely entertaining, thanks mainly to Barbara Stanwyck's energetic and likable performance. I was actually quite surprised by the level of acting, expecting over the top performances and unnecessary theatrics. The scene in which Annie gets shot in the arm was handled brilliantly, I can't help but think a modern day telling of this part of the story would be somewhat milked and overcooked.