An unjustly accused hero, a feisty heroine, a mysterious code, a cross-country pursuit—all have become clichés of film and fiction. And all were popularized by John Buchan’s archetypal spy novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, published in 1915. They’re brought to vibrant life in this adaptation, which is more faithful to the novel than to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film adaptation. Rupert Penry-Jones (Persuasion) brings James Bond–style charm to the role of a young man plunged into a German plot to invade England. Sunday, Feb. 28, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Gavin Newsom mulls California redistricting to counter Texas gerrymanderingTALKING POINTS A controversial plan has become a major flashpoint among Democrats struggling for traction in the Trump era
-
6 perfect gifts for travel loversThe Week Recommends The best trip is the one that lives on and on
-
How can you get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?the explainer These steps can help boost the Social Security amount you receive
