17028. ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S "THE 39 STEPS". This paper discusses the classic “Hitchcockian” themes in the film “The 39 Steps”, such as the innocent man on the run because he has been suspected of a crime, and the presence of people who are not what they appear to be. Also discusses the use of suspense and the use of a “MacGuffin” (a mysterious, unexplained plot device). Keywords: Hitchcock plot device. 5 pages; 6 footnotes; 5 bibliographic sources.