This is like a premake (as opposed to a remake?) of the vastly superior North By Northwest. You can see Hitchcock gaining strength and flexing muscles here, and there are moments that work: the chase across the moors, the fancy party hosted by the genteel man missing a thumb, etc. But it's still early going for Hitch, and he hasn't quite figured out the editing that would come to mark his golden era movies. There are scenes that don't connect; little elisions that pile up and create confusion about character motivation or plot movement. Donat also lacks Grant's wry amusement and overall screen presence.

The setup is classic early Hitchcock; ordinary chap gets dragged into espionage nonsense after a chance encounter goes wrong, then spends the rest of the film on the run trying to clear his name and stop whatever plot is brewing. It's the blueprint for the innocent-man-in-over-his-head thriller that Hitchcock would refine for decades, and here it already works because the film doesn't take itself too seriously. Robert Donat is spot-on as the lead. He brings a dry, quick-witted and likeable charm to the role. Maybe just a little too unflappable even when everything's falling apart but with just enough steel when it counts. Madeleine Carroll is equally good as the reluctant partner who gets handcuffed into the mess; their chemistry is sharp, full of banter and tension that keeps things lively without ever feeling forced. The two of them carry most of the film, and their scenes together are the definite highlight. Hitchcock's direction keeps it moving at a brisk clip, while the Writing (which deviates quite a bit from the novel) is lean and clever with plenty of witty dialogue and a few good set-pieces that turn everday locations into tense settings. Some plot conveniences are a bit obvious in hindsight, and a few moments stretch credulity even for 1935, but the film gets away with it thanks to a decent energy and the leads. It's not as dark or involved as Hitchcock's later work, but as an entertaining and frothy spy chase with romance and laughs aling the way, it's one of his most enjoyable early efforts. Solid if you want something fast, fun and influential.

Enjoyed this. Well acted and well filmed

[spoiler]Why does Mr. Memory choose to reveal the secrets in front of a hall full of people?[/spoiler] Another Hitchcock great where I was with the movie until the end.

The pace is surprisingly good.