The 39 Steps Play Guide For AQA GCSE Drama

SECTION B STUDY OF A SET PLAY: THE 39 STEPS 31 4 In the 1930s, there were chances for employment and education for women, with roughly one-third of women in Britain working outside the home. 4 The opportunities for women at this time are shown by Annabella and Pamela, who are assured, independent-minded, single women. This contrasts with the isolated and dependent, unhappily married Margaret. 4 London is depicted as a lively city in which there are many diversions, which contrasts with the isolated Crofter’s cottage. 4 Sexual relationships outside marriage were frowned on by society. Respectable hotels were expected to check that a couple was married before allowing them to share a room. Culture: film and fashion 4 Popular entertainment included radio programmes, gramophones (record players), the cinema and the theatre. Jazz music, largely imported from America, was popular, as were show tunes from musicals . 4 Fashions were often influenced by images from magazines or the clothing of movie stars. Women’s fashions were more modest in length and marked the return of a more fitted silhouette compared with the 1920s. Skirts were usually mid- calf length and the waistline was often cinched in and belted. 4 Thrillers were a popular genre of film in the 1930s. Alfred Hitchcock, the English director of the film version of The 39 Steps , was considered a master of this genre. The play of The 39 Steps replicates some aspects of the film, while exaggerating and parodying others. Other famous thrillers directed by Hitchcock include The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) and The Lady Vanishes (1938.) 4 The 1930s were also a golden age for mystery and crime novels, including those of the popular English author Agatha Christie. Christie’s work was known for its fast pace , snappy dialogue and clever plotting, where, in the last pages, all the pieces of the puzzle would fall into place. The theme of disguise Task B6 1 Locate at least three incidents in the play in which a character disguises who or what they really are. 2 For each of your chosen incidents, describe how the deception might be achieved on stage through performance and/or design. 3 Write a short paragraph to explain how the use of disguise suits the play’s genre and message. Michael Redgrave and Margaret Lockwood in The Lady Vanishes 5 TIP In the exam, you will be writing about the context of The 39 Steps , which is Britain in the 1930s. You will need to have practical design ideas that show your understanding of this context. KEY TERMS Musical: A type of play in which music, singing and dancing play a significant part. Silhouette: The outline or shape of a figure. Pace: The speed or rate at which something happens. CHECK IT OUT For more information about the context of The 39 Steps , and more photographs, go to pages 75–76 in AQA GCSE Drama . TEST YOURSELF B3 From your understanding of the play and the contexts described here, answer the following questions: 1 What year does the play take place? 2 How is the German background of Annabella shown in the play? 3 What kind of music is playing at the Jordans’ party? 4 By what means do characters learn that Hannay is a wanted man? 5 What are some examples of period clothing mentioned in the play? 6 How do the politics of the time influence the plot?