39 Steps
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From left: Fiona Brosnan, Eric Jordan, Grayson Smith and Sam Kilbride star in M&D at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse's production of "The 39 Steps," which opened Thursday, July 4. (LISA DUFAULT PHOTO)

CONWAY — “The 39 Steps,” a parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film based on John Buchan’s spy novel, is a striking example of how performance and tone can shift drama into comedy.

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Eric Jordan encounters a dead body in "The 39 Steps." (ASHLEY KERR PHOTO)

Though some details have been changed and lines tweaked to add comedic effect, Patrick Barlow’s adaptation follows the screenplay written by Charles Bennett and Ian Hay nearly word for word. Even material that seems like it was added to punch up the humor, including interactions with lingerie salesman, was already present in the film.

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Eric Jordan and Fiona Brosnan, who plays multiple roles, in "The 39 Steps." (LISA DUFAULT PHOTO)
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Eric Jordan stars in M&D at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse's "The 39 Steps." (LISA DUFAULT PHOTO)
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Eric Jordan and Sam Kilbride are handcuffed together for a good part of "The 39 Steps." (LISA DUFAULT PHOTO)
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From left: Fiona Brosnan, Grayson Smith and Eric Jordan in "The 39 Steps." (ASHLEY KERR PHOTO)

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