The Thirty Nine Steps

In 1914, Richard Hannay, a mining engineer visiting Britain before returning to South Africa, is shocked when Colonel Scudder bursts into his flat and reveals a plot by Prussian 'sleeper' agents to precipitate a world war by assassinating the Royal Greek prime minister while visiting the UK. When Scudder flees with a message for Hannay, he is murdered, and Hannay is framed for the death. Fleeing Scotland, Hannay teams up with Alex Mackenzie and attempts to clear his name and stop the agents, led by Sir Edmund Appleton, who are headed by him, while also evading Chief Superintendent Lomas.