Roman vécu

Many of the early "Talkies" were very, very stilted and looked like stage productions. Typically, they had little action and people talked way too much--trying to show off the latest innovation (sound). As a result, most of the early Talkies were actually pretty poor films and tough to watch today. This film is a wonderful example of an early lousy Talkie. Richard Dix is the only one in the film with any energy in his delivery. Otherwise, they all sound like they are in a High School play--delivering stilted dialog in a very stilted manner. And instead of acting to show the plot progressing, the actors just talked and talked and talked!! Because of this I was bored stiff and really had to force myself to keep watching. Additionally, it was really hard to enjoy the film because the plot, up until the excellent ending, was terrible--something that some chimps might be able to replicate or even surpass had they been allowed to write the movie!!!

THE STORY & (Pseudo)GENRE -- Fakery in the old inn with supposed ghost. Richard Dix stars.

THE VERDICT -- Jaunty and spicy. In my opinion, this is the best film version of this title. Dix pours it on.

FREE ONLINE -- Yes, foreign websites at the correct 72 minutes.

Just a lot of fun. For those of us that can't analyze movies. Must see.

The first sound adaption of George M. Cohan's only non-musical work is this production from RKO that stars Richard Dix. There would be two more sound versions of this popular work.

Dix is a popular author of hack novels and he bets a friend $5000.00 that he can turn out a work in 24 hours with just some peace and quiet. He's assured that he's given the only key to the friend's summer resort in the dead of winter.

Of course t seems like every one and his brother has a key as fanciful tales are told as to why they are there. The place for peace and quiet turns into a regular convention.

This century old chestnut still has a lot of laughs courtesy of Mr. Cohan and original author Earl Derr Biggers. Dix has some comic moments and the well typed cast fully supports him.

This and the two subsequent sound versions hold up well.

As has been previously noted, SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE had a long history as novel, play and oft-filmed motion picture. The 1929 RKO production with Richard Dix is probably the closest you will find in replicating the stage perennial. Community theaters across the USA continue to insert BALDPATE into their season as it is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Dix is, well, Dix. He was seldom a good actor but he was always enthusiastic and energetic. Near the end of this picture he forgets he's doing a talkie and gestures beyond belief when describing the goings-on at Baldpate Inn. But we love him still. The rest of the cast is more than capable and, yes, the pacing is deliberate and stagy. BTW, for BALDPATE enthusiasts, be sure to check out the Lux Radio Theatre version of the play starring Jack Benny. In the meantime, next time this one comes around check it out. But remember, the movies had barely learned to talk so be forgiving...