O Mistério das Sete Chaves

The story Seven Keys to Baldplate is truly one for the spectators of the first half of the 20th century. It was originally an Earl Derr Biggers novel (author of Charlie Chan) and then a popular stage play in the teens. It was filmed 6 times between 1917 and 1947. None of the available versions are particularly interesting today.

The 1917 George M. Cohan film (one of his few starring roles in a film) was solid and gave a better overview of the story of the book. This 1929 Richard Dix version is like many early talkies, basically a filmed stage play. What is best about this one is that there is a germanic influence on the lighting and sets. There are some wonderful shots of Dix, when he arrives at the Inn, sitting in the dark next to the moody light of the fireplace. The story is never enthralling enough and we really feel like we are watching a stage play. It is interesting to look at it from that aspect, however.

Ultimately a curio, this 1929 film is worth watching if you are in the mood for an early talkie. The 1935 version is actually not as good as it is too light and whimsical and truly disappoints as it was made in the heyday of horror and mystery films.

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.

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.

Always enjoyed veteran actor Richard Dix and was very surprised to view this 1929 film, which tells the story about Dix leaving New York and going to a far away place in a very cold and lonely resort mansion. Dix accepted an offer of $5,000.00 if he could write a novel in this isolated place. He was given the only key and housekeepers were informed of his arrival and heated up the place for him. Dix sits at his typewriter and starts to work on his book which he has to complete in 24 hours in order to win the bet with his friend who owns the resort.

You will never be able to figure out just what happens and it is a real comedy as well as, a drama and a crime to be solved.