Seven Keys to Baldpate

One of Earl Derr Biggers' most popular novels (which had been turned into a play by George M. Cohan), "Seven Keys to Baldpate" was adapted for the screen no less than six times; this was the fifth time. And although the movie admittedly can't reach the REALLY high class of the famous 1917 version, where Cohan himself played the leading role, and after more than 20 years the story may already seem a little bit worn-out and much-used, it's nonetheless hilariously lively, funny and at the same time pretty suspenseful, with a neat cast (especially Gene Raymond as the fearless, wisecracking novelist) and an unusual, but really successfully balanced mix of - a gangster movie and a 'Dark Old House' mystery!

The story has been altered a bit, and the supporting characters get more space for all kinds of jokes (especially the women-hater, 'hermit' Henry Travers); and the gangsters' slang and tough guy attitude make a wonderfully strange contrast to the cool and clever ways of the young novelist - and of course, to the classic settings with secret panels, candle-light and groaning staircases...

With a running time of just a little more than an hour, this movie nicely keeps a good pace and leaves no room for boredom; great entertainment for lovers of the genre!

I had seen this movie several years ago and recall not liking it much but thought I would give it another try as I do like Gene Raymond and 1930s mysteries. Writer Bill Magee (Raymond) is on his way to the closed-for-the-season Baldpate Inn. Supposedly, there is only one key to the inn and Magee has it. Magee has to write a novel in 24 hours and requires the peace and quiet that a closed inn will give him (he should be so lucky). As is repeated often "there is only one key to the inn and I have it." The "I" is Magee and six other people. The movie drags at first but does pick up towards the end. Gene Raymond does a nice job and the there is a strong supporting cast (with the exception of the bland Margaret Callahan). My two favorites were Walther Brennan as the Station Agent (one could close one's eyes and still know it was Walter Brennan speaking as his voice was so distinctive) and Henry Travers as the Hermit. I thank the other reviewers for adding the fascinating information about the play and Cohan. I liked this movie better at the second watching but it sure isn't going make my "top 1,000 favorite movies" list.

There are several film versions of this George M. Cohan play based on a novel by Earl Derr Biggers, the writer of Charlie Chan novels. Of the many movie versions that I have seen, this is the best-balanced production.

I read part of the book, this play starts with much of the book portrayed as we see a lady (Margaret Callahan) crying in the waiting room and being discussed by a male passenger (Gene Raymond) and the station agent (Walter Brennan.)

The story is of a writer who picks Baldpate Inn, a quiet place, closed for the winter, as an ideal place for writing a quick novel. He is given the "only key" to the Inn. The film slowly unfolds and makes you wonder why you are watching. Soon it picks up the pace as we find "Seven Keys to Baldpate" and discover who has them both the characters and the familiar actors of the time. It takes time to get used to the cavalier attitude of the writer.

We may find an interesting twist in the end.

Seven Keys to Baldpate (1935)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Author William Magee (Gene Raymond) shows up at the Baldpate Inn to write a novel in twenty-four hours. The crime writer has a bet to win but before long he finds himself in a real-life mystery as there are crooks, missing money and ghosts to worry about.

This George M. Cohan play was a huge hit on the stage and it led to screen versions in 1916, 1917, 1925 and the first sound version in 1929. RKO remade it yet another for this version, which goes for more laughs, although, to its credit, it does slightly play up the ghost factor, which was somewhat overlooked int he 1929 version.

If you're a fan of the play (or novel for that matter) then you should find this to be a slightly entertaining adaptation. The main focus are laughs as Raymond delivers a fine performance, which goes for the fast-talking and loud approach that so many films did during this era. You know, those films with the reporter who knows more than anyone else and is smarter than everyone else. On that level this is mildly charming but there's no question that a lot of jokes fall flat.

The film does offer up some mild entertainment thanks to the cast, which includes Henry Travers as a sexist hobo who is constantly putting down women and rooting for their deaths! I'm sure this sexist humor was quite funny in 1935 but I'm sure some will be shocked by it. It actually makes the film seem a bit more fresh today.

This average, comedy of errors and irony about a mysterious object in a locked inn and the people who have keys to the inn was reference from a CBS News story about origins of the name Baldpate, an inn located in Estes Park, Colorado that took its name after the original novel that one of several movies including the 1935 version came from. The movie typical for its dashing, handsome hero along with two mysterious, gorgeous women, and a number of male strangers are introduced making this movie into a comical mystery thriller. With a stodgy acting style typical of the era, a relatively decent plotline, the movie moves along an acceptable pace and typical script and plot devices. Entertaining, if somewhat brainless, and appropriately predictable, this movie is worth taking a look, if you're bored, any nothing to do and you want to veg out on oldie goldies.