Seven Keys to Baldpate (1929)

You won't be disappointed!

As Good As It Gets

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

SEVEN KEYS had been a stage perennial since before WWI, and a couple of times a motion picture by the time of this release, it being the first of several talkie versions. Semi-distinguished director Reginald Barker approached the prospect of filming it cinematically, using what is basically a story taking place in one set, the lobby of the Baldpate Inn. He deftly moves the camera set-ups from long shots, mid-shots, and different angles all in rapid succession, never lingering long enough to look like it's slowing down. In other words, the visuals match the fast pace of the dialogue. This alone is a distinct departure from most of the first year or so of Radio pictures, which often are uninspired, no-frills filmed plays. The dramatic highlight comes as the whole horde of strangers, including the crooked Mayor and the Railway president and even the up-to-now innocent man (Dix) trying to do the right thing with a sense of humor, seize the sheriff after he tries to steal the money, pulling him over a desk and tearing into him, seen from above, like the death of Richard III in the 1955 Laurence Olivier classic. At that moment, it seems that all the civilization that existed in this small world has broken down. The story really couldn't go anywhere but the way it did, unless maybe to use an "It was all a dream" ending.I do have a complaint though, in that it's revealed that it was in fact, all a sham, with everyone really being actors put up to trick our hero, it seems like a cheat, or an outright lie to show scenes completely out of our hero's sight and knowledge playing out "in character", including the Sheriff all confused down at police HQ, and cops investigating a murky basement of Baldpate, yet in the final summing up, we learn that such a basement referenced earlier never existed, it was only part of the ruse. Still an enjoyable film.

1913 saw the release of the novel Seven Keys To Baldpate by Earl Der Biggers (a forgotten but very influential writer who also created Charlie Chan). That same year George M. Cohan adapted it for, and starred in, a hit stage version on Broadway. There were three silent movie versions in 1916 (from Australia), 1917 (the only one that still exists) and 1925. This is an early b/w talkie (hit) starring the very likable Richard Dix as a famous trash novelist who accepts a bet that he can't write a book in 24 hours while staying at the remote upstate New York Baldpate Inn (during a snowstorm). His work is interrupted by unexpected intruders of all kinds, all of whom believe they have the only existing key to the place. There's possible murder, mystery, intrigue and lots of droll comedy, and a double-twist ending. I enjoyed it quite abit. With Miriam Seegar, Margaret Livingston, DeWitt Jennings, Lucian Littlefield, Nella Walker, Alan Roscoe, Crauford Kent, Harvey Clark and Edith Yorke. Arthur Hoyt was cut out. To put this into context for horror historians, D.W. Griffith took the popular elements of Baldpate and made (the hit) ONE EXCITING NIGHT in 1922. This led to an Old Dark House revival that led to popular plays like The Cat And The Canary, The Bat and The Gorilla, which in turn led to classic movie adaptations that really ramped-up the horror elements, and a slew of imitations jostled for attention for years to come. James Whale's early parody was the brilliant THE OLD DARK HOUSE in 1932. Further Baldpate movies were in 1935, 1947 and 1982 (HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS).Movie reviews at: spinegrinderweb.com

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...

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.