Michael_Elliott 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.

mark.waltz The often filmed George M. Cohan play (adapted from a novel) is given a new, fresh look in the second of three sound versions, even more fast moving and thrilling than the above average 1929 version. Gene Raymond takes on the role of a novelist with writers block who finds that the supposed one key to his hideaway can't block a group of wacky intruders. He finds art really does imitate life, finding enough thrills in a 24 hour period to last him a lifetime.A spooky hotel, closed for the windy winter, is an instant hit for a great setting, with tree branches hitting on the windows, a ghostly woman in white gliding through the snow, sliding panels, black cats and enough old dark house atmosphere to provide more than enough chills and thrills. All it is missing is a dour looking housekeeper or sinister old lady, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other crazy characters abound. The lovable Henry Travers ("Mrs. Miniver", "The Bells of St. Mary's") is unforgettable as a woman hating hermit who likes pretending he's a ghost, and Eric Blore adds his usual endearing eccentricity to the role of a supposed professor. Dumb gangsters filled with a ton of malapropisms give the story a real Damon Runyeon feel, while Margaret Callahan is a very charming leading lady. Toss in Erin O'Brien-Moore as a dark femme fatal and in an unforgettable cameo, future Supporting Actor Oscar King Walter Brennan as a babbity train station master.It is the set, photography and chilly atmosphere that provides the greatest praise, mixing comedy, romance and melodrama at a break-neck pace. Even the roles of the local law enforcement in the final moments of the film keeps the interest at a peak, and Travers is given a great exit line. Remakes of the golden age of filmmaking were many, but certain ones rise about their lack of originality with creative design and know-how. This "Seven Keys" gets two thumbs up and for an 80 year old revisal of a much filmed theme feels like it might be worthy of repeat viewings.

Paularoc 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.

the_bernie 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.I only read part of the book but this play starts out with much of the book thrown in. 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 getting used to the cavalier attitude of the writer.