I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

Disturbing yet enthralling

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

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.

Seven Keys to Baldpate (1929) ** 1/2 (out of 4)William Magee (Richard Dix) makes a bet that he can write a novel in twenty-four hours but the deal is that he does it at the Baldpate Inn. He's given what he believes is the only key but before long others are showing up with keys to enter the creepy mansion.George M. Cohan's play of the Earl Deer Biggers novel was one of the biggest hits of its time and it got turned into three silent film adaptations including one from 1917 where Cohan played the lead role. This 1929 film from RKO was the first sound adaptation and it's honestly not too bad, although I didn't find it nearly as entertaining as the 1917 version. With that said, the film is certainly worth watching if you're a fan of the material or Dix.The best thing going for this version is the fact that there's a good cast here that manages to make some of the snappy dialogue work extremely well. There's one sequence where seven characters are gathered up in the frame discussing the money trail and the deliver was perfect and made for the highlight of the picture. Dix also manages to turn in a fun performance here as his comic timing is right on the mark and he certainly helps keep the film moving.The biggest problem with this version of SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE is the fact that it just runs out of steam around the forty-minute mark and never picks back up. Director Regionald Barker doesn't add too much flair to the picture and it's another example of an early talkie that just doesn't have too much going for it style wise.

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

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.