Seven Keys to Baldpate (1935)

A writer, looking for some peace and quiet in order to finish a novel, takes a room at the Baldpate Inn. However, peace and quiet are the last things he gets, as there are some very strange goings-on at the establishment.

Directors:

William Hamilton, Edward Killy

Writers:

Earl Derr Biggers (novel), George M. Cohan (play),

Stars:

Gene Raymond, Margaret Callahan, Eric Blore

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gene Raymond	...	William Magee
Margaret Callahan	...	Mary Norton
Eric Blore	...	Prof. Harrison Boulton
Grant Mitchell	...	Thomas Hayden
Moroni Olsen	...	Mayor Jim Cargan
Erin O'Brien-Moore	...	Myra Thornhill
Henry Travers	...	Adalbert 'Lem' Peters / The Hermit
Walter Brennan	...	Station Agent
Ray Mayer	...	Mr. Bland
Erville Alderson	...	Chief of Police Roberts
Murray Alper	...	Max the Monk
Harry Beresford	...	Elijah Quimby
Emma Dunn	...	Mrs. Quimby

Storyline

A writer, looking for some peace and quiet in order to finish a novel, takes a room at the Baldpate Inn. However, peace and quiet are the last things he gets, as there are some very strange goings-on at the establishment.

---

Plot Keywords:

inn | author | deception | insurance | swindler | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 December 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

De syv Nøglers Gaade

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

George M. Cohan's play opened on Broadway in New York at the Astor Theater on September 22nd, 1913 and ran for 320 performances.

---

Connections

Version of Seven Keys to Baldpate (1929)

User Reviews

Messy mystery.

This oft filmed drawing room mystery gets perhaps its worst treatment with a bad cast to go along with its insipid storyline. Basically a summer stock frolic with hints of Feydeau it boasts two directors, both clueless as they clumsily flub anything salvageable in what is slim pickings to begin with.

A writer (Gene Raymond) seeking solitude to practice his craft feels he may have found a perfect spot to concentrate at the deserted Baldpate Inn. He gets more than he bargained for though when some shady characters begin to show up creating dismal havoc.

Raymond leads a cast of lifeless dullards through the motions in this Chan like mystery (same author) sorely in need of the charm and wit of Charlie. It is lacking in both mystery and suspense and Raymond and company come across abrasive and flat as they interrupt and out shout each other. Totally bereft of drama and wit Seven Keys to Baldpate is a flawless mess, it misses in every department.