Seven Keys To Baldpate (1935)

A novelist (Gene Raymond) takes on a bet that he can write an entire novel in 24 hours. To do this, he settles in a secluded hotel that is closed for the winter season. But it isn't long before a barrage of shifty characters interrupt his solace. Based on the play by George M. Cohan by way of the novel by Earl Derr Biggers (creator of Charlie Chan) and directed by William Hamilton and Edward Killy. This was the second sound version (the first was 1929) of the film and two more versions (1947, 1983) would follow. This version emphasizes the comedic elements more than the mystery aspects and in a smart move (in my opinion) jettisons the "twist" ending of previous versions. It's still an overly frantic movie whose humor isn't as clever as it thinks it is and despite its brief running time (1 hour, 8 inutes), it wears out its welcome fairly quick. The large supporting cast includes Walter Brennan, Eric Blore, Henry Travers, Erin O'Brien Moore, Grant Mitchell and Margaret Callahan.