Is Seven Keys to Baldpate Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1917)

📖 The Core Premise

Seven Keys to Baldpate returns to the screen in 1917, bringing a fresh narrative to the Thriller, Mystery genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A writer bets a publisher friend that he can write a 10,000-word novel in 24 hours. The publisher takes the bet, and gives him the "only key" to his Baldpate Inn, which has been closed for the winter, so he can write in complete seclusion. Things start heating up, though, when a succession of people who also have keys to the inn begin showing up."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. George M. Cohan attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Thriller. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Seven Keys to Baldpate worth your time? If you appreciate Thriller, Mystery films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Seven Keys to Baldpate misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 65 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.