
Biggers (1913) Seven Keys to Baldpate
Seven Keys to Baldpate is an early novel by Earl Derr Biggers, best known for creating Charlie Chan. This 1913 novel is engaging in style and its clever premise leads to a surprise ending. The novel was made into a play, written and staged by no less than George M. Cohan. The first stage play opened in New York in 1913 and proved to be Cohan’s most popular play. Cohan went on to star in the leading character role in the first silent film version in 1917. He reprised the leading role of Billy Magee on stage in 1935.