Producer Hal Roach, known for his involvement in the slapstick comedy of Laurel & Hardy-Our Gang, desired a change in direction and genre. In 1937, Roach made the decision to adapt the provocative Thorne Smith fantasy novel, Topper, resulting in one of the most delightful films of the era.
Constance Bennett and Cary Grant, benefiting from their strong on-screen chemistry, portray Marion and George Kerby, a wealthy and carefree married couple who live a liberated lifestyle.
Following a night of indulgence, the Kerbys speed homeward in their shiny new roadster. Unfortunately, their journey comes to a tragic end as the car collides with a tree, claiming the lives of both occupants. However, mere moments later, the spirits of George and Marion emerge from the wreckage, continuing to live their lives with the same lightheartedness and frivolity as if the accident had never occurred.
The Kerbys come to the realization that they have not been immediately taken up to Heaven. In an effort to do a good deed, George and Marion decide to “liberate” the stuffy, sedate, henpecked banker Cosmo Topper. Initially resistant to the invisible benefactors, Topper eventually begins to relax and enjoy life. This transformation does not sit well with Topper’s supercilious wife or his long-suffering butler, especially during a chaotic free-for-all at a vacation resort.
While Topper features numerous special effects, much of the humor comes from Roland Young’s embarrassed reactions as he tries to fend off the flirtatious advances of the ghostly Marion and the strongman tactics of the spectral George. Eugene Pallette plays a flustered house detective and Arthur Lake portrays a pratfalling bellboy, adding to the entertainment.
The musical score by Marvin Hatley, a longtime Hal Roach composer, complements the zany events, including snippets of background music from Roach’s earlier Laurel and Hardy comedies. Hoagy Carmichael makes a brief appearance on screen to introduce the film’s signature tune, “Old Man Moon.”
Topper was so successful commercially that it led to two sequels and a popular TV series in the early 1950s. Roland Young, a British actor known for his versatility and physical comedy, delivered memorable performances in films like David Copperfield and The Philadelphia Story.
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