Topper

views updated

Topper ★★★½ 1937

Wealthy, madcap George (Grant) and Marion (Bennett) Kerby return as ghosts after a fatal car accident, determined to assist their morose banker pal Cosmo Topper (Young) to enjoy life. Of course, since Cosmo is the only one who can see the ghostly Kerbys his life becomes very complicated. Immensely popular at the boxoffice; followed by “Topper Takes a Trip” (1939) and “Topper Returns” (1941). The series uses trick photography and special effects to complement the comedic scripts. Based on Thorne Smith's novel, “The Jovial Ghosts.” Inspired a TV series and remade in 1979 as TV movie. 97m/B VHS, DVD . Cary Grant, Roland Young, Constance Bennett, Billie Burke, Eugene Pallette, Hoagy Carmichael; D: Norman Z. McLeod.

More From encyclopedia.com