Topper

In addition to the old movies that we have stashed in the RV we also borrow old movies from the local library. As I perusing their offerings, I saw Topper and Topper Returns. When I was a kid there was a TV show called Topper that I loved.  It featured two friendly ghosts who haunted a very stiff and proper banker. Now was the time to see the movie that spawned that delightful series of my youth.

In the movie, a very young and dapper Cary Grant plays George Kerby and the gorgeous Constance Bennett plays his wife, Marion. The movie was much like I remembered the old TV series. Topper, the banker is “reserved” and these two happy ghosts are off to do their good deed so they can get to the other side.  

There’s Roland Young playing Topper acting befuddled as George and Marion try to put some fun into his life. 

The movie, which was nominated for 2 Academy Awards is a two trick wonder of ghosts appearing and disapperaring and things floating in space. In one funny scene, invisible George is changing a tire when a couple of bums come along... you get the rest. The movie was made in 1937, while the world was still in an economic depression, and it was a fun break from reality. The sets featured fancy houses, stodgy banks, a fantastic car,  and a wonderful wardrobe. The opening scene has Constance Bennett in a white sparkly creation that is sexy yet demure. This dress would wow people nowadays and it’s a lot better than most of the stuff you see on a Hollywood Red Carpet.

Tne sequel, Topper Returns was not nearly as good, and it still had the same two tricks. It too was nominated for 2 Academy Awards. If you get a chance to see these old movies, take it. These two fluffy and funny movies are considered classics and are worth your time when you need a diversion from reality.