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The film Topper from 1937 is a comedy that follows the story of a young, happy-go-lucky couple, George and Marion Kerby, played by Cary Grant and Constance Bennett, who become ghosts after a fatal car accident. To earn a trip to heaven, they decide to help their uptight boss, Cosmo Topper, portrayed by Roland Young, live a little. The movie contrasts the carefree nature of the Kerbys with the more serious Topper and his controlling wife. The film is praised for its delightful performances, romantic comedy elements, special effects, and catchy songs like "Old Man Moon" performed by Hoagy Carmichael. Overall, Topper is described as a charming and funny movie with great chemistry between the actors.
Plot
The plot of the 1937 film Topper revolves around a young, carefree couple, George and Marion Kerby, played by Cary Grant and Constance Bennett, who tragically die in a car accident. As ghosts, they realize they haven't done Enough good deeds to earn a trip to heaven. To rectify this, they decide to help their uptight boss, Cosmo Topper, portrayed by Roland Young, loosen up and enjoy life. While Topper starts taking their ghostly advice and embracing a more carefree lifestyle, his controlling wife finds his newfound behavior exasperating. The movie is a delightful romantic comedy that contrasts the lively nature of the Kerbys with the seriousness of Topper and his wife. It features charming performances, special effects showcasing the ghosts' antics, and memorable songs like Old Man Moon performed by Hoagy Carmichael.
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Cast
- Constance Bennett as Marion Kerby
- Cary grant as George Kerby
- Roland Young as Cosmo Topper
- Billie Burke as Henrietta Topper
- Alan Mowbray as Wilkins
Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Writer: Eric Hatch and Eddie Moran
Distributor: Eric Hatch and Eddie Moran
Genre: Comedy
Theme
The movie is known for its romantic comedy elements, contrasting the carefree nature of the Kerbys with the more serious Topper and his wife. The film is also praised for its charming performances, special effects showcasing the ghosts' antics, and memorable songs like "Old Man Moon" performed by Hoagy Carmichael.
Reception
The movie is praised for its originality, delightful comedy, and the exceptional performances of actors like Roland Young, Constance Bennett, and Cary Grant. The film is highlighted for its great black and white cinematography by Norbert Brodine and the chemistry between the lead actors. Topper is described as a classic that showcases Hollywood's ability to be original and entertaining, making it a film worth rediscovering by new audiences.
Trivia and fun facts
- The special effects scenes in the movie were the easiest part of the shoot for Cary Grant and Constance Bennett, as they only needed to record their lines while special effects artists made various items move on their own.
- Arthur Lake, who played the elevator boy/bellhop, later starred as Dagwood Bumstead in the "Blondie" movies and TV series.
- The car driven by the Kerbys was custom-built by the Bohman & Schwartz Co. using a 1936 Buick Roadmaster chassis, resembling a Cord but with decorative supercharger pipes.
- Constance Bennett was impressed with the film's property and agreed to be paid less than her usual fee for her role.
- Hoagy Carmichael, a songwriter and pianist, made his screen debut in Topper as The Piano player introducing the song "Old Man moon."
