Topper (1937)

I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The first of 3 films based on 2 books written by Thorne Smith: "Topper" and "Topper Takes a Trip". Released in '38, "Topper Takes a Trip" was the first sequel, followed by the 1941 "Topper Returns". The present film is billed as the one with the most comedic content. "Topper Returns" differs from the others in being a ghostly murder mystery. In the other 2 films, there is no mystery about the cause of death of the person(s) whose ghost will provide most of the entertainment. These ghosts are rather unusual in that they alternate between being visible and invisible, mainly visible to bank executive Cosmo Topper. Also, when invisible, they manifest signs of a physical body being present. In this respect, these ghosts are infringing on the territory of the Invisible Man or Woman, who are not ghosts, but rather people who have received a treatment causing them to become invisible for a while. They also manifest physical capabilities similar to the Topper ghosts.We have a couple: George and Marion Kirby, who wreck their expensive roadster on a windy road, both being killed. Cosmo Topper later buys their reconditioned car and travels the same road recklessly, running off the road in the same spot as the Kirks due to a blowout. But, this time, the car was not badly damaged nor Cosmo badly injured. He sits on a log where the Kirby ghosts still are hanging out. "Get off my wife's lap" shouts George, greatly startling Cosmo. The pair become visible, again startling Cosmo. They talk for a while, then George becomes invisible and changes the blown out tire. Invisible George drives the car, startling passerbys.(This is long before the inception of driverless cars). Later, they go out, and Cosmo gets drunk and pushes a policeman. This starts a general melee, with the Kirby's becoming visible and joining in. Afterward, a now invisible George again drives the car, freaking out people. You get the general idea by now. The Kirbys hope to do some good deed relating to Cosmo so that they may qualify to enter heaven's gates.Cary Grant wasn't in the other 2 films of this series. Not a big deal, I would say. Aside from driving the car, Constance had a bigger role. I would say "Topper Returns" is a more interesting film because of the murder mystery factor. Also, "Topper Takes a Trip" and "The Invisible Woman" are better comedic films of this type....Billie Burke exhibited her usual neurotic simpleton character, being excessively concerned with the Topper's social standing.. . Hoagy Carmichael sang and played the new song "Old Man Moon", also later sung by the Three Hits and a Miss.

A carefree couple (Cary Grant, Constance Bennett) are killed in a car crash. They come back as ghosts to help their bank manager friend, Cosmo Topper (Roland Young), break out of his stuffy little rut and find happiness. I first saw this years ago and I remember being disappointed that Cary Grant isn't really the star of it, Roland Young is. This is probably the role Young is best remembered for, although it's very similar to some of his other roles. Namely that of a meek little man who mumbles and has funny deadpan reactions to things. He's likable and easy to root for. For their parts, Grant and Bennett are a lot of fun. They sing "Old Man Moon" with Hoagy Carmichael in one delightful scene. The supporting cast includes Billie Burke, Alan Mowbray, and a very funny Eugene Palette. The film was a success and led to two sequels and a TV series. It's a light screwball comedy with enjoyable performances and a good script. People expecting it to be a vehicle for Cary Grant might be disappointed but hopefully they'll give it a shot anyway.

This is the film that got the ball rolling for Cary Grant in all of those screwball comedies we loved him for throughout the late 30's and into the 40's.There is typical Cary Grant charm throughout,though the show is nearly stolen from him by Roland Young,who,despite the fact that he plays the title character,is listed as a supporting player rather than star.This story of a recklessly irresponsible rich couple meeting their fate in an auto accident and trying to earn their way to the pearly gates by adding flair to the dull life of another is a charmer worth revisiting again and again.A must see for fans of Cary Grant and the comedy genre.

Honestly, I never liked Cary Grant, but it's an old comedy with ghosts, has wacky silly potential, I expected slapstick because I don't know what screwball comedy is. If this is top of screwball comedy, than it sucks. Let's be realistic, it's not funny. The couple, they drive cars with feet, they sing when they shouldn't, they sleep in the middle of the road, the are assholes. And they find this poor Topper who's not living his life with anal prolapse, so they make him drink and molest random people. Cary Grant is uglier, less lovable and more irritating than later on when he's older. Topper's wife, one of the main reasons for his boring life, is played by Billie Burke, who played the good witch Glinda destroying singlehandedly the ending of Wizard of Oz, looking so unpleasant. But she's better here. Constance Bennett is cutely quirky. But Roland Young as Topper was great and fitting for the role. Funny intonation, funny stance, everything. I think I don't like the movie, but it might be one of those movies which need a while. And how irritating is that they can touch people and stuff, but people don't bump into them, suddenly no one can touch them even of they go through the space which they occupy. Also, she drinks chocolate soda. What's that?