source: Topper

Trailer—Topper

Topper

This is a faultlessly wonderful movie. The chemistry between Grant and Bennett is captivating. But even more captivating is Roland Young as the middle-aged man trapped in a boring life and yearning to be free. It's hard not to envy the Kirbys their wonderful, carefree and madcap life, and to sympathize with Topper and his feeling of having lost his life. So, of course, you root for him - and against the wonderful Billie Burke - in his efforts to recover his freedom and LIVE. Yes, it's not unlike another great comedy, Auntie Mame, the story of the magical woman who frees young Patrick Dennis, and those who will listen, from their routine world of Babcocks. If you've never seen this movie, treat yourself. Like the Kaufman and Hart classic "You can't take it with you," you will feel better for having watched it.

Constance Bennett and Roland Young as superb in this charming comedy. Cary Grant is in it too. George and Marion get killed in a car wreck but hang around to change the life of stuffy banker, Cosmo Topper. Nice performances by the stars and some OK 1937 special effects. Not quite a screwball comedy, but things get going toward the end. The film is rather too staid for the first hour. Billie Burke is fun as are Eugene Palette and Arthur Lake. Alan Mowbray seems miscast. Virgina Sale is good as the secretary but Hedda Hopper is wasted. I fondly remember the TV series but I imagine it doesn't hold up. This was a huge hit and helped establish Grant as a comedy star, revived Bennett's career, and put Young on the map with an Oscar nomination.

Influential box office hit finds a couple of free spirited, newly deceased ghosts inspiring a dull banker to live life to the fullest. The simple, straightforward story is given a fresh approach by a witty script and terrific performances from the entire cast - Roland Young is divine in an Oscar-nominated performance in the title role, and Cary Grant and Constance Bennett are terrific as the dearly-departed couple. The film was followed by two sequels, a long-running television series, a made-for-TV remake, and a whole slew of imitators - although none of which ever approached the quality of the original. A delightful good time that remains arguably the best supernatural comedy that Hollywood has ever produced.

Some great sight gags made this a big hit in its day, enough that two sequels were made (although not nearly as good.) Cary Grant and Constance Bennett certainly are a handsome leading couple but it's Roland Young, as "Cosmo Topper," who steals the show. He's a stiff old man who quickly loosens up and the transformation is fun to watch. Bennett was a legitimate 1930s glamor girl who looks just great in here and pairs off well with the handsome Grant. The two of them also exhibit a good comedic touch. They had a lot to offer besides good looks. Even more handsome than those two was the automobile - wow, what a great-looking sports car! I''m glad to see other reviewers comment on it. It was awesome. By the way, I know Hollywood liked to preach in some of these classic films that everyone gets into heaven, but this was "topped" them all. In here, the theology was that "all it takes is ONE good deed" during your lifetime. Ohhhhh-kay.