Topper (1937)
Directed by Norman Z. McLeod and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on July 16, 1937, Topper is a supernatural screwball comedy based on Thorne Smith’s 1926 novel. Produced by Hal Roach Studios, the film stars Cary Grant, Constance Bennett, and Roland Young, and blends afterlife antics with social satire in a brisk 97-minute runtime. It was a commercial success and earned two Academy Award nominations.
Plot Summary
George and Marion Kerby (Cary Grant and Constance Bennett) are a wealthy, carefree couple who die in a car crash and return as ghosts. Their mission: to shake up the life of Cosmo Topper (Roland Young), a dull, henpecked banker whose life is ruled by routine and his domineering wife Clara (Billie Burke).
The Kerbys haunt Topper with playful chaos—drunken escapades, invisible pranks, and romantic confusion—forcing him to confront his repressed desires and break free from societal constraints. As Topper’s behavior grows erratic, he becomes the talk of the town, but also begins to rediscover joy, spontaneity, and independence.
Cast
- Cary Grant as George Kerby
- Constance Bennett as Marion Kerby
- Roland Young as Cosmo Topper
- Billie Burke as Clara Topper
- Alan Mowbray, Eugene Pallette, Arthur Lake, and Hedda Hopper in supporting roles
Production Notes
- The film was shot in black and white with cinematography by Norbert Brodine and editing by William H. Terhune
- Marvin Hatley composed the score, adding whimsical touches to the ghostly hijinks
- Cary Grant’s role was one of his early comedic successes, showcasing his timing and charm before his rise to superstardom
- The special effects—floating objects, invisible characters—were innovative for the time and earned the film an Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects
- Roland Young received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, a rare honor for a comic performance
- The film’s success led to two sequels: Topper Takes a Trip (1938) and Topper Returns (1941), and later inspired a 1950s television series
Legacy
Topper is a cornerstone of 1930s American comedy, blending fantasy and farce with a critique of bourgeois conformity. It helped establish the ghost comedy subgenre, influencing later films like Blithe Spirit and Ghostbusters. It’s a stylish, witty artifact of pre-war Hollywood, notable for its performances, effects, and enduring charm.
