You look like Death warmed-over, darling. Image: IMDb
What are we to make of the 1937 screwball comedyTopper?
This crazy flick stars ultra glam thespians Cary Grant and Constance Bennett as a wealthy, fun-loving couple who are so free-spirited, they frequent a nightclub with a slide. (How great is that!)
Alas, the pair are killed in a car wreck, and they’ve become stuck in an incorporeal No Man’s Land. They’re not summoned to heaven – or that Other Place, fortunately – but are confined to earth until Bennett decides they must perform a Good Deed.
The unfortunate object of their charity is a Mr. Topper (Roland Young), president of a Manhattan bank of which Grant was a prominent shareholder.
Young’s character is a buttoned-down fellow who wields a great deal of economic authority, yet is forever Bossed Around by his wife (Billie Burke) and butler (Alan Mowbray). This makes him an ideal Fixer-Upper Project for Bennett, and she resolves to show him a zestier life. But she has a real time of it, given the pursed-lip disapproval of Young’s staff and family.
Example: Young purchases the sporty car belonging to Grant and Bennett, but Burke is Not Amused. She’s bewildered by this “circus wagon” and says being seen in it would be as embarrassing as going to the opera in pajamas.
Even so, Bennett and Grant drag a not-unwilling Young into a series of adventures, including a brawl, an arrest, and allegations of an affair.
Young appreciates this exotic new lifestyle – “Maybe I’ve needed a drink all these years and haven’t known it,” he muses. Meanwhile, the disapproving Burke slowly realizes their lives may have been too constricted.
Yet, a surprisingly bad fate is in store for Young, thanks to his phantom friends.
Bennett teaches Roland Young how to Live. Image: IMDb
Topper the film doesn’t take anything seriously, and it’s something of a tonic for those tired of seeing privileged classes live by a separate set of rules.
You see, Grant and Bennett, while alive, enjoyed all the perks of being rich, including the ability to do whatever they want. In the film’s opening scene, for example, Grant drives his fancy convertible while perched on the back of the driver’s seat, steering the car with his feet. Imagine if any of us did that.
Notice the telling conversation between Bennett and Grant after they realize they’ve, uh, expired. They try to list all the Good Deeds they’ve done in their lives, but Come Up Short. They can’t think of any altruistic acts, which underscores their shallow and self-absorbed nature.
That’s why the reformation of Young-as-Topper is almost cliché. The couple’s attempt to re-create him in their image reinforces their belief that the world is (or should be) a reflection of themselves.
Topper was a hit at the box office; Ultimate Movie Rankings lists it at #18 in the 50 top-grossing movies of 1937. It was also nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Sound and Best Supporting Actor for Young).
This film boosted the careers of Grant and Bennett. After Topper, Grant would appear with Irene Dunne in The Awful Truth, a film that made him a superstar.
As for Bennett, she was reportedly so impressed by Topper‘s screenplay, she took a reduction in pay to star in the film. Happily, she received critical praise for her performance, which helped diffuse her image as a mere “clothes horse”. Her next film, Merrily We Live, would reunite her with co-stars Burke and Mowbray.
Topper is a lot of fun, and it’s a good example of a 1930s screwball comedy, especially since it concerns silly rich people wedged in an awkward afterlife.
Topper starring Cary Grant, Constance Bennett, Roland Young. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod. Written by Jack Jevne, Eric Hatch, Eddie Moran. Hal Roach Studios, 1937, B&W, 98 mins.
I understand that Thorne Smith who created the couple, and Roland Young were good friends. I like the idea of the writer and actor connection. It’s not one I have noted often in “my” movies.
Depending on my mood, or the time of day/night I watch it I either find Topper tiresome or bubbly. I guess I’ve got to have my rest to keep up with Marion and George.
I really enjoyed reading this. It’s not a movie I think about often, so it’s fun to remember it through your thoughts about it.
psst…. The Awful Truth? Now we’re talkin’ 😉
The Awful Truth is one of my faves. I splurged and bought the Blu-Ray during a Criterion sale last year. Topper doesn’t really hold a candle to The Awful Truth, but in a way it’s interesting to see the development of both screwball comedies and Cary Grant’s onscreen persona.
Interesting topic for the 30s! Of course, it would have been nice if they’d helped out someone who really needed it, but escapism was maybe what people during the Depression needed more than anything 😊
My library (what’s wrong with them?!) was discarding a 2 film set with Topper and Topper Returns so I snatched it up. I gave Topper a go once, but maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for it. I will give it another go after reading your review. Also, have you seen the sequel?
Haven’t seen the Topper sequels, but hope to soon.
And your library is crazy! Good thing you grabbed that set. Topper is not my fave screwball comedy, but there’s still lots to enjoy…if you’re in that frame of mind.
I think Topper Takes a Trip is the rare sequel that’s even better than the original–and it doesn’t star Cary Grant! But it serves as a reminder that Roland Young is the one who makes the Topper films work. Young was a first-rate character actor; my favorite of his performances is probably from Ruggles of Red Gap. But it’s nice to see him get more of the spotlight in the Topper movies.
I’ve heard that about the Topper/Trip sequel and how it’s better than the original (which is hard to believe). Like you said, Roland Young really is the one who makes it work.
I haven´t seen this Cary Grant movie. The plot sounds like fun. The movie was called ‘La pareja Invisible’ (The invisible couple) in Spain. It never stops to amaze me the names movies end up having in Spain.
Silver Screenings 
I understand that Thorne Smith who created the couple, and Roland Young were good friends. I like the idea of the writer and actor connection. It’s not one I have noted often in “my” movies.
Depending on my mood, or the time of day/night I watch it I either find Topper tiresome or bubbly. I guess I’ve got to have my rest to keep up with Marion and George.
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Marion and George certainly are a force of nature. Who could ever keep up?
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I saw this flick years ago and liked it. A TV series, based on the movie, ran in the 1950s. Have you seen the series? I used to watch it.
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I’ve never seen the series, but have heard about it. Did you enjoy it?
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I liked it at the time, but that was forever ago.
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A movie about making amends from the Afterlife? And with Cary Grant? Sounds awesome! 🙂
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I hope you get the chance to see it. This film moves at an almost frantic pace.
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I really enjoyed reading this. It’s not a movie I think about often, so it’s fun to remember it through your thoughts about it.
psst…. The Awful Truth? Now we’re talkin’ 😉
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The Awful Truth is one of my faves. I splurged and bought the Blu-Ray during a Criterion sale last year. Topper doesn’t really hold a candle to The Awful Truth, but in a way it’s interesting to see the development of both screwball comedies and Cary Grant’s onscreen persona.
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Interesting topic for the 30s! Of course, it would have been nice if they’d helped out someone who really needed it, but escapism was maybe what people during the Depression needed more than anything 😊
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Agree. The fashions and sets alone in this movie are escapism-worthy.
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My library (what’s wrong with them?!) was discarding a 2 film set with Topper and Topper Returns so I snatched it up. I gave Topper a go once, but maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for it. I will give it another go after reading your review. Also, have you seen the sequel?
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Haven’t seen the Topper sequels, but hope to soon.
And your library is crazy! Good thing you grabbed that set. Topper is not my fave screwball comedy, but there’s still lots to enjoy…if you’re in that frame of mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think Topper Takes a Trip is the rare sequel that’s even better than the original–and it doesn’t star Cary Grant! But it serves as a reminder that Roland Young is the one who makes the Topper films work. Young was a first-rate character actor; my favorite of his performances is probably from Ruggles of Red Gap. But it’s nice to see him get more of the spotlight in the Topper movies.
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I’ve heard that about the Topper/Trip sequel and how it’s better than the original (which is hard to believe). Like you said, Roland Young really is the one who makes it work.
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I’m astonished there’s a Cary Grant movie I haven’t seen! And it sounds like great fun too, thanks!
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Ooh – you must see this!
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P.S. I love your new Cine Muffin avatar!
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I haven´t seen this Cary Grant movie. The plot sounds like fun. The movie was called ‘La pareja Invisible’ (The invisible couple) in Spain. It never stops to amaze me the names movies end up having in Spain.
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I didn’t realize that was the name of the film in Spain. It’s a pretty fun movie, if you ever get the chance to see it. Thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Ruth,
Don’t look now, but you’ve been nominated: https://debbimacktoo.wordpress.com/2021/08/26/the-third-sunshine-blogger-award/
You can choose to decline, but where’s the fun in that? Or feel free to accept. Or not. 🙂
Take care,
Debbi
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No way! Thanks! I’m out of town for the next few days, but I’ll be checking it out when I get back.
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Hope your trip is great! Look forward to your return! 🙂
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Charming screwball comedy. You make me want to watch it again! 🙂
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It would’ve been somethimg to see Bennett amd Grant in another screwball comedy, hey? If only…
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