This is one of the earliest films Hollywood made about ghosts that showed spirits after death. While the comedy is OK, the real stars of "Topper" are the artists behind the scenes who made the special effects work. In modern times, we are used to all kinds of special effects in films, as well as computer-generated imagery. But back in the 1930s – less than 10 years after film became wholly rounded with sound and video, special effects such as this must have truly amazed audiences. The quality is so good that it still comes across as real many decades later.
Although Cary Grant was firmly established by this time, he took second billing to Constance Bennett. She was a star in her own right and had been around Hollywood a decade earlier than Grant. Hollywood also tended to tout its leading ladies above the men in those days.
Anyway, Bennett and Grant are OK in this film as Marion and George Kerby. But their roles aren't particularly special – beyond being the means for much crafty special effects. The plot is quite simple. The script doesn't have a lot of punch or humor in the dialog. It has some, but nothing on the level movie buffs came to enjoy in most Grant films. The most enjoyable performances in the film are by Roland Young as Topper and Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper. A cast of very good supporting actors adds a little flavor.
But for the special effects in this film, it wouldn't rate that high against other Grant and Bennet films of the 1930s and 1940s.
Although Cary Grant was firmly established by this time, he took second billing to Constance Bennett. She was a star in her own right and had been around Hollywood a decade earlier than Grant. Hollywood also tended to tout its leading ladies above the men in those days.
Anyway, Bennett and Grant are OK in this film as Marion and George Kerby. But their roles aren't particularly special – beyond being the means for much crafty special effects. The plot is quite simple. The script doesn't have a lot of punch or humor in the dialog. It has some, but nothing on the level movie buffs came to enjoy in most Grant films. The most enjoyable performances in the film are by Roland Young as Topper and Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper. A cast of very good supporting actors adds a little flavor.
But for the special effects in this film, it wouldn't rate that high against other Grant and Bennet films of the 1930s and 1940s.