Topper

Topper, directed by Norman Z. McLeod is a black and white comedy film from 1937, starring the trifecta of Cary Grant, Constance Bennett, and Roland Young. This classic film gives rise to hearty laughs, unexpected twists, and an endearing mix of sophistication and whimsy. The film, running for 97 minutes, successfully blends elements of comedy and fantasy to produce a delightfully charming narrative.

Cary Grant and Constance Bennett play the roles of George and Marion Kirby, a pair of carefree, rich socialites who thrive on a chase for happiness and revel in their playful existence, their lifestyle simply centers around having fun. Their lavish life comes to a sudden, premature end when they meet with a fatal car crash. However, instead of 'crossing over', they find themselves caught in a state of limbo as ghosts, due to their thoughtless, frivolous life thereby providing the movie with its supernatural edge. The plot then meanders into the realm of an amusing afterlife.

Meanwhile, Roland Young effortlessly slips into the character of Cosmo Topper, a stuffy, repressed bank president who believes in adhering to rules and responsibilities devoid of any adventure or recreation. Under constant pressure and criticism from his domineering wife, he leads a dreary life, which is a stark contrast to the carefree existence once enjoyed by the lively Kirbys. Fascinated by the thrilling lifestyle led by his deceased acquaintances, Topper purchases George Kirby's sporty luxury car, gradually stepping out of his usual conservative life.

As ghostly denizens, feeling the need to perform a good deed to earn their place in heaven, the Kirbys decide to inspire Cosmo Topper to shake things up. This decision sets off a series of hilarious incidents and raucous adventures that dominate the remainder of the film. They set out to help this uptight, rigid man to loosen up, embrace life and step out of the cage of societal norms and expectations.

The spectral Kirbys become Topper's unexpected life coaches, driving him out of his monotonous cocoon. They introduce him to a world of gleeful mischief, uninhibited fun, and nocturnal sociability that he never knew existed. A highlight of the movie is the interaction between the ghosts and their subject, Cosmo Topper. The subtle sophistication of Cary Grant and the elegance of Constance Bennett create a wonderful chemistry with the humorously perplexed Roland Young.

The result is an enjoyable ride through a world where the ghosts are fun-loving, full of life and vigor, while the humans stumble and grapple with the monotony and repetitiveness of their lives. Even though the Kirbys are invisible to everyone except Topper, they influence the entire storyline with their whimsical charm and nonchalant attitude towards life and death.

Topper, with its clever premise and witty performances, offers a unique twist on the typical ghost tale. Its comedic approach to the afterlife and the twist of fate for its main characters display a unique blending of fantasy and reality. The portrayal of the lead characters is brilliant, with Grant portraying jovial George Kirby with his natural charm and charisma, Bennett bringing sophistication and frivolity to Marion Kirby, and Young amusingly portraying the title role of Cosmo Topper, who vacillates between confusion and delight in the swirl of strange events.

The conceptualization of the entire movie is ahead of its time, especially considering it was made in 1937. Its special effects, showcasing the ghostly activities of George and Marion, are commendable given the technological limitations of the era. The humor and charm of Topper have helped it to withstand the test of time, and it remains a beloved classic more than 80 years after its release.

In the realm of unconventional comedies, Topper is hailed as a masterpiece, thanks to its unique blend of humor, fantasy, and pathos. It presents an engrossing narrative of friendship, transformation, and carpe diem that stand wrapped in layers of laughter and thrills. Topper delights, amuses, and tugs at the heartstrings, making it an absolute must-watch for classic movie enthusiasts.