They sure don't make 'em like this anymore. Cary Grant and Constance Bennett are two rich,elite party-goers that meet their untimely end in a car crash(drunkenness)and find that even though dead they are bound to be ghosts until they have done some kind of charitable deed. They decide to help their banker Cosmo Topper and try to bring him out of his dull, hen-pecked existence. Topper is one of those unique films where the stars actually play second banana to - I am sure what was seen as a more supporting role despite being the titular character. Roland Young plays Cosmo for all he is worth and accentuates his secret desires, his sardonic albeit quiet wit, his "fun" side that gets hidden away, etc... Young received an Academy Award nomination most deservedly. He breathes a lot of life in this film. What is his strongest asset is his ability to control language the way that he does. Topper's dialog is a lot of fun and seeing/hearing him trade quips with wife Billie Burke are some of the film's finest moments. Burke is in rare form with her ear-piercing voice. What about Grant and Bennett? Don't get me wrong, they are both very good. Grant is very suave and charming and a master of light comedy. Bennet is funny too but exudes a healthy sex appeal. But it's Young's show all the way. He is ably assisted by a host of very funny, competent character types with Alan Mowbry, Eugene Palette, and an incredibly young Arthur Lake vigorously lending out a helping hand. This is a fun film not meant to be taken too terribly seriously. I mean where is the logic in two ghosts who die from their own carelessness teaching a responsible man to let caution to the wind and kick up his heels?
Review of Topper
