Topper Returns (1941)
1h 28m | PG-13
Topper is once again tormented by a fun-loving spirit. This time, it's Gail Richards, accidentally murdered while vacationing at the home of her wealthy friend, Ann Carrington, the intended victim. With Topper's help, Gail sets out to find her killer with the expected zany results.
Director: Roy Del Ruth
Studio: Hal Roach Studios
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery
Video: 720p
Cast
Joan Blondell
as Gail Richards
Roland Young
as Cosmo Topper
Carole Landis
as Ann Carrington
Billie Burke
as Mrs. Clara Topper
Dennis O'Keefe
as Bob
Patsy Kelly
as Emily, the Maid
Reviews
Joan Blondell ("Gail") is staying with her friend "Ann Carrington" when she is murdered. Her ghost alights on next door neighbour "Cosmo Topper" (Roland Young) to help her get to the bottom of it all. This is actually quite a witty little comedy thriller; Billie Burke is suitably over-the-top as "Mrs. Topper" and Rochester Anderson as the chauffeur brings his usual cheeky charm to the proceedings. The actual whodunnit it almost irrelevant: this is a film about characters and with a bit of menace added by George Zucco ("Dr. Jeris") and Donald MacBride as the pretty hapless, hopeless, "Detective Roberts" we get a decent, quickly paced, drama with all the haunted-house secret passages, moving bookcases and trap doors to keep us guessing and some good writing that swipes at almost everything/everyone.. It's way too long - could easily lose half an hour to tighten it all up but It's still a bit of a laugh to watch.