Topper Returns

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Ranked #1,601 in Movies & TV, #45,314 overall

Topper Returns (1941)

In the third of producer Hal Roach's Topper comedy films, most of the action takes place in an old, dark mansion, complete with trap doors and secret passageways. Roland Young returns as banker Cosmo Topper, and along with his chauffeur Eddie, offers support to pretty hitchhikers Gail Richards and Ann Carrington, played by Joan Blondell and Carole Landis. Naturally, Cosmo's good deed does not go unnoticed. Mrs. Topper and her maid catch a glimpse of the family car whisking past, with Gail sitting in Topper's lap! The girls are on their way to the spooky Carrington estate, which is to be inherited by Ann the following day when she turns 21. When Gail falls in love with Ann's opulent bedroom quarters, Ann insists on switching rooms for the night. Unaware of the arrangement, a mysterious, caped assailant murders Gail instead of his intended target, Ann. Gail's ghost arises from her body and glides to the house next door, where Mr. and Mrs. Topper are preparing to retire for the evening (in separate bedrooms, no less!) Meanwhile, Gail feels chilly, and crawls into Topper's warm bed. Initially, Topper wants nothing to do with Gail's spirit, but she persuades him to find her killer and rescue Ann from a similar fate. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson steals the show as the perennially frightened chauffeur. Cast members who reside at the Carrington estate include H. B. Warner as Ann's father Henry Carrington, George Zucco as the creepy Dr. Jeris, Rafaela Ottiano as Lillian the housekeeper, and Trevor Bardette as Rama, the butler. Billie Burke returns as Mrs. Clara Topper, and Patsy Kelly is delightful as her maid, Emily. Though Topper Returns is more contrived than the earlier films, it still provides plenty of laughs.

Topper Returns (1941) 

A Few Facts Courtesy of Wikipedia

Topper Returns is the third and final entry in the initial series of films inspired by the novels of Thorne Smith. It followed Topper (1937) and Topper Takes a Trip (1938). As in the prior movies, Roland Young and Billie Burke play the Toppers, while Joan Blondell portrays a murder victim and ghost who tries to save her friend, played by Carole Landis, and unmask her killer with the help of a reluctant Cosmo Topper.

It was nominated for the Academy Award for Special Effects (Roy Seawright and Elmer Raguse) and Best Sound, Recording (Elmer Raguse).

A TV series of Topper premiered in 1953 and ran for two seasons. A pilot called Topper Returns (1973) was later made for a proposed TV series. There was also a made-for-TV remake of the original film, Topper in 1979.

Topper Returns

Clara Topper:

Trying to make these policemen understand something is harder than doing it yourself.

Topper Returns Facts & Trivia 

Hal Roach Studios, Inc.

Topper Returns
A Ghostly Joan Blondell with Roland Young

  • Producer: Hal Roach (Uncredited)
  • Director: Roy Del Ruth
  • Writers: Thorne Smith (Characters), Jonathan Latimer & Gordon Douglas (Original Screenplay), Paul Girard Smith (Additional Dialogue)
  • Release Date: March 21, 1941 (USA)
  • Genres: Fantasy - Mystery - Romance - Comedy
  • Oscar Nomination for Best Effects, Special Effects:
    Roy Seawright (Photographic) and Elmer Raguse (Sound)
  • Oscar Nomination for Best Sound, Recording: Elmer Raguse (Hal Roach SSD)
  • In the movie, Eddie, the chauffeur says he's "going back to Mr. Benny," an inside joke referring to his popular role as Rochester, the valet, on Jack Benny's radio program and TV show.

The Chauffeur: Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson

Eddie & Clara:

Eddie, the Chauffeur: Doors opening by themselves. People talkin' to nuthin' and gettin' answers. I'm going back.

Clara Topper: Back where?

Eddie: To Mr. Benny. Ain't nuthin' like this ever happened there.

Topper Returns Movie Poster

The Special Effects are Tops! 

Topper Returns
A Transparent H. B. Warner as Mr. Henry Carrington

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Topper Returns 

Available on VHS

Topper Returns [VHS]

Amazon Price: (as of 12/17/2009)Buy Now

The final entry in the "Topper" movie series doesn't disappoint. A fabulous cast and the perfect blend of humor and mystery bring Thorne Smith's illustrious characters to life. This VHS features the original black & white film version; run time: 87 minutes.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Topper/Topper Returns 

Available on DVD

Topper/Topper Returns

Amazon Price: (as of 12/17/2009)Buy Now

This DVD includes two movies: the original "Topper" and the second sequel, "Topper Returns." I own this DVD and am quite impressed with the quality of both films. I've watched the colorized version of "Topper Returns" on VHS and the movie is plagued with audio and video dropouts. These films are presented in their original black & white versions; run time: 184 minutes.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Eddie & Cosmo:

Eddie, the Chauffeur: Pardon me, boss, but could I sort of inquire what we're going to the Carrington place for?

Cosmo Topper: To look for a body.

Eddie: Better look for one for me, too, 'cause the one I'm using now is numb.

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Topper Returns 

Original Movie Trailer (1941)

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The Topper Movie Series 

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Welcome, Movie Fans 

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  • Reply
    mukunda22 mukunda22 Aug 18, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
    Topper was a great ghost story--one that captured my imagination as a child!! Ghost stories and supernatural fiction are tremendous, and this one is no exception!!
  • Reply
    Sojourn Sojourn Aug 5, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
    When the old movie channel came out with hour after hour of classics, I stayed up nearly 48 hours drugging myself on old movies. I've always been a fan and the Topper movies are marvelous!

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About the Author 

Lensmaster KimGiancaterino has been a member since October 30 2006, has rated 8,320 lenses, favorited 4,066, and has created 291 lenses from scratch. Kim Giancaterino donates their royalties to Asante Africa Foundation. This member's top-ranked page is "Diary of a Squid Angel (2009)". See all my lenses

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Topper Returns
Producer Hal Roach brought Thorne Smith's zany characters to life in three films: Topper, Topper Takes a Trip and Topper Returns.


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