Topper/Topper Returns

Based on the book The Jovial Ghosts by Thorne Smith, Norman McLeod's comic charmer Topper (1937) revolves around the comic efforts of George (Cary Grant) and Marion Kerby (Constance Bennett)--killed in an auto accident, and changed into ghosts--who can be finally laid to rest only by redeeming their heretofore hedonistic lifestyle by performing a good deed. The object of their intentions is Cosmo Topper (Oscar-nominated Roland Young), a stuffy henpecked bank officer who has let all the joy of living drain from his miserable existence. Invisible to all except Topper, the ghostly pair proceed to turn his staid world upside down in this delightful screwball comedy that was followed by two sequels (Topper Takes a Trip and Topper Returns [VL-3/01]--the latter also included on this disc) and a popular 1950s television series. Artisan's double-disc set is value-priced at $19.98, but includes no extras and the transfers are not exactly notable (Topper has a very slight jitter throughout, and both films look soft and feature poor contrast in places). Recommended, overall. (R. Pitman) [Blu-ray Review—Nov. 27, 2018—Music Video Distributors, 88 min., not rated, Blu-ray: $29.99—Making its latest appearance on Blu-ray, 1941’s Topper Returns features a decent transfer with PCM mono audio, but no extras. Bottom line: this classic comedy looks its best ever on Blu-ray.]