Topper Takes a Trip is a fantasy comedy and the sequel to the popular 1937 film Topper. The story follows Cosmo Topper, a mild-mannered banker, who once again finds himself haunted by the mischievous ghost Marion Kerby. This time, Marion is determined to reunite Topper with his estranged wife, Clara, who has left him due to his odd behavior in the previous film. Through a series of comic misadventures set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, Topper must navigate the chaos caused by Marion’s ghostly antics, all while trying to save his marriage.
Genre: Fantasy Comedy
Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Norman Z. McLeod (1898–1964) was an American director best known for his work in comedy and fantasy films. He began his career in animation before moving into feature filmmaking in the late 1920s. McLeod directed classics such as Horse Feathers (1932) with the Marx Brothers, Alice in Wonderland (1933), and Topper (1937). He became known for his skill in blending whimsical, surreal elements with sharp comedic timing, making him a natural fit for the Topper series.
Star Cast:
- Constance Bennett as Marion Kerby
- Roland Young as Cosmo Topper
- Billie Burke as Mrs. Clara Topper
- Alan Mowbray as Wilkins
- Franklin Pangborn as Hotel Manager
- Alexander D’Arcy as Baron de Rossi
The film was well-received as a charming continuation of the Topper story, though critics generally found it lighter and less inventive than the original. Audiences, however, enjoyed seeing Roland Young reprise his role as the befuddled banker and Constance Bennett’s glamorous ghost once more. The film was praised for its humor, light romance, and elegant Riviera setting, making it a popular piece of escapist entertainment during the late 1930s.
Fun Facts:
- Roland Young was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Cosmo Topper in the first film, which boosted interest in the sequel.
- Cary Grant, who co-starred in Topper (1937), did not return for the sequel, leaving Constance Bennett’s character as the primary ghostly presence.
- Much of the film’s charm comes from its location work and stylish European atmosphere, which contrasted with the suburban American setting of the first movie.
- The film was followed by a third entry in the series, Topper Returns (1941), which took the franchise in a more mystery-comedy direction.
- The popularity of the Topper films helped inspire later supernatural comedies, including television adaptations in the 1950s.
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