Topper/Topper Returns
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Movie Reviews of Topper/Topper Returns
Movie Review: BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember seeing both of these movies on TV when I was a kid.Buying this DVD marked my first time seeing these films in years.It was worth it too.
"Topper"came out in 1937.Billie Burke is quite memorable as Cosmo Topper's ditsy wife.You can tell that this film was made at Hal Roach Studios by some of the background music we hear."Nightfall"is the name of the instramental melody heard during the scene where Cosmo is taken to the Kirbys'penthouse by the ghosts of the couple themselves.Which was also heard in the Laurel & Hardy feature"Way Out West"and the Our Gang short"Bear Facts"."Strange And Mysterious"is the tune we hear during the scene where all the policeman join hands and cautiously search the hotel foyer for the cause of strange goings on.This same music was also heard in the Laurel & Hardy feature"Way Out West",the Our Gang short"Night'N'Gales",and the Laurel & Hardy feature"Swiss Miss".
"Topper Returns"came out four years later(1941).A very well balanced combination of a chillingly spooky atmosphere and hilarious slapstick comedy.Eddie"Rochester"Anderson,who in this film serves as Cosmo's chauffer,is probably my favourite part of the film.Accidently entering the mansion cellar by way of a revolving wall,and falling head first into a pool of water,where he encounters a Seal,of all things.Actresses Joan Blondell and Carole Landis are most memorable as well.
I highly recommend this DVD,not just for Topper fans,but for fans of movies from this era in general.
Movie Review: Great movies and a great dvd
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this two-movie dvd a year ago for $5-$10 at Suncoast video in their used dvd section. Both movies are completely charming. Most of what I could say about the wonderful casts has already been said, so there's no need to repeat it. As to the controversy over the quality of the transfer, I think it's as simple as this: the movies were made many, many years ago. Maybe it's unrealistic to think the prints would be as crystal clear as what we're used to with more modern movies. I will say that while watching these movies multiple times, I have never felt distracted by any problems with the picture or sound.
These movies are terrific, and anyone who loves classic, old movies will enjoy them. I, for one, found the film-making very interesting in regards to shooting the scenes where things moved about by themselves and impressions were made in a couch where an invisible person was supposed to be sitting or how clothes worn by an invisible person were filled out, then the person appeared wearing them. Not bad in the special effects department, considering that this was the 40s!
As for the price, these movies are charming and cute but not worth more than $15 and available for less. So, if you can't find them for a decent price, keep looking around, especially in used dvd shops. Suncoast is a good place to look because they buy back used dvds and resell them.
***By the way, does anyone know the name of the jazz song that plays on the main menu screen?? Thanks!
Movie Review: Hilarious and utterly charming!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a screwball comedy, Topper has it all: high spirits and hijinks, wonderful acting all around, sharp dialogue, deft physical comedy, and a theme lots of people can relate to. If you're in the mood for a screwball comedy that still has a real message, this is one to watch. Topper Returns is like an episode of Scooby Doo come to life: spooky mansion, secret corridors, creepy servants, and a masked murderer on the loose. Mix in a hard-drinking ghost, a befuddled detective, a blonde bombshell, and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson of Jack Benny fame, then add a string of razor-sharp one-liners, double-takes, and pratfalls, and you get a recipe for hilarity. Billie Burke, as Topper's ditzy, jealous wife, is even funnier in this one than in the original: she takes blithe cluelessness to a new level!
The special effects in both films are suprisingly good for the era, and the beautiful DVD transfer really brings them to life. Great films!
Movie Review: Topper
Summary: 5 Stars
Uproarious comedy was yet another step to super-stardom for Cary Grant, who proves himself a gifted comic player as well as handsome leading man. Bennett (older sister of Joan) is the essence of high-toned style and beauty as wife Marion. Still the revelation is Young, who's a consistent delight as the put-upon Cosmo, a man who must cope not only with a rigid, controlling wife (Billie Burke), but a couple of goofy, upper crust specters who keep turning his well-ordered world upside down. A genuine screwball classic. Note: this DVD also includes the sequel "Topper Returns", which brings back Young (sans Grant and Bennett) and is good fun, though a tad contrived and not up to the first entry.Movie Review: In Response to, "Disgusted Hal Roach Fan"
Summary: 5 Stars
The "Disgusted Hal Roach Fan" seems to be in his own tormented little world! I read his review prior to buying the Topper/Topper Returns video because I love this movie and had not seen it in a very long time. I thought, oh well, even if it is as bad as the "DHRF" said it was, at least I would get to see this movie again. My only explanation for the "DHRF" is that his sight isn't very good, he needs a new DVD player, or he just has an ax to grind against Artisan Video. The Topper video is crystal clear and the sound is great. If you like Cary Grant and want to see one of his earlier screwball comedies, this is a great DVD.