SYNOPSIS:"Topper Returns" is a supernatural comedy mystery film directed by Roy Del Ruth. The film stars Roland Young as Cosmo Topper, the befuddled banker from the previous "Topper" films, and features a new storyline filled with humor, intrigue, and ghostly antics.

The story begins with Gail Richards (played by Joan Blondell), a beautiful young woman, arriving at the spooky mansion of her friend Ann Carrington (Carole Landis). Ann has recently inherited the mansion from her late father, and strange occurrences have been happening there. Gail soon finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery when Ann's scheming relatives, seeking to inherit the Carrington fortune, plot to scare Ann away.

Cosmo Topper, along with his loyal butler Eddie (played by Eddie "Rochester" Anderson), gets drawn into the mystery when he accidentally picks up Gail while she's hitchhiking on a rainy night. They arrive at the Carrington mansion just in time for a series of bizarre and eerie events to unfold.

The plot thickens as the ghost of a beautiful young woman named Marion Kirby (played by Joan Blondell in dual roles), who was mistakenly murdered at the mansion, enters the scene. Marion's ghost is determined to solve her own murder with Topper's unwitting help, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and ghostly interventions.

As Topper and Gail navigate through the mansion's hidden passages, secret panels, and a mysterious séance, they unravel the tangled web of deceit surrounding Ann Carrington. With Marion's ghost playing matchmaker between Topper and Gail, the story culminates in a climactic showdown where the true culprits are exposed, justice is served, and Topper finds himself inadvertently involved in yet another otherworldly adventure.

"Topper Returns" delights audiences with its blend of supernatural comedy, clever plot twists, and charming performances, making it a classic example of 1940s Hollywood whimsy and intrigue.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: Topper Returns begins on a dark and stormy night as Ann Carrington (Carole Landis) and her friend Gail Richards (Joan Blondell) arrive at a mysterious mansion owned by Ann’s estranged father, Henry Carrington (H.B. Warner). The two women are greeted by a peculiar household staff, including the sinister chauffeur, Lillian (Rafaela Ottiano), and the bumbling maid, Emily (Billie Burke). The atmosphere is immediately tense, with hidden passages and secret doors suggesting the mansion holds many secrets.

After settling in, Ann and Gail retire to their respective rooms. However, due to a mix-up, Gail ends up in Ann's room and is murdered by a shadowy figure. Gail's ghost, now visible and audible only to certain individuals, realizes she must solve her own murder to find peace. She turns to Cosmo Topper (Roland Young), a banker with a history of dealing with ghosts, for help.

Topper, initially reluctant, is persuaded by Gail’s ghostly presence and her plea for justice. His wife, Clara Topper (Billie Burke), remains skeptical and bewildered by her husband’s erratic behavior as he converses with an invisible entity. As Topper delves into the mystery, he encounters various eccentric characters, including the mansion’s strange inhabitants and a comically inept detective, Inspector Roberts (Donald MacBride).

The investigation reveals a web of deceit involving hidden identities and long-lost family ties. Ann is the primary target due to her inheritance, and the murderer’s motive is to eliminate her to claim the fortune. The ghostly Gail helps Topper navigate the mansion’s secret passages and uncover vital clues. Their interactions provide much of the film’s humor, with Gail’s playful and sometimes mischievous ghostly antics contrasting with Topper’s bewildered and bumbling demeanor.

The climax unfolds in a chaotic series of events, with Topper and Gail racing against time to unmask the killer before they strike again. They manage to gather all the suspects in one room, classic mystery style, and reveal the identity of the murderer: Lillian, the chauffeur, who had conspired with an accomplice to kill Ann and claim the inheritance.

With the mystery solved, Gail’s ghost is finally at peace and bids a fond farewell to Topper, thanking him for his help. The film concludes with Topper returning to his ordinary life, albeit with a renewed sense of adventure and an appreciation for the supernatural.

PRODUCTION: 'Topper Returns' (1941) was directed by Roy Del Ruth and produced by Hal Roach, making it the third and final installment in the 'Topper' series, following 'Topper' (1937) and 'Topper Takes a Trip' (1938). The screenplay, written by Jonathan Latimer, was based on characters created by Thorne Smith. Roy Del Ruth's direction brought a perfect balance of comedy, mystery, and fantasy to the film, creating a unique and entertaining cinematic experience. The production was marked by the collaboration of talented individuals, with Latimer's background in hard-boiled detective fiction adding a layer of mystery to the comedic script. The film featured a strong cast, including Joan Blondell as Gail Richards, Roland Young reprising his role as Cosmo Topper, Carole Landis as Ann Carrington, Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper, and Hattie McDaniel as Emily. Joan Blondell's portrayal of Gail Richards stood out, combining charm and wit to create a memorable character. The chemistry between the cast members, along with their individual performances, added depth and humor to the film, making 'Topper Returns' a notable and enjoyable entry in the series.

The production of 'Topper Returns' involved several notable aspects beyond its direction and cast. Shooting for the film began in late 1940.

The production took place at the Hal Roach Studios, located in Culver City, California. This studio was well-equipped for creating the special effects needed for the supernatural elements of 'Topper Returns.'

The use of optical effects and practical effects to create ghostly apparitions and other supernatural phenomena was a significant aspect of the film's production, contributing to its unique blend of comedy and fantasy. Cinematography was handled by Norbert Brodine, whose work helped create the atmospheric and visually appealing look of the film. The art direction by Nicolai Remisoff provided the film with a distinctive visual style, combining elements of Gothic and Art Deco design to enhance the mysterious and whimsical tone of the story.

Overall, the production of 'Topper Returns' was marked by a combination of strong direction, a talented cast, skilled technical crew, and effective use of special effects, all of which contributed to its success as an entertaining and memorable film.

RELEASE: Upon its release on April 11, 1941, 'Topper Returns' was met with positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its clever blend of comedy and supernatural elements, as well as the strong performances of its cast. Critics particularly appreciated Joan Blondell's charming portrayal of Gail Richards and Roland Young's reprisal of his role as Cosmo Topper. The chemistry among the cast members and the film's engaging script also received favorable comments.

At the box office, 'Topper Returns' performed well, capitalizing on the popularity of its predecessors in the series. Its success was bolstered by the reputation of the 'Topper' franchise and the involvement of well-known talents like Roy Del Ruth and Hal Roach. The film's appeal was further enhanced by its nominations for two Academy Awards, which brought additional attention and prestige.

Overall, 'Topper Returns' was both a critical and commercial success, solidifying its place as a beloved entry in the 'Topper' series and as a noteworthy film of its era.

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 the taxi driver

• Patsy Kelly as Emily, Topper’s maid

• H.B. Warner as Mr. Carrington

• Rafaela Ottiano as Lillian, the Housekeeper

• George Zucco as Dr. Jeris

• Donald MacBride as Police Detective Roberts

• Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson as Topper’s Chauffeur

• Trevor Bardette as Rama, the Butler

CREW:

• Director: Roy Del Ruth

• Producer: Hal Roach

• Witers: Jonathan Latimer, Gordon Douglas (screenplay), Paul Gerard Smith (additional dialouge), Thorne Smith (characters created by)

• Cinematographer: Norbert Brodine

• Editor: James E. Newcom

• Music: Werner R. Heymann

• Art Director: Nicolai Remisoff

Production Company: Hal Roach Studios
Distributor: United Artists

Release Date: March 21, 1941
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 88 minutes
Budget: $500,000
Box Office Return: $500,000

IMDB Rating =  6.8 / 10

TRIVIA:

• 'Topper Returns' is the third film in the 'Topper' series, following 'Topper' (1937) and 'Topper Takes a Trip' (1938).

• The film is notable for its special effects, which were advanced for the time, particularly in depicting Gail's ghostly presence.

• Joan Blondell’s performance as the ghost Gail Richards received acclaim for her comedic timing and chemistry with Roland Young.

• Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, known for his work with Jack Benny, provides comic relief as Topper’s chauffeur, adding to the film’s humor.

• The success of the 'Topper' series led to a television adaptation in the 1950s, with Leo G. Carroll playing the role of Cosmo Topper.

• Eddie (played by Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson) mentions going back to "Mr. Benny," referencing Jack Benny, on whose radio and television programs Anderson played Rochester, Jack Benny's driver. This implies the character actually is Rochester, but the film couldn't legally use the name, so they used his real name instead.

• When Gail says, "Just like the Pot O' Gold program," she refers to the popular radio show on NBC from September 1939 to December 1941, where answering a random phone call could win $1,000 (over $22,000 in 2024).

• In a 1972 interview, Joan Blondell remembered: "It was a hit but has grown on TV viewings because it is public domain. I laugh when I see it. I laugh at Eddie Anderson and Patsy Kelly and Billie Burke and Rollie Young. It's a send-up of all those dark house plots."

• The $26.80 cab fare would equate to over $570 in 2024.

• Unlike most movie ghosts, Gail is somewhat solid, e.g. she has to open doors rather than simply walk through them.

"Topper Returns" remains a classic comedy mystery from 1941, known for its witty humor, clever plot twists, and the delightful performances of its cast, continuing to entertain audiences with its lighthearted charm and engaging storyline.