Cary Grant
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Film Study · 1937 · Fantasy Comedy • Romantic Comedy • Supernatural Comedy

Topper

A sparkling supernatural comedy that paired Cary Grant's effortless charm with one of Hollywood's most inventive fantasy stories.

Living Life FullySecond ChancesFriendshipTransformation
Archival photograph associated with Topper

Editorial ratings

Cary Grant
Story
Direction
Cinematography
Entertainment
Historical importance
The Story

Madcap couple George and Marion Kerby are killed in an automobile accident. They return as ghosts to try and liven up the regimented lifestyle of their friend and bank president, Cosmo Topper. When Topper starts to live it up, it strains relations with his stuffy wife.

Cary Grant plays George Kerby, under the direction of Norman Z. McLeod, released in 1937.

Featured quote

“My wife objects to drinking. Then she shouldn’t drink. She doesn’t. What’s her objection?”

George Kerby — A rapid-fire exchange with Topper about Topper's teetotalling wife.

Introduction

A pioneering fantasy comedy blending romance, supernatural storytelling, and sophisticated humor.

The Story

George and Marion Kerby return as ghosts to transform Cosmo Topper's joyless life.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Innovative practical effects and Hal Roach Studios' ambitious feature production.

Cary Grant's Performance

Grant delivers one of his most charming and relaxed early performances.

Norman Z. McLeod's Direction & Themes

Fantasy, redemption, joy, and second chances are balanced with elegant restraint.

Historical Context

One of the earliest successful supernatural comedies and an important milestone in Grant's career.

Legacy & Influence

Inspired decades of ghost comedies and established a lasting fantasy-comedy formula.

Production & release

  1. Early 1937

    Adaptation begins

    Screenplay development from Thorne Smith's novel.

  2. Spring 1937

    Filming completed

    Production wraps at Hal Roach Studios.

  3. July 16, 1937

    Premiere

    Topper opens in theaters.

  4. 1938

    Topper Takes a Trip

    First sequel released.

  5. 1941

    Topper Returns

    Second sequel released.

  6. Today

    A fantasy-comedy classic

    Recognized as a landmark of supernatural comedy.

In the Room

Collaborators.

Actress
Constance Bennett
1904–1965

Constance Campbell Bennett was born in New York City on 22 October 1904, into a theatrical family: her father was actor Richard Bennett, and her sisters Barbara and Joan Bennett also became actresses. She appeared in New York-produced silent films as a teenager before a chance encounter with producer Samuel Goldwyn led to her formal Hollywood debut in Cytherea (1924). She left films for several years following her second marriage, to the wealthy Henri de la Falaise, before returning to Hollywood at the dawn of the sound era and becoming, briefly, the highest-paid actress in the industry in the early 1930s, commanding fees that exceeded most of her male contemporaries. She specialized in glamorous, often melodramatic society-women roles, most memorably in What Price Hollywood? (1932), a forerunner of A Star Is Born, before shifting toward comedy later in the decade. Her signature role came in Topper (1937) and its sequel Topper Takes a Trip (1938), playing the ghost Marion Kerby opposite Roland Young, films that let her demonstrate a light comic touch distinct from her earlier dramatic image. Bennett was also a shrewd businesswoman, running her own cosmetics line and later a clothing business, unusual independence for an actress of her era. Her film career slowed through the 1940s and 1950s as she worked more in theater and television, and she did charitable and wartime work that led to her later burial at Arlington National Cemetery. She died of a cerebral hemorrhage at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on 24 July 1965, at sixty.

On Screen

Cast.

  • Constance Bennett as Marion Kerby

    Constance Bennett as Marion Kerby

  • Cary Grant as George Kerby

    Cary Grant as George Kerby

  • Roland Young as Cosmo Topper

    Roland Young as Cosmo Topper

  • Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper

    Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper

  • Alan Mowbray as Wilkins

    Alan Mowbray as Wilkins

  • Eugene Pallette as Casey

    Eugene Pallette as Casey

  • Arthur Lake as Elevator Boy

    Arthur Lake as Elevator Boy

The Record

Full billed cast of Topper (1937).

Players in billing order, with the characters they play.

  • Constance Bennettas Marion Kerby
  • Cary Grantas George Kerby
  • Roland Youngas Cosmo Topper
  • Billie Burkeas Mrs. Topper
  • Alan Mowbrayas Wilkins
  • Eugene Palletteas Casey
  • Arthur Lakeas Elevator Boy
  • Hedda Hopperas Mrs. Stuyvesant
  • Virginia Saleas Miss Johnson
  • Theodore von Eltzas Hotel Manager
  • J. Farrell MacDonaldas Policeman
  • Elaine Shepardas Secretary
  • Doodles Weaveras Rustic
  • Si Jenksas Rustic
  • Irving Baconas Hotel Clerk (uncredited)
  • Lionel Belmoreas Bank Guard (uncredited)
  • Clem Bevansas Board Member (uncredited)
  • Betty Blytheas Mrs. Goodrich (uncredited)
  • Ward Bondas Eddie (uncredited)
  • Hoagy Carmichaelas Hoagy - Piano Player (uncredited)
  • Claire Du Breyas Sales Clerk (uncredited)
  • Bess Flowersas Patron at Rainbow Club (uncredited)
  • Pat Gleasonas Taxicab Driver (uncredited)
  • Kenneth Harlanas Hotel Manager (uncredited)
  • Grace Hayleas Outraged Heavy Woman (uncredited)
  • George Humbertas Tony - Nightclub Owner (uncredited)
  • Syd Sayloras Car Salesman (uncredited)
  • Martha Tiltonas Member of 'Three Hits and a Miss' (uncredited)
  • Lana Turneras Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
  • Russell Wadeas Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
  • Ruth Warrenas Hen-Pecked Motorist's Wife (uncredited)
  • Claire Windsoras Mrs. Simpkins (uncredited)
  • Ernie Alexanderas Reporter (uncredited)
  • Marvin Baileyas Member of 'Three Hits and a Miss' (uncredited)
  • Davison Clarkas Police Sergeant (uncredited)
  • Dona Daxas Hat-Check Girl (uncredited)
  • Vince Degenas Member of 'Three Hits and a Miss' (uncredited)
  • Eddie Fetherstonas Courtroom Reporter (uncredited)
  • Tom Herbertas Hen-Pecked Motorist (uncredited)
  • Shep Houghtonas Waiter (uncredited)

Crew.

  • Art DirectionArthur I. Royce
  • Costume DesignSamuel Lange
  • Costume DesignIrene
  • DirectorNorman Z. McLeod
  • Director of PhotographyNorbert Brodine
  • EditorWilliam H. Terhune
  • Original Music ComposerMarvin Hatley
  • ProducerMilton H. Bren
  • ProducerHal Roach
  • ScreenplayJack Jevne
  • ScreenplayEric Hatch
  • ScreenplayEddie Moran
Shared Company

Players in common.

1940 · George Cukor
The Philadelphia Story

Also featuring Roland Young.

1932 · Frank Tuttle
This Is the Night

Also featuring Roland Young.

1948 · Don Hartman
Every Girl Should Be Married

Also featuring Alan Mowbray.

1936 · George Fitzmaurice
Suzy

Also featuring Theodore von Eltz.

The Correspondence

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Continue

Other studies.

1953 · Sidney Sheldon
Dream Wife

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr headline an elegant romantic comedy exploring whether the perfect partner exists—or whether perfection itself is an illusion.

1957 · Stanley Donen
Kiss Them for Me

A thoughtful wartime satire blending romance, comedy, and commentary on celebrity culture.

1963 · Stanley Donen
Charade

Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn create one of cinema's most elegant romantic mysteries—a thrilling game of deception, danger, and unexpected love.