Topper Returns (1941)

My Review

Remakes and sequels seem to be staple of Hollywood these days, but really are nothing new. MGM did a good job with 1941’s “Topper Returns,” the third in the series which includes “Topper” (1937) and “Topper Takes a Trip” (1938). This one is a murder mystery, with a murder victim seeking help from the ghostly Cosmo Topper.

The cast includes Roland Young as Topper, Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper, Joan Blondell as the murdered woman, Carole Landis as Blondell’s gal pal, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson as the Chauffeur, H. B. Warner as Landis’ hubby, Dennis O’Keefe as Bob, Patsy Kelly as the maid, George Zucco as the doctor, and Donald MacBride as the police sergeant.

“Topper Returns” was a break-even at the box office for producer Hal Roach and United Artists. It was nominated for two Oscars for special effects and sound.