Product: Topper Returns (UK PAL Region 0)
Rating: 3.0
A Murder Mystery with Comedy
Topper Returns, 1941 filmThe movie begins with the mysterious shadow of a man against a background. Next this man shoots at the tire of a taxi cab on the road, causing it to crash. The two women passengers climb out. "As easy as falling off a log." A passing car takes them to Carrington Hall, a spooky house that is quite large inside. The Doctor talks to Miss Carrington. Ann Carrington will inherit the entire estate tomorrow. A falling chandelier just misses Ann! An accident? "Rest in peace"? Ann and Gail switch bedrooms. Later the mysterious stranger sneaks in to Gail's room. We hear her scream. Is that a ghost? There are comic scenes at Cosmo Topper's house. The ghost appears to Cosmo; why did she die? Topper will go to Carrington Hall with Gail's ghost. [The special effects echo "The Invisible Man".]Cosmo is discovered trying to use the phone to call the police. What happened to the body? Or the car? The taxi cab driver shows up to claim his fare. That mystery man shows up to threaten Ann. The household is awakened. More comic scenes follow. Where is Topper now? A walk-in icebox? The conversation is funny. A seal in the basement? Who are those three men with a stiff body? The fight among the seamen is like a Three Stooges movie. Nobody went out that door! The housekeeper is ready to name the killer. The lights go out with a scream! Will the mystery man show up to kidnap Ann? Will the taxi driver find the secret passage in the house? Topper figures out a way to reveal the murderer. Everyone gathers in the big room to listen to Topper's explanation. One witness tells who was standing near the fireplace, and the murderer is revealed. Can he escape? Not if his car cracks up. "It serves you right!" We finally learn the truth. "Enough is enough."Can combining a murder mystery with a comedy create a better product than either a murder mystery ("The Maltese Falcon") or a comedy alone? Not with this movie, although it is entertaining (as long as you don't question its premises). It does not mention the smuggling operation going on in this isolated house. Stories about "ghosts" should keep nosy people away, and explain any mysterious events in the night. [Does this film echo the "Rocky Mountain Mystery"?]