ST. JAMES

Evening Star, Issue 23496, 9 February 1940, Page 11

ST. JAMES

Constance Bennett and Cary Grant, co-starred for the first time, and Roland Young as “ Topper,” achieve a joint triumph in the Hal RoachM.G.M. feature comedy, ‘ Topper,’ which opened this afternoon at the St. James. The trio turns in brilliant performances. Miss Bennett, light and gay in the high comedy of ‘ Topper,’ is more delightful than in any role she has portrayed in her illustrious career. Just as Claudette Colbert added to her fame in ‘lt Happened One Night ’ and Carole Lombard scored in. ‘My Man Godfrey,’ Miss Bennett comes into her own in * Topper.’ Cary Grant exhibits the same gay, rollicking manner that characterised his leading role opposite Grace Moore in ‘ When You’re in Love.’ ‘ Within the Law ’is the'other attraction. Ruth Hussey appears in the role of Mary Turner, created by Jane Cowl in the stage hit of 1912. Tom Neal, who, like Miss Hussey, gathered stage experience with the New York Theatre Guild, has his first leading role opposite her. Tho cast also features Paul Kelly, William Gargan, Paul Cavanagh, Rita Johnson, Samuel S. Hinds, Lynne Carver, Sidney Blackmer, Jo Ann Sayers, and Ann Morriss. The story concerns Mary Turner, a department store salegirl, who is wrongfully sent to prison for theft. She studies law, and on gaining her freedom sets out to get even with the man who accused her.