MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 89, 16 April 1938, Page 11

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“TOPPER.

The astounding adventures of Mr. Cosmo Topper, sedate Wall Street bank president, who was destined to take part in the hilarious escapades with madcap gentry of another world, is transcribed from Thorne Smith’s sensational novel to the screen in the new Hal Roach feature-length comedy, "Topper,” which is the attraction commencing to-day at the Majestic Theatre. Constance Bennett and Cary Grant are co-starred as the young married couple who, upon meeting a violent death, find themselves imprisoned in spiritual space and who can only advance to a higher plane (presumably heaven) by achieving one good deed. Their idea of a good deed is reconstructing the staidly moral life of Cosmo Topper. Roland Young, as “Topper” finds the ethereal couple a source of constant embarrassment in their material and invisible efforts on his behalf. They upset his henpecked life with his domineering wife, played by Billie Burke. How they flit in and about astounded natives, how they pursue an incredible series of adventures across a bewildered countryside, lifts

“Topper” from the rut of his smug existence and makes of him a disreputable but happy human being. Thomas Smith, the author, dedicated one of his “Topper” books, “Topper Takes a Trip,” to Roland Young, which corroborates the studio’s Idea of casting Young for the role In the new picture. A supporting -of well known players is headed by Alan Mowbray and Eugene Pallette, and also includes Arthur Lake, Hedda Hopper, Virginia Sale, Theodore von Eltz, J. Farrell, McDonald, Elaine Shepard, Doodles, Si Jinks and the “Three Hits and a Miss.” The gamut of trick photography is run in the production of “Topper.” Roy Seawright, special effects man with the Hal Roach studios, accomplishes the camera magic in collaboration with Norbert Brodine, the cameraman.