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.
Acting
Roland Young's physical comedy as invisible-ghost victim.
Direction
McLeod's timing—1937 effects still sell the gags.
Costume
Constance Bennett's white-sequin ghost look is iconic.
Director
Norman Z. McLeod
Constance Bennett
Marion Kerby
Cary Grant
George Kerby
Roland Young
Cosmo Topper
Billie Burke
Mrs. Topper
Alan Mowbray
Wilkins
Eugene Pallette
Casey
Arthur Lake
Elevator Boy
Hedda Hopper
Mrs. Stuyvesant
Virginia Sale
Miss Johnson
Theodore von Eltz
Hotel Manager
J. Farrell MacDonald
Policeman
Elaine Shepard
Secretary
Doodles Weaver
Rustic
Si Jenks
Rustic
Irving Bacon
Hotel Clerk (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Constance Bennett was Hollywood's highest-paid actress in 1938 after this; she later called it her favorite role.
Launched the 'ghost comedy' subgenre that peaked with Topper Returns (1941) and influenced Blithe Spirit and Beetlejuice.
US
