Topper Takes a Trip


Topper Takes a Trip is a 1938 supernatural film directed by Norman Z. McLeod. It is a sequel to the 1937 film Topper. Constance Bennett, Roland Young, Billie Burke, and Alan Mowbray reprised their roles from the earlier film; only Cary Grant was missing. A ghost tries to reunite a couple whom she had a hand in splitting up in the prior film. It was followed by another sequel, Topper Returns. The movie is in the public domain.

Plot

To gain entry to Heaven, ghost Marion Kerby has to do some good on Earth. That means reuniting a divorcing couple, Cosmo and Clara Topper. To be fair, Marion played a part in their troubles: Clara mistakenly thought Marion was Cosmo's mistress. Making peace between the pair will mean accompanying Cosmo on a trip to the French Riviera and employing plenty of otherworldly tricks, with the help of a canine spirit named Mr. Atlas.

Cast

The film received one Oscar nomination in 1939 for Best Special Effects for Roy Seawright.

Preservation

Topper Takes a Trip was preserved and restored by the UCLA Film and [Television Archive|UCLA Film & Television Archive] from the 35mm nitrate original picture negative and a 35mm nitrate master positive. Restoration funding was provided by The Packard Humanities Institute. The restoration had its world premiere at the 2024 UCLA Festival of Preservation.