Topper

I remember well watching reruns of this series in the Fifties; incredibly, it still shows up in late-night reruns on broadcast TV even today. The special effects were pretty good for 1953, and now they're merely quaint. But the pleasant and good-natured charm of this story about the stodgy banker and the two friendly ghosts of the young marrieds who used to live in his house and were killed by an avalanche is just wonderful. The ghosts alternately help and drive crazy Topper - but they mean well. The chemistry is excellent, helped by Sterling and Jeffreys being married. Anne Jeffreys turned up in the last few years on some shows. . . and must have been drinking a youth serum! Still lovely.

Thorne Smith wrote a lot of racily humorous books, most of them justly forgotten, but now and then he hit on a worthwhile theme. The Topper books were about how after a short and frivolously wasted life, a young couple returns from the dead to implore a Thurberesque little man to live life to the fullest. Because it's a terribly serious situation that applies to us all, it's a wonderful basis for humor. Oh, and because the young female is safely dead, she can indulge in racier behavior than was often seen on 1950s television.

The TV remake with Jack Warden was less successful, largely because its Topper was at the pinnacle of the business world and thus less obviously in need of any ectoplasmic helpers.

I fondly recall watching this show on our first Raytheon TV. I also recall laughing at the crazy antics of George and Marion. The special effects were what I remember, quite good for that early time. Would love to see an episode once again and hear that catchy theme music. Neil, the St Bernard was a classic, drinking gin and I recall Cosmo's always battling with his boss, the stuffy Mr Schuyler (spelling may be wrong). I was hoping that the last show would result in the ghosts becoming visible to Mrs. Topper also. Oh well, I guess that was the five year old that i was at that time always believing that everything would always have a happy ending.

I came across a DVD of four episodes from this fifties show for $7.95. I had almost forgotten this show and how I enjoyed it as a kid when it was in syndication for a brief time back in the mid to late sixties. Leo G. Carroll in the title roll is a perfect foil for the fun-loving spirits of George and Marion Kirby. And speaking of spirits, I think Neal was the only alcoholic dog in history. He sure did love his booze. I've heard of dogs liking beer, but I've never known them to put away a whole case after drinking half a canteen full of gin. That was a hoot! (Love 'ya, Neal, you big dumb mutt!!!). It was his fondness of the drink that got George and Marion killed in the first place. I guess some dogs just never learn.

This show is a forgotten classic, and well worth its weight in gold. You hardly ever see or hear of it any more, and that's too bad. Wish they would put it on Nick at Night or TVLand. Wouldn't mind a few more DVD's either. Great show.

One of my best childhood memories, a worthy TV incarnation of the movie classic. It's also where I first learned of Leo G. Carroll, Mr. Waverly in "The Man from Uncle"