Topper

The television series 'Topper' continues the story of Cosmo Topper, a stuffy banker who inherits a haunted mansion. The ghosts of the previous owners, the witty and charming George and Marion Kerby, decide to stay and interact with Topper and his wife, Clara. Their spectral antics often lead to humorous situations as the Kerbys try to liven up the lives of the more conservative Toppers.

While 'Topper' as a film was a classic, the 1955 television series adaptation received a mixed reception. It was appreciated for its lighthearted comedic approach and its faithful continuation of the original film's premise, but some critics found its humor less sharp than the original or the later sequels. It found a dedicated audience who enjoyed its whimsical supernatural themes and the chemistry between the human and spectral leads.

• Praised for its gentle, family-friendly supernatural comedy.
• The performances of the cast, particularly Anne Jeffreys and Robert Sterling as the ghosts, were often highlighted.
• Some found the storylines to be repetitive or less sophisticated than modern sitcoms.

Google audience: Audience reviews for the show are scarce given its age, but historical sentiment indicates appreciation for its classic comedic charm and the enduring appeal of its ghostly protagonists. Viewers enjoyed the lighthearted escapism and the humorous predicaments that arose from the living and spectral characters interacting.

The character of Cosmo Topper was famously portrayed by Cary Grant in the original 1937 film 'Topper', but for the television series, the role was played by Leo G. Carroll.