In 1941 Carole had a supporting role in the supernatural comedy Topper Returns. She plays Ann Carrington, a daughter who reunited with her millionaire father. Joan Blondell plays her best friend who is murdered and becomes a ghost. Carole replaced Joan Bennett who was originally cast in her role. This was the last movie she made while under contract with Hal Roach. She received third billing in the credits. The all-star cast includes Roland Young, Patsy Kelly, Dennis O'Keefe, Billie Burke, George Zucco, H.B. Warner, and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. Carole and Patsy had worked together in Road Show and were close friends. Topper Returns was the third film in the popular Topper comedy series. The movies were based on the books written by Thorne Smith.
Carole and Dennis O'Keefe
Roy Del Ruth directed the movie. Filming took place at Hal Roach's studio in Culver City during November and December of 1940. It was made on a budget of $500,000. The costumes were designed by Royer. While shooting one scene Carole was almost crushed when a prop chandelier fell in the wrong place! Topper Returns was released on March 21, 1941. The tagline for the film was "Topper's Having Girl Trouble Again." It was a hit and Carole got good reviews for her performance. The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards - best sound recording and best special effects. In 2022 Topper Returns was restored by the UCLA film and television archive.
Carole and Joan Blondell
Topper Returns is available on Blu-ray and DVD
