STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“TOPPER TAKES A TRIP.” Tonight there will be presented at the State Theatre one of the greatest comedies ever brought to the screen—- “ Topper Takes a Trip.” Those who witnessed the previous “Topper” picture still retain memories of the humour of the picture, but in "Topper Takes a Trip” they will find something which altogether eclipses it. It is an outstanding comedy with a scream in every minute of it and is the undoubtedly one of the greatest laugh-ter-producers of recent years. “Topper Takes a Trip,” introduces again Roland Young in the part of the rather timid little banker who becomes mixed up in the efforts of Marion Kirby to do a good deed. All the former attempts by the Kirbys —George Kirby has now disappeared from the mortal scene —have failed, and instead of making Topper’s life happier have brought him into the divorce Court. Constance Bennett, who again plays the part of Mrs Kirby, pursues the banker and his wife to the Court and so interferes with proceedings in her invisible guise that the case is thrown out. The scene then moves to Europe, where Mrs Topper, anticipating an early conclusion to the affair, is not averse to the attentions of a young nobleman who is attracted by her money. There are many hilarious scenes in the film, on several occasions the quarrel between the Toppers being almost patched up, only for Mrs Kirby to materialise at an unfortunate moment. Billie Burke has the role of Mrs Topper and Alexander D’Arcy plays the penniless nobleman. Thorne Smith wanted to see his stories on the screen, but producers were afraid of them. They didn’t think the whimsical Smith tales, that combined humour and metaphysics, would be popular with screen audiences. When Smith dedicated • “Topper Takes a Trip” to ..Young •it was with verbal .regret thdt his friend would never have the chance to be Ml? Topper on the screen. Roland Young did get his chance as Topper, but the author did not live to see the outstanding success his friend made of the part. He died two years before “Topper” was produced. The “Topper” pictures immediately become a success and proved a great box-office attraction. .Picture patrons who enjoy a good clean comedy should not miss seeing “Topper Takes a Trip.” Box plans for the season are now open at Adcock’s, or phqne theatre, 1322.