STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“TOPPER TAKES A TRIP.” At the State Theatre on Saturday night the large audience greatly enjoyed “Topper Takes a Trip" one of the finest and greatest laughter-raising pictures ever seen on the screen. Those present were delighted with it enjoying every foot of a picture that immediately became a favourite. It even eclipsed the previous Topper presentation which was considered as the outstanding picture of its class. The story, which is, of cotfrse, a fantastic one, gives ample rein for the comedy situations in which the film abounds. The ghost-like Miss Bennett, from the best of motives, lands Topper and his wife in the divorce court, and gives Topper a lot to expplain. Miss Bennett takes a hand in the court hearing and her mysterious part results in the judge throwing out Mrs Topper’s application for a decree. She then sets about reuniting the Toppers, and the scene shifts rapidly to the luxurious life of the Riviera, whither Mrs Topper has flown. On the golden sands, in the casino, and in the hotel, diverting scene follows diverting scene, as husband and wife rub shoulders and. all around are intrigued by the sudden appearances—and disappearances—of Topper’s glamorous blonde. Miss Bennett succeeds in her task of uniting the Toppers, and the final scene is in (and on) an aeroplane, Paris to New York bound. Constance Bennett enhances the reputation she built up in “Topper” and “Merrily We Live” as a first-class comedienne, and Roland Young is again admirably cast as Cosmo Topper. Billie Burke as Topper’s wife shows her usual ability to get into strange situations and out of them again most divertingly. Alan Mowbray is cast as the Topper’s valet; Alexander D’Arcy as the fortune-hunting baron who, seeking Mrs Topper’s hand, finds himself side-tracked by a ghost; Franklin Pangborn as the hotel manager; Verree Teasdale as Mrs Pankhurst; and Paul Hurst as the bar-tender, all of whom contribute their share of good acting. There is a strong supporting programme.