Topper Returns is a 1941 film directed by Roy Del Ruth. It is the third and final entry in the initial series of supernatural comedy films inspired by the novels of Thorne Smith. It followed Topper (1937) and Topper Takes a Trip (1938).

As in the prior films, Roland Young plays Cosmo Topper, a mousy banker who gets into trouble because of his ability to see and speak with ghosts, and Billie Burke plays his wife, who is constantly befuddled by his strange antics. The plot revolves around a murder mystery. Joan Blondell portrays a slain woman who seeks out the reluctant Topper and enlists his help in identifying her killer and saving her friend, played by Carole Landis. Most of the action takes place in a spooky mansion filled with eccentric characters, trapdoors and secret passages.

The film was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Special Effects (Roy Seawright and Elmer Raguse) and Best Sound Recording (Elmer Raguse).

Plot
Topper is once again tormented by a fun-loving spirit. This time, it’s Gail Richards (Blondell), who was mistakenly murdered while staying at the home of her wealthy friend, Ann Carrington (Landis), the intended victim. With Topper’s help, Gail sets out to find her killer with the expected zany results.

Cast
Joan Blondell as Gail Richards
Roland Young as Cosmo Topper
Carole Landis as Ann Carrington
Billie Burke as Clara Topper
Dennis O’Keefe as Bob
Patsy Kelly as Emily
H. B. Warner as Henry Carrington
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson as Eddie
George Zucco as Dr. Jeris
Donald McBride as Police Sergeant Roberts
Rafaela Ottiano as Lillian
Trevor Bardette as Rama
William O’Brian as unnamed second butler