As a kid with our new-fangled tv, I tuned in every week to catch the two charming ghosts and the strait-laced banker. Okay, viewed now, the show's more amusing than a real knee-slapper. But who can resist the ghostly Kerby's brought adorably to life-- I mean see-through life-- by actors Sterling and Jeffreys. Their genuine affection for each other as real life husband and wife shines through the scripted roles. Then there's banker Topper (Caroll), maybe not the most charming older guy but a great straight man, nonetheless.
The material itself is loaded with comedic potential-- friendly ghosts only Topper can see. Others can see the ghostly effects, but not the invisible agents themselves. Thus natural laws, like gravity, appear temporarily suspended. The crusty old banker himself is something of a grouch having no fun. So our playful ectoplasms try to loosen him up. For others in the household, that means floating lamps, disappearing food, and Topper talking to thin air. The humorous possibilities are endless, and brought off in wholesome 1950's style. Of course, viewing to best effect means loosening up logic to let the unreal antics shine through.
Oh sure, some entries are better than others and not all manage to score. Still, it was a funny show then, and for this geezer, still is. And oh yes, despite the sponsor's best efforts, I left those "mild, mild Camels" to cough around in their own tobacco patch, thank goodness.
The material itself is loaded with comedic potential-- friendly ghosts only Topper can see. Others can see the ghostly effects, but not the invisible agents themselves. Thus natural laws, like gravity, appear temporarily suspended. The crusty old banker himself is something of a grouch having no fun. So our playful ectoplasms try to loosen him up. For others in the household, that means floating lamps, disappearing food, and Topper talking to thin air. The humorous possibilities are endless, and brought off in wholesome 1950's style. Of course, viewing to best effect means loosening up logic to let the unreal antics shine through.
Oh sure, some entries are better than others and not all manage to score. Still, it was a funny show then, and for this geezer, still is. And oh yes, despite the sponsor's best efforts, I left those "mild, mild Camels" to cough around in their own tobacco patch, thank goodness.