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effective trick of presentation in its simplest form. In practice the continuity may often be a good deal more complex, but the principle of showing the same joke in several different ways still applies. Here is a finished example.
TOPPER RETURNS1 Extract from Reel 9
One of the Topper series of comedy films. A rather slight but gruesome murder plot forms the background for the comedy. The scene is set in a creepy old country mansion full of trap doors and library shelves opening backwards into secret passages. In the library there is a sort of Sweeny Todd chair, which can be tipped backwards through the floor, thereby hurling the occupant down a deep well under the house which communicates with the sea.
Mr. Topper (Roland Young), a mild ineffectual man, unwillingly involved in the investigation, is trying, rather feebly, to find clues. His wife (Billie Burke), a gentle, absentminded lady, is quite unable to appreciate the gravity of the situation. Eddie (Rochester), their negro servant, is thoroughly frightened by all the happenings.
Interior Library. Mr. Topper enters from left background and walks towards Mrs. Topper in right foreground. Eddie stands in left foreground.
Ft. fr.
Mrs. Topper :
Well — where is she ?
9 3
Mr. Topper :
Wh — Where is who ?
2 M.C.S. Mr. and Mrs. Topper.
As in I. Eddie walks towards chair and sits down. Mr. and Mrs. Topper are not looking at him.
Eddie sits down in the chair, it tips back and throws him down the well and then rights itself into position.
Shot from top of well showing Eddie falling through space.
Mrs. Topper : 10 7
You know perfectly well who
I mean. That — that girl. Mr. Topper :
But there wasn't any. Mrs. Topper :
Oh yes there was. I heard you
both in that room.
Eddie : 20 8
Pardon me, Mr. Topper, but it's getting kinda late, can't we settle this at home.
Mrs. Topper :
Edward, don't interrupt.
Eddie : Yessum !
Just as chair is beginning to tip
back :
Mrs. Topper :
Cosmo, I should think that after twenty years of married life, you wouldn't try to deceive me. Why, I remember our honeymoon in Atlantic City. You promised me you'd never look at another woman.
Eddie :
Mr. To-o-o-opper !
1 Director ; Roy del Ruth. Editor : James Newcom. United Artists, 1941.
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