DVD Review: Topaze (1933)
Kino’s blu ray restoration of this pleasantly amusing RKO feature, shows off John Barrymore at his mellowest and Myrna Loy at her snappiest. Toss in tall, imposing Jobyna Howland, bratty Jackie Searl, and a cast that is rounded out by welcome veterans like Reginald Mason and Luis Alberni, and the result is a delightful pre-code confection.
Barrymore is Dr Topaze, a quiet, overpowered professor of bratty young boys. He loses his job for giving a pampered rich boy the zero grades he deserves. The boy’s father, a Baron, and his mistress, talk the naïve professor into using his name and reputation to back a phony health drink. When Topaze realizes he is connected with something crooked, his despondence saddens the mistress and she responds to him with kindness. Eventually Dr. Topaze’s understanding of the business results in his rising to a higher level, even to the point of blackmailing the Baron who had tricked him. He becomes a partner in the business.
John Barrymore is very reserved in the role, even as the title character’s personality changes, his manner never does. There are some very amusing visual ideas here, such as the camera panning over Dr Topaze’s assistants – three of the young boys who had excelled in his former classroom. His gentle manner is played so effectively, his triumphs are especially gratifying. Reports in periodicals of the time indicate that audience members applauded the character’s triumphant antics often throughout each screening, especially when he makes an example of the bratty student whose doting mother got the professor fired. Jobyna Howland is either seated or lying down in each of her scenes, so as not to reveal that the imposing actress was, in fact, over 6 feet tall.
Filled with dry humor, some of it a bit risqué, “Topaze” was a considered a bit too earthy for a re-release in 1936 after the production code was being more strictly enforced. At the time of its original 1933, release, however, “Topaze” was named by the National Board of Review as the best movie of that year.
“Topaze” is one of those films that was quite important in 1933, but has been unfairly forgotten over time. The screenplay is by the very witty Ben Hecht, incidental music is provided by Max Steiner, it is produced by David O. Selznick and directed by Harry D’Arrast. “Topaze” holds up impressively as late as the 21st century, so the accessibility of this film on DVD and blu ray is quite welcome.
The special feature on “Topaze” is an interesting, informative commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger, who is best known as the editor-in-chief of Diabolique magazine. While “Topaze” is not in the horror genre, her area of expertise, Ms. Ellinger's commentary offers fascinating details about the film’s aesthetics, its stage origins, and its place in history.
“Topaze” is recommended for libraries, research centers, and fans of the era or any of its stars. Because it was based on a play, the film will also have great interest for theater students.
The blu ray is available here