Thorne Smith, a celebrated American author, achieved widespread recognition and acclaim with the publication of his notable 1926 novel "Topper", a sophisticated and witty spoof of middle-class conventions and moral standards. This engaging and humorous tale follows the hilarious misadventures of Cosmo Topper, a mild-mannered and unassuming bank executive, as he is unexpectedly rescued from the monotony of his ordinary life by the charming and mischievous ghosts George and Marion Kerby. The novel's remarkable success led to the publication of a sequel, "Topper Takes a Trip", and the extraordinary trio of Cosmo, George, and Marion inspired a series of movies, including the 1937 film starring the renowned Cary Grant and the talented Constance Bennett, as well as a popular television series.
The literary career of Smith, a masterful weaver of words, continued to flourish with each successive publication, as his ingenious narrative skills and aptitude for conjuring imaginative fictions were consistently on full display.
In his captivating tale, "The Stray Lamb", a protagonist's existence is dramatically upended as he undergoes a series of astonishing transformations, morphing into various creatures that challenge his perception of reality.
Meanwhile, in the fantastical world of "The Night Life of the Gods", a brilliant but eccentric inventor is transported to the vibrant streets of Manhattan, where he finds himself in the company of reincarnated Greek and Roman deities, each with their own unique brand of whimsy and charm.
Furthermore, in the delightfully absurd "Turnabout", a disillusioned husband and wife are suddenly and inexplicably imbued with each other's identities, leading to a sidesplitting comedy of errors as they navigate the complexities of their new circumstances.
Not only did Smith dedicate himself to crafting an array of fantasy novels, but he also ventured into other genres, showcasing his versatility as a writer. One notable example is his tale, "Rain in the Doorway", where a lawyer finds himself unexpectedly transported to a department store. Another intriguing story is "Skin and Bones", which revolves around a photographer who, at inopportune moments, becomes nearly invisible.
In addition to these imaginative works, Smith also penned a single mystery novel, "Did She Fall?", which was published in 1930. Furthermore, he wrote a children's novel, "Lazy Bear Lane", which is sure to delight young readers. Finally, his metaphorical tale, "The Bishop's Jaegers", offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes and ideas.
Thorne Smith's crowning achievement, the magnificent and fantastical "The Glorious Pool", was painstakingly crafted and completed in the year 1934, yet fate had other plans, as the renowned author breathed his last on June 21st of that same year, at the tender age of 42, while indulging in a well-deserved vacation in the sun-kissed state of Florida, surrounded by his loving family.
The unfinished and tantalizing novel, "The Passionate Witch", remained a mystery, left to the imagination of the world, until it was finally published posthumously in 1941, allowing the literary world to finally get a glimpse into the creative genius of the late author.
This publication would later serve as the inspiration for the 1942 film adaptation, "I Married a Witch", which brought the captivating tale to the silver screen, captivating audiences and cementing Thorne Smith's legacy as a master of the fantasy genre.
Notwithstanding the premature passing of the renowned author, Smith's remarkable body of work has endured, garnering widespread acclaim and sparking the creative endeavors of numerous filmmakers and television producers. The cinematic legacies of his work are manifold, boasting a diverse array of notable productions, including the beloved classic "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir", the timeless tale of "Heaven Can Wait", the irreverent and iconic "Beetlejuice", the spellbinding "Ghost", the poignant and sentimental "Always", and the imaginative and unconventional "A Life Less Ordinary".
In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the realm of humorous literature, The New York Times has eulogized Smith as one of America's most influential and significant writers of his time, crediting his ingenious and mischievous depictions of ghosts as the inspiration behind many of these celebrated films.
Thorne Smith, a notable literary figure, entered this world on March 27, 1892, in the charming coastal city of Annapolis, Maryland, a place steeped in rich history and naval tradition.
As the years went by, Smith's life took a dramatic turn, ultimately coming to a close on June 21, 1934, in the sun-kissed city of Sarasota, Florida, where he succumbed to the devastating effects of a heart attack, a sudden and unexpected turn of events that left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
