Five of Smith's novels were made into movies: Night Life of the Gods (Universal, 1935), Topper (Metro-Goldwyn, 1937), Topper Takes a Trip (United Artists, 1938), Turnabout (United Artists, 1940), and I Married A Witch (based on The Passionate Witch, United Artists, 1942). There was also a sixth film, based on Smith's characters in the Topper novels, Topper Returns (United Artists, 1941). They drew measured praise from the critics, but were popular with audiences. Night Life of the Gods was praised for its use of special effects, Topper for its characterization.

Mr. Ram's role was slightly expanded in Turnabout, and George Kerby was retained only in Topper. The old Topper films still appear on television, and occasionally in movie theaters. A popular television series by Loverton-Schubert productions appeared on the major networks from 1953-1955, and there was a disappointing made-for-TV film in 1979. Topper was at the center of a controversy about the colorization of classic...