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The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)

1h 35m | PG-13

⭐ 7.2 / 10

Algernon Moncrieff is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as "Ernest" -- is actually named Jack Worthing. Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew. Cecily believes that Ernest is Jack's wayward brother and is keen on his raffish lifestyle. Algernon, seeing an opportunity, assumes Ernest's identity and sneaks off to woo Cecily.

Director: Anthony Asquith

Studio: Javelin Films

Genre: Comedy

Video: 720p

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Cast

Michael Redgrave

Michael Redgrave

as Ernest Worthing

Michael Denison

Michael Denison

as Algernon Moncrieff

Edith Evans

Edith Evans

as Lady Bracknell

Joan Greenwood

Joan Greenwood

as Gwendolen Fairfax

Dorothy Tutin

Dorothy Tutin

as Cecily Cardew

Margaret Rutherford

Margaret Rutherford

as Miss Prism

Reviews

By CinemaSerf

There's little point in outlining the plot here - it's not what the film is about. It is the combination of characterisations and the wonderfully witty writing of Oscar Wilde that make this a thoroughly enjoyable film to watch. It makes no bones about it's theatrical origins - even featuring a curtain at the start and the finish, and that sets us up for a cracker of a comedy that swipes at snobbery, pomposity, crass stupidity, deception and offers us a tour de force effort from the inimitable Dame Edith Evans ("Lady Bracknell"). Anthony Asquith has created a delightfully honest interpretation of the play - the dialogue is pithy and quickly paced, few lines are wasted and the talents of Michael Redgrave, Michael Denison, Dorothy Tutin, the perfectly cast Joan Greenwood as "Gwendoline" and Margaret Rutherford as the prim "Miss Prism" combine to give us a genuinely laugh-out-loud series of scenarios that are a joy to behold. It's colourfully set, the costumes a delight (though, I felt seriously gaudy at times!) and the comically timed mannerisms, gestures and charisma of the performers is great, too. It is rare for a piece of theatrical comedy to transfer so effortlessly to the big screen, but here it all looks so very natural...