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The Importance of Being Earnest

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The Importance of Being Earnest

1952

1h 35m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

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88%

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24 Reviews

83%

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2,500+ Ratings

Algernon Moncrieff (Michael Denison) is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as Ernest -- is actually named Jack Worthing (Michael Redgrave). Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew (Dorothy Tutin). 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.

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Critics Consensus

An artfully assembled cast, lovely set design, and direction solidly in service of the source material make The Importance of Being Earnest an adaptation that works.

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Almar Haflidason

BBC.com

Despite a few tweaks to Oscar Wilde's frighteningly witty play, director and writer Anthony Asquith serves up a truly delightful screen version of "The Importance of Being Earnest."

Rated: 5/5

Jan 25, 2019

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Philip Horne

Daily Telegraph (UK)

The perfect cast - Michael Redgrave, Michael Denison, Margaret Rutherford - and the perfect director (Anthony Asquith) know just how seriously (not very) to take this amoral satire on society's falsity.

Rated: 5/5

May 5, 2014

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Variety Staff

Variety

All the charm and glossy humor of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy emerges faithfully in this British production.

Mar 10, 2009

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

The direction is not always lively but Wilde's sparkling dialogue helps to make this one practically a "must" for sophisticated customers.

Oct 30, 2019

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David Parkinson

Radio Times

The steady direction of Anthony Asquith keeps Wilde's polished barbs and bons mots firmly to the fore and the film is an invaluable record of an expert cast at work.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 25, 2019

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MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

A film of this kind must either be an adaptation, or a piece of filmed theatre. This one, being partially both, is not wholly either.

Jan 22, 2018

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Alec B

The definitive film adaptation of the play. Edith Evans' delivery of "A HANDBAG!?" is so iconic your brain will shatter into a thousand pieces

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

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Georgan G

This 1895 play has been made into several film versions. Found a 1988 version in BBC's The Oscar Wilde Collection. It was quite funny, even with all the British cultural & language differences from the late 1800s. My favorite line is Lady Bracknell, "To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune...to lose both seems like carelessness."

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/06/24

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wer s

udoubtedly funny, costiumes perfectly matching the characters, elegant simplicity

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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r 9

Just like the 2002 production, 1952's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is a fine film. I, of course, knew what was coming when watching this having seen the aforementioned remake just a matter of weeks ago; they're practically, if not entirely, the same. Even so, I still had a fun enough time here. My feelings are, as you'd expect, very similar - even down to the casting. I enjoy the performances of all bar one. Cecily is the weakest link from 2002, whereas Lady Bracknell annoys me most from 1952. Every time she spoke I was irritated, given her incredibly annoying voice which feels too forced; assuming that isn't Edith Evans' natural tongue. On the contrary, Michael Redgrave (John), Michael Denison (Algy), Joan Greenwood (Gwendolen) and Dorothy Tutin (Cecily) are enjoyable. 2002's remake is my preferred, but this original adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play is very much watchable.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

One of the funniest movies ever made.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/02/20

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Audience Member

Great casting for a great play. I can only guess that those who did not like this could not keep up with Wilde's rapid fire wit. One of the best comedies ever, IMO

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Anthony Asquith

Director

Michael Redgrave

Jack Worthing

Michael Denison

Algernon Moncrieff

Edith Evans

Lady Bracknell

Richard Wattis

Seton

Margaret Rutherford

Miss Prism

Kipps

60%

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Synopsis

Algernon Moncrieff (Michael Denison) is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as Ernest -- is actually named Jack Worthing (Michael Redgrave). Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew (Dorothy Tutin). 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
Producer: Teddy Baird
Screenwriter: Anthony Asquith
Production Co: Javelin Films
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 18, 2017
Runtime: 1h 35m

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