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The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)

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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 3,286

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Movie Info

Anthony Asquith's adaptation of Oscar Wilde's witty play of mistaken identities stars Michael Redgrave as rich bachelor Jack Worthing. Jack's friend is Algernon Moncrieft (Michael Denison), a poor bloke living on credit. Jack refers mysteriously to Algernon about his country retreat, which drives Algernon to distraction, trying to figure out where Jack goes on the weekends. Jack is also in love with Algernon's attractive cousin Gwendolen (Joan Greenwood). He also has a ward, Cecily Cardew

PG,

Classics, Comedy

Jun 25, 2002

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All Critics (19) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (15) | Rotten (1) | DVD (8)

For an audience that takes pleasure in the all-too-rare art of faithful adaptations that vivify rather than embalming their sources [...] Asquith's conservative handling is just what the confirmed and secret Bunburyist ordered.

February 8, 2012 Full Review Source: Nick's Flick Picks
Nick's Flick Picks

One is left to appreciate the zingers and spirited performances in this understandably enduring comedy of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.

December 28, 2008 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com
TheMovieReport.com

This is a fanciful mistaken-identity farce that cuts deeper than most because Wilde weaves class satire into the comical plot.

August 9, 2002

Civilized comedy has never been more civilized -- or as preposterously funny.

July 30, 2002 Full Review Source: Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

A very competent and enjoyable rendition of Oscar Wilde's most witty play from 1895.

July 18, 2002 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Asquith, an expert in comedy ..., knows just how to let Wilde's drawing-room farce play out to maximum effectiveness with a minimum of intrusion

June 30, 2002
Q Network Film Desk

The most important and beloved version of the play

June 16, 2002 Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com
Filmcritic.com

Audience Reviews for The Importance of Being Earnest

Old school drawing room wit and sensibilities like honey for your tea in this 1962 romcom about mistaken identities and amour, darling.
April 17, 2013
UniversalDreamer

Super Reviewer

The premire film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's comic masterpeice is this 1952 version. The very model of wit and whimsy that came so naturally in the 50's and comes so rarely today. A confirmed bumburist myself, The Importance of Being Ernest was the first play I ever saw and since then I have become an avid fan of Oscar Wilde. There have been several versions but this is truly the best, with no unnecesary scenes or added dialogue, just the exact words of the brilliant play. Every Wilde fan will be perfectly satistfied. Best watched with an older aunty or uncle, some cucumber sandwiches and a cup of tea for some pure Wilde indulgent delight.
September 20, 2006
smith44

Super Reviewer

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