Deb mentioned in a comment on my review of Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) that she loved Joan Greenwood’s smoky voice and her role in The Importance of Being Earnest (1952). So, of course, I had to track down the Criterion Collection version of The Importance of Being Earnest and watch it again. I’ve seen The Importance of Being Earnest at least a dozen times. I generally prefer stage versions to movie versions. But the all-star cast of this movie version of The Importance of Being Earnest is something special. It features Michael Redgrave as Jack Worthing, Joan Greewood as Gwendolyn, Dame Edith Evans as the formidable Lady Bracknell, Michael Denison as Algernon Moncrieff, Dorothy Tutin as Cecily Cardew, and Margaret Rutherford as Miss Letitia Prism. Delightful! GRADE: A
A cast and director that does justice to Wilde. Oddly enough, the attempts to “open out” the more recent film of EARNEST actually slowed the film down.
Dan, I think this version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is the Gold Standard.
I agree. This was fun, though I also prefer it on stage.
In 1999, we saw Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth Bucket, herself!) play Lady Bracknell in London, and in 2011 we saw the cross-dressing Brian Bedford have great fun in the role on Broadway.
But you can’t go wrong with Joan Greenwood and Dame Edith Evans.
Jeff, you’re right about Joan Greenwood and Dame Edith Evans. They are great in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST!
I used to show this to my Brit Lit classes on occasion. Lots of fun.
Bill, Oscar Wilde’s humor and wit really shines in this movie version of his best play! I’m sure your students found this movie fun.
Truly meant for the stage with all the exits and entrances. But better on film than not at all.
Patti, I saw THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at the Shaw Festival a few years ago. Marvelous!
Don’t think I’ve ever seen it.
Rick, you would find this version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST first-rate! Perhaps your local public Library has a copy.
Rick, this movie version is the one I’d recommend. The Criterion Collection produces great classic films in dazzling packages!
I haven’t seen this version. Sounds amazing.
Maggie, the cast of this movie version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is top-notch. And the Criterion Collection disk includes some great extras!
George, I have not read this famous play by Wilde and I’m equally tempted to watch the 2002 film. It has some very fine actors.
Prashant, I envy you! Seeing THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST for the first time will be a delightful experience for you. Oscar Wilde is very clever and funny!
Prashant: I have seen the 2002 film, and enjoyed it. I’m sure you will as well
I put it at the top of my queue from netflix, but won’t get the extras that way, darn it
Maggie, you’re going to love this version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST!