THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST


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

18 thoughts on “THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

  1. Dan

    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.

    Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    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.

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    1. george Post author

      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.

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  3. Patti Abbott

    Truly meant for the stage with all the exits and entrances. But better on film than not at all.

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    1. george Post author

      Rick, you would find this version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST first-rate! Perhaps your local public Library has a copy.

      Reply
    2. george Post author

      Rick, this movie version is the one I’d recommend. The Criterion Collection produces great classic films in dazzling packages!

      Reply
    1. george Post author

      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!

      Reply
    1. george Post author

      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!

      Reply

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