The Importance Of Being Earnest Reviews

A bit of mis-casting aside, this is a nice filmed version of the play. I'll watch anything with Margaret Rutherford in it anyway.

MARVELLOUS ACTING

One forgets how great British films once were. This is 1000 times better than the recent Hollywood version. Fantastic acting by all.

Difficulties of pronunciation

The clipped accents of 50 years ago simply do not enable us to enjoy this renowned piece of Oscar's - much of the dialogue is at quite a pace and requires interpretation. Exhausting watching therefore.

Oldie but a Goodie!

This is Oscar Wilde at his best: subtle, witty, perfectly chosen language and beautifully crafted. The more recent version gives a modern audience an appreciation of the story, but this is by far the best version I have seen on the big or small screen.

of its time

thought i had ordered the new version but enjoyed this instead.a classic.

Classic and definitive 'Ernest'

This is the classic and definitive film version of Oscar Wilde's stage comedy, with Edith Evans as Lady Bracknell and Joan Greenwood as Gwendolen. The film was produced as if it were a stage play, which sometimes produces a stilted effect, but generally works excellently. All other versions of 'Ernest' are measured against this one. My teenager was hooked on this film at first viewing, and has watched it so often that he'll wear out the DVD ... There's no sex (Joan Greenwood remains completely dressed throughout), no violence, no special effects, but the one-liners and sharp wit are timeless.

Important - honest

This is always a good play. I am not sure it pans well in film form. This a traditionally, if rather over dressed, version of Oscar Wilde's play about a baby found in a Handbag and the farce that follows when the two friends discover they are brothers. It has all the Oscar Wilde's one liners. Always good to watch

A Classic

a lavish and very camp film !! its wonderful and funny

The Importance of Being Earnest

Classic movie version, although heavily chopped about and opened out for cinema. Disappointing if you know the stage classic, otherwise okay and anything with the great Margaret Rutherford, Edith Evans and Joan Greenwood has to be worth a look.,

[Highly rated reviewer]

A delightful treat

The outrageously wonderful Dame Edith Evans here reprises her famous role as Lady Bracknell, her extravagant performance being matched only by (1) her majestically crazy costumes and hats and (2) the sparklingly arch Joan Greenwood, playing her daughter Gwendolen and heir-presumptive in the costumes department. It is so good also to have the opportunity this DVD gives us to discover the perhaps-forgotten talents of the fine actresses Joan Greenwood and Dorothy Tutin (here playing Cecily).

There could be nobody better suited to adapt and direct a film version of Wilde’s high-society play than Anthony Asquith, son of H.H. Asquith, Prime Minister of Great Britain 1908-1916.