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The Importance of Being Earnest Poster

The Importance of Being Earnest

Movie
1952
1h 35m
English
Comedy
Algernon Moncrieff is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as "Ernest" -- is actually named Jack Worthing. Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew. 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.
Rating
WATCHMODE
7.5
IMDB
The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) on IMDb
CRITIC SCORE
83

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Michael Redgrave
Ernest Worthing
Michael Denison
Algernon Moncrieff
Edith Evans
Lady Bracknell
Joan Greenwood
Gwendolen Fairfax
Dorothy Tutin
Cecily Cardew
Miles Malleson
Canon Chasuble
Ivor Barnard
Conductor (Uncredited)
Directed By: Anthony Asquith
Written By: Anthony Asquith (Screenplay)

Featured Comments/Tips

r96sk says...
5 years ago
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.
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Featured User Reviews

CinemaSerf
2 years ago
There's little point in outlining the plot here - it's not what the film is about. It is the combination of characterisations and the wonderfully witty writing of Oscar Wilde that make this a thoroughly enjoyable film to watch. It makes no bones about it's theatrical origins - even featuring a curta More
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