The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest Information

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) is a British film adaptation of the play by Oscar Wilde. It was directed by Anthony Asquith, who also adapted the screenplay, and was produced by Teddy Baird.

Adaptation

The film is largely faithful to Wilde's text, although it divides some of the acts into shorter scenes in different locations. Edith Evans's outraged delivery of the line "A handbag?" has become legendary. As actor Ian McKellen has written, it is a performance "so acclaimed and strongly remembered that it inhibits audiences and actors years later" providing a challenge for anyone taking on the role of Lady Bracknell.

The film is noted for its acting, yet the parts played by Redgrave and Denison call for actors ten years younger. Margaret Rutherford, who plays Miss Prism in this adaptation, played Lady Bracknell in the 1946 BBC production.

Awards and nominations

The film received a BAFTA nomination for Dorothy Tutin as Most Promising Newcomer and a Golden Lion nomination for Anthony Asquith at the Venice Film Festival.

Cast

Michael Redgrave as John Worthing
Michael Denison as Algernon Moncrieff
Edith Evans as Lady Bracknell
Joan Greenwood as Gwendolen Fairfax
Margaret Rutherford as Miss Prism
Miles Malleson as Canon Chasuble
Dorothy Tutin as Cecily Cardew
Aubrey Mather as Merriman
Walter Hudd as Lane
Richard Wattis as Seton

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest Information

Adaptation

Awards and nominations

Cast

See also