The Importance Of Being Earnest
Synopsis
In 1890s England, Algy Moncrieff and his friend Jack Worthing are a spirited pair of London dandies who are keen to win the hands of the women they love. And their chosen brides, the pre-Raphaelite Cecily and the distinguished Gwendolen are their perfect women - except that they appear to have a pathological aversion to any name - other than Earnest.
But of course, adopting this unusual name is the least of their troubles when the imposing Lady Bracknell arrives to guard her beloved daughter's reputation and investigate her suitors. Quizzing Jack over his social pedigree, Lady Bracknell is utterly dismayed to discover that he has only the spurious claim to being parented by a 'handbag'. She presents him with an ultimatum: unless he can prove his suitable origin within the week, the marriage will be off.
Galloping between London and the country, this farcical comedy of mistaken identities, and undiscovered liaisons gathers speed as the rakish pair try desperately to conceal their duplicity and prevent the discovery of some astonishing truths.
Oliver Parker's imaginative adaptation combines Wilde's inimitable wit with an engaging romantic tale and a sparkling comedy of social manners.
Details
- Year
- 2002
- Type of film
- Features
- Running Time
- tbc
- Format
- 35mm
- Director
- Oliver Parker
- Producer
- Uri Fruchtmann
- Executive Producer
- Uri Fruchtmann
- Editor
- Guy Bensley
- Screenwriter
- Oliver Parker based on a play by Oscar Wilde
- Director of Photography
- Tony Pierce-Roberts
- Sound
- John Midgley
- Music
- Charles Mole
- Principal Cast
- Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon, Frances O' Connor, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Massey, Edward Fox, Judi Dench
Genre
Production status
Complete
Please let us know if we need to make any amendments to this Film entry mailing us directly at
Last updated 26th November 2005
