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Mood:
- HumorousWittyClever
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Plot:
- Switching RolesFall in LoveLove TriangleMistaken IdentityDishonestyLove and RomanceMind and SoulDisorder more...
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Genres:
- ComedyPeriodRomance
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Time/Period:
- 19th CenturyVictorian
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Place:
- EnglandEurope
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Audience:
- Date Night
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Praise:
- Critically AcclaimedEssential
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Humor:
- Comedy of ErrorsSatireVerbal Byplay
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Style:
- Talky
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Based on:
- Based on Play
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Attitudes:
- Semi SeriousRealistic
Does this gene fit The Importance of Being Earnest?
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The Importance of Being Earnest, 1952
English
UK
Profile of The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest can be described as witty, humorous, and clever. The plot revolves around switching roles, mistaken identities, and a love triangle. Its comic aspect comes from verbal byplay and a comedy of errors. Its main genres are comedy, period, and romance. In terms of style, it is talky. In approach, it is realistic. It is located in England. It takes place in the Victorian era. It is adapted from a play. It has received attention for being essential viewing and critically acclaimed. It is well suited for a date night.
Summary of The Importance of Being Earnest
Anthony Asquith, having directed a wonderful film of George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION, turned in 1952 to another classic, one of the greatest theatrical comedies, Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Set at the height of the Victorian era, popularly imagined to be a cold and repressive time, the visual contrast with 1950s Technicolor only seems to enhance Wilde's sharp satire and droll epigrams.
Cast with talented veterans of the English stage, even the minor characters are a delight. Asquith allows the actors, particularly the female roles, to deliver Wilde's dialogue in a ringing theatrical voice. Edith Evans as the imperious Lady Bracknell, full of strident tone and rolling R's, and always in high dudgeon, strikes fear in the heart of Jack (Michael Redgrave), while Joan Greenwood as the beautiful, opinionated Gwendolyn (who could never marry a man named "Jack"), melts his heart in a voice that practically purrs.
Wilde's use of a convoluted, improbable story, much imitated in the screwball comedies of the 1930s, never detracts from the pure enjoyment of his characters silly yet heartfelt struggles. Asquith's staging and directing is smooth and fluid, thus retaining a theatrical feel. This gives today's viewer a sense of what Victorian audiences must have felt when they first beheld the breathless pace and matchless wit of the incomparable Oscar Wilde.
Details
| Language: | English |
| Country: | UK |
| Release date: | 22 December 1952 |
| Runtime: | 95 min |
Cast and Crew
as Jack Worthing
as Lady Augusta Bracknell
Photos
