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The Importance of Being Earnest

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88% Tomatometer 24 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Algernon Moncrieff (Michael Denison) is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as Ernest -- is actually named Jack Worthing (Michael Redgrave). Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew (Dorothy Tutin). 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.

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The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest

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Critics Consensus

An artfully assembled cast, lovely set design, and direction solidly in service of the source material make The Importance of Being Earnest an adaptation that works.

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Critics Reviews

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Almar Haflidason BBC.com 01/25/2019
5/5
Despite a few tweaks to Oscar Wilde's frighteningly witty play, director and writer Anthony Asquith serves up a truly delightful screen version of "The Importance of Being Earnest." Go to Full Review Philip Horne Daily Telegraph (UK) 05/05/2014
5/5
The perfect cast - Michael Redgrave, Michael Denison, Margaret Rutherford - and the perfect director (Anthony Asquith) know just how seriously (not very) to take this amoral satire on society's falsity. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety 03/10/2009
All the charm and glossy humor of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy emerges faithfully in this British production. Go to Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine 10/30/2019
The direction is not always lively but Wilde's sparkling dialogue helps to make this one practically a "must" for sophisticated customers. Go to Full Review David Parkinson Radio Times 01/25/2019
4/5
The steady direction of Anthony Asquith keeps Wilde's polished barbs and bons mots firmly to the fore and the film is an invaluable record of an expert cast at work. Go to Full Review MFB Critics Monthly Film Bulletin 01/22/2018
A film of this kind must either be an adaptation, or a piece of filmed theatre. This one, being partially both, is not wholly either. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alec B @Alec97 03/25/2025 The definitive film adaptation of the play. Edith Evans' delivery of "A HANDBAG!?" is so iconic your brain will shatter into a thousand pieces See more Georgan G @RT98616417 01/06/2024 This 1895 play has been made into several film versions. Found a 1988 version in BBC's The Oscar Wilde Collection. It was quite funny, even with all the British cultural & language differences from the late 1800s. My favorite line is Lady Bracknell, "To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune...to lose both seems like carelessness." See more wer s @RT75776830 11/24/2020 udoubtedly funny, costiumes perfectly matching the characters, elegant simplicity See more r 9 @RT00952237 06/06/2020 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. See more 04/02/2020 One of the funniest movies ever made. See more 03/13/2017 Great casting for a great play. I can only guess that those who did not like this could not keep up with Wilde's rapid fire wit. One of the best comedies ever, IMO See more Read all reviews
The Importance of Being Earnest

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Cast & Crew

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Anthony Asquith

Director

Michael Redgrave

Jack Worthing

Michael Denison

Algernon Moncrieff

Edith Evans

Lady Bracknell

Richard Wattis

Seton

Margaret Rutherford

Miss Prism

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The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Algernon Moncrieff (Michael Denison) is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as Ernest -- is actually named Jack Worthing (Michael Redgrave). Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew (Dorothy Tutin). 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.
Director
Anthony Asquith
Producer
Teddy Baird
Screenwriter
Anthony Asquith
Production Co
Javelin Films
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 18, 2017
Runtime
1h 35m
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