Criterion Collection (series)

The Importance of Being Earnest

DVD Features:

Audio:

• Mono - English

Additional Release Material:

• Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer

Text Galleries:

• Stills/Photos - 1. Production Stills

Product Description:

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.

Plot Synopsis:

Jack Worthing, a wealthy socialite, invents a twin brother in order to lead two lives. As Ernest he carouses in London and as Jack he woos Gwendolyn in the country. Gwendolyn, however, is intrigued by Ernest's rougish personality and she has a fetish for the name, too. So Jack and his friend Algernon play out a charade that leads to confusion, confessions, and declarations of love.

Plot Keywords:

Comedy | Essential Cinema | Romance | Switching Roles | Theatrical Release

Exerpts:

"...To lose one parent is a misfortune, to lose both is downright carelessness." -- Lady Bracknell (Dame Edith Evans)

Production Notes:

• The complete title of Oscar Wilde's play is THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: A TRIVIAL COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE.
• Michael Redgrave is the father of Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave.
• Anthony Asquith was called by the nickname "Puffin."

Cast and Crew: