Based on the play by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895.
Ernest reveals to his city acquaintances that he is the guardian of a young woman who lives in the country. Things get complicated when a friend of his decides to visit said woman; the complication compounds when Ernest's fiancée decides to do the same; and the visits keep coming...
Entertaining comedy which satirizes Victorian melodramas. The screenplay puts most of its energy on the witty dialogue. The two young female characters seem to be utterly absurd, which may result funny at times, but is ultimately frustrating. Visually, the film is very attractive in terms of sets, costumes and even the country house garden's landscape in beautiful Technicolor. The one plot point which may shock modern audiences is the Victorian emphasis on lineage which posed a problem for the protagonist's marriage plans. It comes to nothing dramatically, of course, as the film does not seem interested in discussing controversial social issues.
Rating: 51
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