Anthony Asquith's sparkling adaptation of Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is 70 next year - an ageless film of an ageless play.
Asquith's screenplay captures the essence of Wilde, his direction creates a perfect 'High Comedy' world for the dazzling firework display of his cast of actors.
They act without any camp condescention; they enter the reality of Wilde's world and deliver definitive performances of their characters.
The film is dominated by Edith Evans' Lady Bracknell, and while her "A handbaaaaaaag?" line has haunted every Lady Bracknell since, she plays the role with such nuance that she makes all her lines memorable.
Michael Redgrave is perfect as Ernest/Jack while Michael Dennison is a revelation as the facile Algernon.
Margaret Rutherford and Miles Malleson shine as Miss Prism and Canon Chasuble.
Newcomer Dorothy Tutin is delectable as Cecily but outshining them all, Joan Greenwood's delicious Gwendolen steals every scene.
Shelf or charity shop? Worthy of a shelf all on it's own, this is one of my desert island films. In a world of ghastly reimaginings and modern-dress reductiveness, the film stands as a record to a cast and film-makers honouring the material. Exquisitely shot by Desmond Dickinson and gloriously costumed by Beatrice Dawson, the film looks as good as it sounds - and it sounds absolutely glorious, no better than in the scene where Gwendolen and Cecily duel over their supposed engagements to Earnest, to hear Joan Greenwood say these lines in quick succession is to witness perfection:
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train"
"I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade. It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different"
"You have filled my tea with lumps of sugar, and though I asked most distinctly for bread and butter, you have given me cake".
It is the bitterest irony that Anthony Asquith's father, Herbert Asquith, as Home Secretary signed Oscar Wilde's arrest warrent.
