The Importance of Being Earnest (1952 film)
The Importance of Being Earnest 1952 is a British film adaptation of the play by Oscar Wilde. It was directed by Anthony Asquith, who also adapted the screenplay, and was produced by Anthony Asquith, Teddy Baird, and Earl St. John.
The story takes place on February 14, 1895. It is about two gentlemen pretending to be people other than themselves. Interwoven in their story lines are two romancestricken ladies, each possessing an unusual allegiance to the manliness of the name Ernest. London manabouttown, Jack Worthing, who hides behind the name Ernest is an aristocrat from the country with uncertain lineage. His friend, Algernon Moncrief, is of moderate means and has also created an imaginary character, Bunbury. Algernons cousin, Gwendolyn Fairfax, has caught the eye of Jack. Jacks ward in the country, Cecily Cardew, has caught the eye of Algernon. Lady Bracknell rules the roost with her heavyhanded social mores.The story begins in London. Jack and Algy are discussing life and love. Both reveal to each other their imaginary characters, Ernest and Bunbury. Jack reveals that he is in love with Algys cousin, Gwendolyn and Algy reveals that he is in love with Jacks ward, Cecily. Both gentlemen begin to scheme the pursuit of their loves. At tea that afternoon, Jack and Gwendolyn secretly reveal their love for one another. Gwendolyn makes it known that her ideal has always been to love someone named Ernest. Jack fears she will find out his true identity. Lady Bracknell, in undulating purple silk Victorian attire, inquires as to Jacks pedigree. Rise, sir, from that semirecumbent posture. It is most indecorous. Jack confesses that he does not know who his parents are because, as a baby, he was found in a handbag in a cloakroom at Victoria Station. A handbag? Lady Bracknell will not allow her daughter a girl brought up with the utmost care to marry into a cloakroom, and form an alliance with a parcel. ........
Source: Wikipedia
