The Importance of Being Earnest

Wilde's play is brilliant, of course -- a cleverly constructed comedy of stunning coincidences, both fortunate and unfortunate, stacked with witty dialogue. Asquith's adaptation is just fine, but I must say I actually prefer the Rupert Everertt/Colin Firth/Reese Witherspoon version by Oliver Parker. Asquith focuses too heavily on the theatricality of the work (even opening and closing his film in the theater) while Parker's has greater vitality. The performances are roughly equal.

Don't bother. Jim Varney isn't in this one.

Edith Evans providing a rare glimpse at perfection.

Feels too much like a filmed play, still, this is by far the best film version. Excellent performances, especially Dame Edith Evans gloriously over-the-top interpretation of Lady Bracknell. A haaandbaaaaaaaghh?

It's not a bad adaptation by any means, but this play is better on stage. The girl who played Cecily annoyed me for some reason too.