The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest

Year: 1952

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Anthony Asquith

ComedyCrude humor and satireAmusing jokes and witty satireFunny jokes and crude humorCharming romances and delightful chemistry

Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners follows two young gentlemen in 1890s England who both adopt the alias ‘Ernest.’ Their deception works until each falls for a woman who believes she’s courting the real Ernest, sparking a tangled series of mistaken identities and witty repartee.

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Timeline & Setting – The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Importance of Being Earnest (1952). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th to early 20th century

The story takes place during a period characterized by strict social manners and high society conventions. This era, often associated with Victorian and Edwardian England, values reputation, class, and propriety, which are central themes in the film's plot and characters' interactions.

Location

London, Victoria Station, Country Estate

The movie is set mainly in London's bustling city environment and the peaceful countryside estate. London, particularly Victoria Station, serves as a central hub for the characters' travel and concealment of their identities. The country estate provides a serene backdrop for the unfolding social and romantic farce.

🏙️ Urban 🏡 Rural 🚉 Train Station

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Main Characters – The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)

Meet the key characters of The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Worthing (Ernest) - Michael Redgrave

John is a charming yet mischievous young man who creates a fictitious brother to escape social obligations. His playful deception masks a desire for love and freedom, revealing a complex character torn between societal expectations and personal happiness.

💼 Gentleman 🎩 Social Norms

Gwendolen Fairfax - Joan Greenwood

Gwendolen is a refined and assertive woman captivated by the name Ernest. Her romantic idealism is intertwined with her obsession with social status, making her a symbol of Victorian-era superficiality and superficial pursuits.

💃 Romantic 👑 Upper Class

Cecily Cardew - Dorothy Tutin

Cecily is an innocent and lively young girl who dreams of romance and adventure. Her fascination with the idea of love and her own romantic fantasies make her a perfect match for Algernon's playful deception.

🌸 Naive 🎀 Romantic

Lady Bracknell - Edith Evans

Lady Bracknell epitomizes the strict social hierarchy and obsession with status. Her interrogation during the marriage proposal underscores the societal pressures to conform and the superficial criteria for marriage.

👩‍💼 Aristocrat 🏛️ Class Conscious

Algernon Moncrieff - Michael Denison

Algernon is a witty, mischievous bachelor who shares John's flair for deception. His playful attitude and rebellious streak challenge societal conventions and add humor to the narrative.

🤹‍♂️ Trickster 📝 Wit

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Major Themes – The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)

Explore the central themes of The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

Deception is a core theme, with characters adopting false identities to navigate social expectations. The play explores how masks and misrepresentations influence personal relationships and societal perceptions, often leading to humorous situations while highlighting the absurdity of rigid social norms.

⚖️ Morality and Reputation

The importance placed on morality and social reputation drives much of the plot. Characters are obsessed with appearances and maintaining their standing in society, which leads to conflicts, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a critique of superficial social values.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

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The Importance of Being Earnest Summary

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The Importance of Being Earnest Summary

The Importance of Being Earnest Timeline

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The Importance of Being Earnest Timeline

The Importance of Being Earnest Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Importance of Being Earnest Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Importance of Being Earnest

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