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The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) Movie vs Book
Film · 1952 · Directed by Anthony Asquith · Starring Michael Redgrave, Michael Denison, Edith Evans
The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) Movie: Cast and Details
Two young men invent alter egos to escape their obligations, and their double lives collide.
Book vs Movie: How Close Is It?
Very close to the bookIt films Wilde's comedy with almost all of the original dialogue and a stagey, elegant look.
Read or watch first?
Read the play for the lines. The film is a classic way to see it performed.
What the book gives you
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
A short play that is still very funny, with some of the best one-liners in English. It reads quickly and works well aloud.
Who will like it: Readers who enjoy clever, funny dialogue.