BBC Play of the Month (TV Series) The Importance of Being Earnest (1974) User Reviews

Excellent

[BritishClassicDramaFan · 10/10 · 19 November 2022]

This is my favourite ''Earnest''. I remember watching this on VHS, it was brilliant, very faithful and I will never understand why it was never visually enhanced and released on DVD. The cast was simply amazing. Coral Browne as Lady Bracknell - a wonderful, energetic performance, very close to the character. Michael Jayston shines as Earnest/Jack, he is perfect in the role, funny, witty, serious enough to make Algy look silly, but he can make people laugh as soon as he delivers the lines, very naturally. Just as Oscar Wilde would have wished - the contrast between these two young gentlemen with different views on romance but with the same craving for fun. His performance is unforgettable, as well as Julian Holloway's - the way they are throwing the lines at each other is electrifying and hilarious. . These formidable couples Michael Jayston - Gemma Jones and Julian Holloway -Celia Bannerman, facing the formidable Coral Browne, the lady with the iron fist, is mesmerizing to watch. Neither of them is overplaying. Wish this play were on DVD.