Change Your Image
BritishClassicDramaFan
Reviews
BBC Play of the Month: The Importance of Being Earnest (1974)
Excellent
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.
The Wednesday Play: Mad Jack (1970)
Unforgettable
This is an example of why we should keep record of past brilliant performances and never forget them. It is so beautifully done, in great taste, without overacting and this is why it is deeply moving and it leaves a deep impression. Michael Jayston's performance is very elegant, sensitive and unforgettable. This play (directed by Jack Gold) and Michael Jayston should have been awarded the BAFTA. Siegfried Sassoon's war poems, his struggle with his conscience and the overall tense, surreal atmosphere of danger made me remember all the details a long time after watching and I felt the need to watch again. The cruelty of war, engraved in the sensitive poems revealing the torment of the man trying to do something to stop the madness, makes this a must watch for whoever loves rich deep performances. Gave it 9/10 because the quality of the image should be restored and hopefully available on DVD soon.