The Importance of Being Earnest

The Important of Being Earnest is a comedic film starring Colin Firth and Rupert Everett. It is based on the play by Oscar Wilde. The film takes place in Victorian England and the story focuses on two male friends and the trouble they get themselves into when they both decide to use the name "Ernest" as their fake name. Jack lives on a beautiful, large estate in the English countryside. Whenever he wants to escape his responsibilities and head to London for some fun, he tells people that he is going to visit his brother, Ernest. When Jack is in London, he tells everyone that he meets that his name is Ernest. His reason for doing this is because he is obsessed with Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn has made it clear that she will only marry a man named Ernest so Jack is lying to get close to her.

Algy is Jack's cousin and Jack has let him know what he is doing. One day, Algy decides to visit Jack's estate but Jack is not there. Cecily is there and once he lays his eyes on her, Algy is instantly in love. He decides to tell Cecily that he is Ernest, who has come to visit Jack. Cecily is Jack's ward and, as a result, he is very protective of her. He would never allow his cousin to date her, hence Algy's desire to keep his true identity a secret.

Unfortunately, Jack soon arrives home and discovers what Algy has done. Before he can rectify the situation, Gwendolyn arrives for a surprise visit. Both men realize they will have to compromise and help each other out lest they both lose the women they love. A lot of chaos ensues as the women begin to figure out that something strange is going on. Eventually, they figure out what has happened and everyone lives happily ever after.