In a review that was originally published on March4,1947, Atkinson offers words of praise for a production of Wilde's play starring John Geilgud.
Owing to unavoidable circumstances, this department cannot solemnly swear that John Gielgud's performance of The Importance of Being Earnest is immeasurably superior to the original performance in 1895. Even Mr. Gielgud, wise though he is, cannot know that from personal observation. But traditions grow slowly, and it is highly unlikely that the original actors blessed Oscar Wilde's comedy with the knowing perfection that Mr. Gielgud and his colleagues are bestowing on it.
Having played The Importance triumphantly in London, Mr. Gielgud has now brought it across the Atlantic with no appreciable seachange—not, let it be said, with the entire original cast, but with superb players of artificial comedy, and they all set it.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 711 words. This
study guide contains 12,316 words (approx. 41 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Importance of Being Earnest Access Pass.
