(1947)
2.5
Craig Butler
This version of Oscar Wilde's classic An Ideal Husband is far from perfect, but it does have a number of elements that are worthy of considerable praise. First, it is a surprise and a delight to report that Paulette Goddard's Mrs. Cheveley is absolutely first rate. The danger of casting an American in this part is circumvented by changing the character into an American herself; it doesn't quite jibe with the world Wilde created, but it's a minor quibble. And Goddard proves that the change is well worth it, delivering a portrait of a scheming, conniving, selfish and amoral woman that is both reprehensible and irresistible. Michael Wilding is also well cast as Viscount Goring, who proves himself as capable a manipulator as Cheveley, if one of a higher moral plain. In addition, the color photography is lush and sumptuous, and the costumes are simply and totally stunning. That said, this Husband does have a number of weak spots, starting with Alexander Korda's direction, which is a bit on the staid side. The pacing lags a bit too often, which causes the wit and humor to be a bit more muted than is desired. Korda is treating the work with a bit too much reverence, and it could use a little flippancy here and there. This stuffiness affects the performances of Hugh Williams and Diana Wynyard, and even (to a lesser extent) Glynis Johns. Still, even with its flaws, this Husband is a more than adequate catch.
cast-crew for An Ideal Husband on AllMovie
An Ideal Husband (1947)
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