Question 1

What personal connection did director Anthony Asquith have to Oscar Wilde's legal troubles?

Accepted Answer

Director Anthony Asquith was the son of H.H. Asquith, who as Home Secretary brought the charges of immorality that led to Oscar Wilde's imprisonment.

Question 2

Why did Edith Evans struggle with movie acting in her role as Lady Bracknell?

Accepted Answer

Edith Evans had problems adjusting to movie acting, particularly hitting her marks on the floor, and told director Anthony Asquith she felt the camera should come to her instead.

Question 3

What was Dorothy Tutin's experience during her film debut as Cecily Cardew?

Accepted Answer

Insecure in her film debut, Dorothy Tutin kept requesting retakes until producer Teddy Baird told her how much each new take cost.

Question 4

How did Anthony Asquith's filming approach honor the movie's theatrical origins?

Accepted Answer

Writer and director Anthony Asquith shot it mostly in sequence and used long takes to let the actors develop the rhythms of Oscar Wilde's dialogue.

Question 5

Which major stage actor turned down the role of Jack Worthing in this film adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Sir John Gielgud was offered the part of Jack Worthing but turned it down because he disliked filming, even though it was one of his signature stage roles.

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