Robert Morely who it was reported dazzled theatre goers with his interpretation in 1936 of one of the most quotable men in history waited around too long to create the film version and it shows in this tired looking production that throws around a variety of his bon mots in hopes that it will spring board it to life. It doesn't.
Oscar Wilde in the prime of life has conquered two continents with his brilliant wit and ability to sum up modern day society in a few words. His plays are are major successes, his speaking engagements enthusiastically received. But the love that dare not speak its name stalks him and rather than play it safe the arrogantly confident Wilde riding a tide of popularity sues accuser and sweet science rule maker Lord Douglas and in the process gets KO'd by the court and sent to prison which does some heavy damage to psyche and talent (though some would argue his prison poem is the best thing he ever wrote). Released ruined he goes to Paris and takes up the pursuit of absinthe.
The always charming and entertaining Morely is simply too old for the role and Gregory Ratoff's direction too timid to give any of Wilde spark at all. It is no surprise that Morely's best moments are found at the end where dissipation has taken over but by then lead, writer and director have missed tackling the subject with any alacrity and the outcome is lackluster in every way.
Oscar Wilde in the prime of life has conquered two continents with his brilliant wit and ability to sum up modern day society in a few words. His plays are are major successes, his speaking engagements enthusiastically received. But the love that dare not speak its name stalks him and rather than play it safe the arrogantly confident Wilde riding a tide of popularity sues accuser and sweet science rule maker Lord Douglas and in the process gets KO'd by the court and sent to prison which does some heavy damage to psyche and talent (though some would argue his prison poem is the best thing he ever wrote). Released ruined he goes to Paris and takes up the pursuit of absinthe.
The always charming and entertaining Morely is simply too old for the role and Gregory Ratoff's direction too timid to give any of Wilde spark at all. It is no surprise that Morely's best moments are found at the end where dissipation has taken over but by then lead, writer and director have missed tackling the subject with any alacrity and the outcome is lackluster in every way.