‘Exquisite’ period drama based on beloved book on BBC iPlayer now | Films | Entertainment

A stellar cast featuring Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore and Jeremy Northam brings to life a British film adaptation of a beloved classic work.

Released in 1999, Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband garnered critical acclaim and box office success.

The film earned multiple award nominations and was chosen as the closing night selection at that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Contemporary critics praise its wit – with Everett delivering most of the memorable quips – along with its lavish period settings and costumes, and viewers can judge for themselves as it’s currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Sir Robert Chiltern (Northam) is an esteemed Member of Parliament at the dawn of the 20th century, but his world threatens to unravel due to the scheming interference of Lady Markby (Lindsay Duncan).

She reacquaints his wife, the principled Lady Gertrude Chiltern (Blanchett), with a former school rival, Mrs Laura Cheveley (Moore), who blackmails her husband into backing a new bill or facing public disgrace, reports the Mirror.

It emerges that Robert isn’t quite as virtuous as he appears, having amassed his wealth by revealing a cabinet secret – something his devoted wife knew nothing about.

He seeks counsel from his companion Lord Arthur Goring (Everett), an apparently frivolous yet sharp-witted gentleman who urges him to come clean to his wife. The narrative becomes increasingly intricate with betrayal, misunderstandings and extortion.

Devoted Wilde enthusiasts will spot several departures from the original 1895 stage production.

A sequence involving Mrs Cheveley’s brooch has been cut, whilst the conclusion is more complex due to a wager between two principal characters.

Critics gave the film a largely positive reception upon release, with it grossing £2.9 million at the UK box office and £11.2 million across the US and Canada. It boasts an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where its sharp humour and visual splendour are highlighted.

One cinema fan said: “It’s lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.”

Another added: “The exquisite teamwork and byplay make the film such a delight to watch.”

A third wrote: “Charming, delightful, comical at times, interesting at others, this film is drenched in beautiful settings and costumes, witty dialogue, and a great cast of actors in their top form,” they wrote.

An Ideal Husband is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.