Algernon Moncrieff is surprised to discover that his affluent friend -- whom he knows as "Ernest" -- is actually named Jack Worthing. Jack fabricated his alter ego in order to escape his country estate where he takes care of his charge, Cecily Cardew. Cecily believes that Ernest is Jack's wayward brother and is keen on his raffish lifestyle. Algernon, seeing an opportunity, assumes Ernest's identity and sneaks off to woo Cecily.
Michael Redgrave
as Ernest Worthing
Michael Denison
as Algernon Moncrieff
Edith Evans
as Lady Bracknell
Joan Greenwood
as Gwendolen Fairfax
Dorothy Tutin
as Cecily Cardew
Margaret Rutherford
as Miss Prism
Miles Malleson
as Canon Chasuble
Richard Wattis
as Seton
Walter Hudd
as Lane
Aubrey Mather
as Merriman
Ivor Barnard
as Conductor (Uncredited)
