User Comments:
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful:-
A Fine Combination of Wilde & Lubitsch, 5 May 2005
Author:
Snow Leopard from Ohio
At first it might not seem as if the combination of Ernst Lubitsch and
Oscar Wilde would work very well, but this silent-screen adaptation of
Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan" is both enjoyable and well-crafted.
Instead of clashing, Lubitsch's stylish, mischievous approach and
Wilde's perceptive cynicism complement each other. The characters and
the story are Wilde's, the acting and the style are Lubitsch's.
Although the material is heavily re-worked from the original play,
Lubitsch's decisions all seem to work pretty well. Wilde's witty and
resourceful dialogue is gone, but his insightful portrayals of human
nature remain. Lubitsch also makes good use of the camera to bring off
some shots that could not have worked on the stage. In particular, at
times he makes the fateful fan seem almost a full-fledged part of the
cast.
This movie version features solid performances by May McAvoy and Bert
Lytell as the Windermeres, with a youngish-looking Ronald Colman
suitably ingratiating as Lord Darlington. But Irene Rich has the most
interesting character, and as Mrs. Erlynne she also gives a fine
performance that particularly stands out in her scenes with the other
characters. She and Lubitsch both capture the nature of her unpopular
but admirable character, while carefully setting up the contrasts and
conflicts between her and the other characters, who are in general more
socially acceptable but far less worthy.
This also works well simply as an entertaining, often very amusing, and
sometimes dramatically compelling story. For most silent film fans, it
would definitely be worth tracking down and watching.
Check for other user comments. - I have seen this movie and would like to comment on it
Message Boards Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Lady Windermere's Fan (1925)
Recommendations If you like this title, we also recommend... Susan and God (1940) Show more recommendations
Add a recommendation
Email this page to a friend 
Update Information
|
company.
Advertise on IMDb.
License our content.