A “lavish” period drama that Downton Abbey fans will adore is scheduled to broadcast this weekend.
Featuring Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett and Julianne Moore, An Ideal Husband is adapted from Oscar Wilde’s 1895 play centring on political blackmail and upper class hypocrisy. And it could prove the ideal viewing to bridge the gap after Downton concluded with its third and final film last year.
The romantic comedy, broadcasting on the BBC this Sunday (June 7), centres on Sir Robert Chiltern (portrayed by Jeremy Northam), a shrewd politician and impeccable gentleman, who is wed to the morally principled Lady Chiltern (Cate).
Their union is the envy of society, but matters take a dramatic twist when the beguiling Laura Cheveley (Julianne) emerges to stir up trouble and expose a secret from Chiltern’s history.
The ensemble also features Rupert as Sir Robert’s philandering companion, Lord Arthur Goring, and Minnie as Robert’s sister, reports Wales Online.
View 3 ImagesJulianne Moore stars in An Ideal Husband(Image: Amazon Prime)
An Ideal Husband proved a resounding success upon its release in 1999, with TV Guide declaring: “It’s lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.”
Cinema Sight described it as “one of those rare gems that isn’t seen by as many people as should see it”, while other critics branded it “charming” and “deliciously entertaining”.
Viewers were equally captivated, with one viewer posting on reviews site Rotten Tomatoes: “One of my all time favourite movies! Such clever humour.”
“Spectacular writing? Check. Spectacular cast? Check. That’s all you ever need,” enthused one viewer, while another described the cast as “outstanding”.
View 3 ImagesRupert Everett is among the cast of the period drama(Image: Amazon Prime)
“Perfectly charming Victorian dramedy, blending international intrigue with romantic farce – very enjoyable,” remarked another, with a fellow viewer declaring that Rupert was “perfection”.
One particularly impressed viewer hailed it as “filmmaking at its finest”, writing on IMDb: “To say that this film is a filmmaking tour de force would be a great injustice. It is far better than that.”
“Every element of this film is superlative,” the reviewer continued, awarding it “a perfect 10”.
Yet another praised the acting as “first rate”, imploring fellow viewers: “See it twice!”
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An Ideal Husband airs on BBC Two at 2.25pm on Sunday June 7.