An Ideal Husband (1999)

(On VHS, May 2001) Irresistible Victorian-era comedy inspired by an Oscar Wilde play. Completely depends on the skill of the actors, who all rise superbly to the challenge. The sex-appeal factor alone (Minnie Driver, Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore, in elegant period dresses) is worth the rental for guys, but my sister assures me that Jeremy Northam and Rupert Everett have a similar impact on female viewers. The comedy itself is literate, civilized, steadily amusing and appropriate for the whole family. The conclusion may require a moment’s thought. A wonderful film that most would unfortunately be tempted to overlook.