An Ideal Husband (1969)

At a dinner party during the London social season, a distinguished and admired member (Keith Michell) of the House Of Commons with an impeccable reputation is approached by a woman (Margaret Leighton). She holds in her possession a letter from his indiscreet youth that could ruin his career and marriage. Her price in exchange for the letter is his support of a fraudulent scheme. Based on the play by Oscar Wilde and directed by Rudolph Cartier. Second only to THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST in popularity among Wilde's plays, this production is serviceable with everyone dutifully going through their paces without ever going that extra mile that would elevate it over just another BBC production of a classic play. The one exception is Margaret Leighton whose manipulative Mrs. Cheveley weaves her spider's web to ensnare victims as she attempts to climb her way into acceptable British society. She's easily the most fascinating (at least as Leighton plays her) character in the piece. With Susan Hampshire, Jeremy Brett, Dinah Sheridan and Charles Carson.