An Ideal Husband (1999)

Set in 1895, a highly respected politician (Jeremy Northam) is the pride of his wife (Cate Blanchett) and adoring sister (Minnie Driver). But when an old acquaintance (Julianne Moore) threatens to reveal a dark secret from his past, his political career and marriage are threatened. Based on the play by Oscar Wilde and directed by Oliver Parker (THE GREAT ESCAPER). A few unnecessary plot removals aside, this is an elegant and well acted adaptation of Wilde's witty play. The film's last 20 minutes or so are rather flat but frankly I don't know if that's Wilde's writing or the playing of it by the director and cast. Production values (especially Caroline Harris's costumes) are first rate. Still, I confess a preference for the 1947 British version though this one is above average. With Rupert Everett (who gets all the best lines), John Wood, Peter Vaughan and Lindsay Duncan.