An Ideal Husband (1999)

"It is not the perfect,

but rather the imperfect

who have need of love."

Victorian Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam) has it all -- wealth, honor, a successful political career, and most of all, Lady Gertrude Chiltern (Cate Blanchett), who Sir Robert adores and is adored by.

Sir Robert's sister, Miss Mabel (Minnie Driver) shamelessly flirts with the wealthy ne'r do well Lord Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett) who is resolved to reject his father's pleas that he settle down and marry well.

But when a certain Mrs. Laura Cheveley (Julianne Moore) comes to town to blackmail Sir Robert, it falls to Lord Goring to become an upright man and friend and rectify the situation.

A wonderfully witty romp!

John Wood as Lord Goring's father Lord Haversham and Peter Vaughan as his manservant Phipps are wonderful.

Directed by Oliver Parker, who also wrote the screenplay based on Oscar Wilde's play.

Run time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

Rated PG-13 for brief sensuality/nudity.

My personal rating: B