smART An Ideal Husband

Old Script, New Favorite Movie

An Ideal Husband begins by introducing a well respected Victorian couple, Sir Robert and Lady Gertrude Chiltern. Even though the couple portrays success and happiness and is known for the highest principles, conflict is introduced by a character with the name of Mrs. Cheveley.

Sir Robert has been hiding a secret from not only the socialites, but his wife too. Mrs Cheveley -knowing his secret- decides to blackmail Sir Robert and demands an investment from him to keep her from telling others about how he became rich by selling state secrets as a young man. It is undetermined whether Mrs. Cheveley is blackmailing him because of the desire for money, or the fact that her and Lady Gertrude have always despised one another -and destroying Sir Robert will destroy Lady Gertrude in Mrs. Cheveley's favor.

Sir Robert is stuck between protecting his reputation and protecting his relationship. If he doesn't pay Mrs. Cheveley his secret will be revealed, but if he pays her Lady Gertrude will no longer continue their lives as a couple.

Lord Goring -a friend of the Chilterns- attempts to help the situation only to discover that he is now accused by Sir Robert for being a part of the blackmail with Mrs. Cheveley. In the midst of trying to manipulate Mrs. Cheveley, Lord Goring forgets about an event he had planned with Sir Roberts sister, Mabel, turning each character against him even though he was acting out of a selfless mannerism.

Sir Robert gave a speech to his fellow politicians without knowing that the evidence leading to his blackmail has been destroyed (thanks to Lord Goring). The speech was successful to his favor and he was offered a promotion by Lord Goring's father. Sir Robert denied the opportunity in order to maintain the relationship he has with Lady Gertrude and she decided to allow him to make the choices in which he is happy because she knows how much he loves her.

After Sir Robert and Lady Gertrude have reconciled, Sir Robert finally gives permission for Lord Goring to marry his sister Mabel. Once the truth was revealed -about the assistance Lord Goring contributed to the success of the Chilterns- it was only appropriate that Sir Robert gave his permission for the two to be wed.

Oscar Wilde created a scandalous plot that reveals an inspiring story taking place in London during the Victorian age. The actors in the film fulfilled a fantastic performance that keeps the audience entertained even though the script was written over a hundred years ago.