An Ideal Husband Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: An Ideal Husband
| Movie | An Ideal Husband |
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Director | William P. Cartlidge |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is An Ideal Husband (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in An Ideal Husband are led by James Wilby . The supporting cast, including Sadie Frost and Jonathan Firth , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
An Ideal Husband stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, An Ideal Husband has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: An Ideal Husband
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1999, An Ideal Husband is a Comedy film directed by William P. Cartlidge, written by William P. Cartlidge. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving James Wilby as Sir Robert Chiltern.
Ending Explained: An Ideal Husband
An Ideal Husband Ending Explained: Rising politician Robert Chiltern once sold secret information and is now being blackmailed by Laura Cheveley. Directed by William P. Cartlidge, this 1999 comedy film stars James Wilby (Sir Robert Chiltern), alongside Sadie Frost as Mrs Cheveley, Jonathan Firth as Lord Goring, Trevyn McDowell as Lady Gertrude Chiltern. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of An Ideal Husband?
Rising politician Robert Chiltern once sold secret information and is now being blackmailed by Laura Cheveley. She has proof, and it will damage his career and marriage severely. Chiltern calls in the help of his friend Arthur Goring.
William P. Cartlidge's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on James Wilby (Sir Robert Chiltern)'s journey. She has proof, and it will damage his career and marriage severely.
How Does James Wilby (Sir Robert Chiltern)'s Story End?
- James Wilby: James Wilby's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Sadie Frost (Mrs Cheveley): Sadie Frost's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jonathan Firth (Lord Goring): Jonathan Firth's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of An Ideal Husband Mean?
An Ideal Husband's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving James Wilby may feel rushed. William P. Cartlidge's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
An Ideal Husband Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is An Ideal Husband Based on a True Story?
No, An Ideal Husband is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by William P. Cartlidge and starring James Wilby may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch An Ideal Husband?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of James Wilby or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
An Ideal Husband Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about An Ideal Husband age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of An Ideal Husband (1999) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by William P. Cartlidge, the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, An Ideal Husband is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An Ideal Husband worth watching?
An Ideal Husband is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find An Ideal Husband parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for An Ideal Husband identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of An Ideal Husband (1999)?
The runtime of An Ideal Husband (1999) is 90 minutes (approximately 1h 30m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
