PG-13

An Ideal Husband

He just doesn't know it yet.

1999 • 97 min • Drama · Comedy · Romance

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Synopsis

Sir Robert Chiltern is a successful government minister, well-off and with a loving wife. All this is threatened when Mrs Cheveley appears in London with damning evidence of a past misdeed. Sir Robert turns for help to his friend Lord Goring, an apparently idle philanderer and the despair of his father. Goring knows the lady of old, and, for him, takes the whole thing pretty seriously.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

224 reviews

65 Audience · 224 · 100%

A respected politician faces blackmail over a past secret, threatening his career and marriage. His witty friend steps in to help navigate the scandal and protect his reputation. This witty period comedy explores social reputation and personal integrity.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Discussions of blackmail and scandal
Social drinking and smoking
Brief, mild suggestive dialogue

What it models well

The importance of honesty
Redemption and forgiveness
Loyalty in friendship
Integrity in public life

Talk about it after

What makes someone an "ideal" husband or person?
The consequences of past mistakes
Balancing personal integrity with public image
The role of forgiveness in relationships

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for An Ideal Husband. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.