Two young gents living in 1890's England have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. Worthing (Clin Firth) has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country behind to visit the ravishing Gwendolyn (Frances O'Connor). Montcrieff (Rupert E Everett) decides to take the name "Ernest" when visiting Worthing's young and beautiful ward, Cecily (Reese Witherspoon) at the country manor. Thomgs start to go awry when they end up together in the country and their deceptions are discovered - threatening to spoil their romantic pursuits.