To avoid family duties, Algernon Moncrieff, a bachelor-about-town, has invented Bunbury, a sick relative who frequently calls him away. His friend Jack Worthing has invented a wicked brother called Ernest to disguise his own misdemeanours. When Algernon poses as Ernest, confusion takes a hold and it takes the discover of an old black handbag before Jack and Algernon can discover the truth behind the deceit.