Along with "The Canterville Ghost" and "The Importance of Being Earnest", "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is one of Oscar Wilde's most famous stories. Although there have been many cinematic adaptations, the version from 1945 is the best known.

The story takes place in Victorian-era England. Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield) is an expressionless young man, whose soul is also a blank slate. His portrait is painted by Hallward (Lowell Gilmore), who wishes for Dorian to do good. However, Lord Wotton (George Sanders) has the greater influence, and takes cynical pleasure in manipulating Dorian to commit hedonistic, amoral acts.

Dorian makes a wish to remain forever young, while his portrait takes the fall for his sins and the passage of time. Somehow, the wish is granted; a vague explanation is attached to a sinister statue of an Egyptian cat.

Dorian romances an impressionable, innocent young singer Sybil (Angela Lansbury, in one of her first films). He takes Lord Wotton's advice and discards her. Dorian's life as a debaucher and wastrel becomes the scandal of London, but his Buster Keaton deadpan remains unchanged.

Dorian's one hope for redemption lies with Gladys (Donna Reed). But Sybil's brother (Richard Fraser) and Gladys' suitor David (Peter Lawford) try to pin Dorian down for his crimes.

By today's standards, the horror aspect of the film is very mild. Further discussion on this matter would unfortunately introduce spoilers. But while the blood and carnage of 'modern' horror movies is absent, there are still many chilling moments.

Dorian's behavior, except for an impulsive killing, never seems to correspond to his demented, distorted portrait. But while his sordid deeds are whispered about, they are mostly left unexplained. The moral, of course, is not to judge people by their appearance. Dorian may look youthful and innocent, but he's not.

The Picture of Dorian Gray was filmed in black and white, but the portrait is shown in color when Dorian sees it. The cinematography by Harry Stradling won the film's only Academy Award. However, Angela Lansbury was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The sets also were Oscar nominated.

The role of Lord Wotton was tailor made for George Sanders, who made a specialty of playing droll, sinister, witty characters (All About Eve, Rebecca). Sanders' character is probably a stand-in for Wilde himself.

The Picture of Dorian Gray proved to be the high water mark of Hurd Hatfield's career. Although his role required little more than good posture, a youthful appearance, and a straight face, he would be forever associated with it. He would continue to appear in films for decades afterwards, nearly always in supporting roles. (68/100)




Recommended: Yes