Based on the famous novel by Oscar Wilde, this adaptation, set in Victorian London, stars Hurd Hatfield as Dorian Gray, an initially pure but shallow young man who was corrupted by the sinful Lord Henry Wotten(played by George Sanders). Dorian, who has recently had his portrait painted, proclaims upon his soul that he wishes that the picture would show all his aging and inner ugliness, so that he will be forever youthful. This would come at a high price, as indeed it is true that the portrait does become more hideous over time, which requires that it be hidden from view. Dorian must eventually come up with excuses and stories to explain why he doesn't age, while his contemporaries all do, leading to suspicions which must be dealt with... Effective filming of this clever story with a good cast and direction, and memorable unveiling of the portrait itself, which is quite scary(and seen in color). Angela Lansbury has a key supporting role here as an early victim of Dorian's wickedness. Not really a horror film as such, and quite talky, yet also fascinating.
Review of The Picture of Dorian Gray
