The Picture of Dorian Gray

"Why did women talk about Dorian Gray in whispers?"

Mar 3 1945 Approved 1h 50m
Drama, Fantasy, Horror

Posing for a portrait, Dorian Gray talks with Lord Henry Wotton, who says that men should pursue their sensual longings, but laments that only the young get to do so. Taken with the idea, Dorian imagines a scenario in which the painting will age as he stays youthful. His wish comes true, and his boyish looks aid him as he indulges his every whim. But when a stunning revelation forces him to see what he's become, Dorian faces some very dangerous questions.

Plot

In 1886, in Victorian London, the corrupt Lord Henry Wotton (George Sanders) meets the pure Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield) posing for talented painter Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore). Basil paints Dorian's portrait and gives the beautiful painting and an Egyptian sculpture of a cat to him, while Henry corrupts his mind and soul, telling him that Dorian should seek pleasure in life. Dorian wishes that his portrait could age instead of him. Dorian goes to a side show in the Two Turtles in the poor neighborhood of London, and he falls in love with singer Sibyl Vane (Dame Angela Lansbury). Dorian decides to marry her and tells Lord Henry, who convinces him to test the honor of Sibyl. Dorian Gray leaves Sibyl and travels abroad, and when he returns to London, Lord Henry tells him that Sibyl committed suicide for love. Throughout the years, Dorian's friends age while he is still the same, but his picture discloses his evilness and corruptive life. Can he still have salvation, or is his soul trapped in the doomed painting?

Written by

Albert Lewin, Oscar Wilde

Directed by

Albert Lewin

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Languages

English

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 3 wins & 4 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
15,126
Average Rating
7.5 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA