The Picture of Dorian Gray

US (1945): Horror/Drama/Fantasy

This adaptation of the novel by Oscar Wilde is about a vain young man (Hurd Hatfield) who makes a pact with the devil to retain his youth. As a portrait in the attic changes with the years to reflect his true age and his evil nature, Dorian Gray retains his outward youth and beauty. The stark black-and-white cinematography is wonderfully affecting, particularly when the portrait pops out in lurid Technicolor. Albert Lewin directs for MGM. Cast also includes George Sanders, Angela Lansbury, Peter Lawford, Richard Fraser and Donna Reed. Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress: Angela Lansbury.

This was the fifth film version of the Wilde story, but the first one with sound; the most recent version was made in 2002. The titular painting in the 1945 film was done by American artist Ivan Le Lorraine Albright who once said of his frequently gory body of work, "I just can't seem to paint nice things." (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for The Picture of Dorian Gray on TCM.com.

3 nominations, 1 Award