PictureofDorianGray

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

This is the story of Dorian Gray and begins with his famous portrait being painted by Basil Hallward. As it is being painted Dorian has a discussion with Lord Henry Wotton that deeply affects him. Lord Wotton tells him that the most treasured possession is ones youth and how most do not realize this until it is too late. Lord Wotton speaks of how fleeting ones youth is and how much one longs for it once it is gone. Dorian realizes that his portrait stays the same forever but he himself will grow old and die. He wishes that it could be the other way around, that his portrait could grow old while he remains the same forever. He says he would give his soul for such a thing. Apparently his wish is granted, though he does not yet realize it. As the movie goes on Dorian meets Sibyl Vane (played by Angela Lansbury when she's young and pretty hot). He falls in love with Sibyl and decides to ask her to marry him. He tells this to Basil and Lord Wotton and Lord Wotton gives him some rather bad advise, telling him that he would not try to marry Sibyl but merely bed her instead and giving an example of how he would do so. Dorian at first says he would never do such a thing, but later decides to give it a try. After he seduces Sibyl he leaves her, telling her that he will not marry her. He notices a change in his portrait the next time he examines it, finding it now has a cruel looking smirk. He tries to right the wrong he has made, deciding to marry Sibyl, but it's too late and he is brought news of her death. He blames himself and over the next few years he begins to spiral downward into depravity. He commits many sins during this time, but nothing he does seems to mark him. However, all his sins and age are revealed on his portrait, turning the likeness of him into a hideous disease ridden old man with evil glaring eyes. Dorian hides the portrait away in his old schoolroom at his estate and keeps it locked at all times, keeping the key with himself so no others will see how far he has fallen by observing what his sins have wrought on his likeness. Around 18 years pass and Dorian himself never changes a bit. He eventually falls in love once more, this time with Basil's young niece, Gladys. He invites Basil over to show him the painting and explain how it has ruined his life. He then realizes his mistake and decides that Basil is likely to tell Gladys about this someday, therefore Basil must go. After murdering Basil, Dorian blackmails another of his associates into disposing of the body for him. Dorian portrait is now rather bloody among other things. Now Dorian is free to pursue Gladys at his leisure. There is a little trouble to deal with when Sibyl's big brother finds Dorian again after all these years. Also there is the matter of Dorian's own conscience gnawing at him. So will the brother kill Dorian as he gets his revenge? Will he find he can't live with himself after all these years of sinful living? Or will he get Gladys and live happily ever after, only to see her grow old and die while he remains the same. I'm not going to spoil the rest of the movie by revealing more, so you'll just have to watch it yourself!

This is a classic movie that was well written and well made. It is black and white, but that merely adds to it's allure and helps to create the proper atmosphere for it. It does however show the portrait in color a few times as if to punctuate it's importance. There aren't many special effects, but there are some nifty camera tricks and cool lighting effects that you don't see as often in today’s films. The acting is great and there is even a narrator who helps you through the story. There are some nice singing and piano playing numbers, especially in the first half of the movie. It's interesting how older movies like this could be so entrancing with so little action.

This is a great old movie and showcases a lot of the things that made the silver screen a hit. It doesn't have the gore, violence and shock value that so many of today’s films go for. Instead it showcases actual talent and a good story. If you are in the mood for something fun and thoughtless then look elsewhere. If you don't mind thinking a bit while you are being entertained and want a story with a moral, then this may be a refreshing change from the usual.

3 out of 4

reviewed by Scott Schwarzwalder