Opened: March 3, 1945

Directed by: Albert Lewin

Starring: George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, Angela Lansbury, Peter Lawford, Lowell Gilmore, Richard Fraser, Douglas Walton, Morton Lowry, Miles Mander, Lydia Bilbrook, Mary Forbes, Robert Greig, Moyna Macgill, Anita Sharp-Bolster, Billy Bevan & Lilian Bond

Though the actual picture of Dorian Gray in this film is iconic, the movie itself doesn’t hold up to the standard of shock that the novel depicts.

Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore) paints a picture of young aristocrat Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield). Seeing his image, Dorian wishes that his portrait could age instead so that he’d never lose his youthful looks. With a magical Egyptian cat statue present, Dorian’s wish comes true, and the picture takes on every sin he commits.

In the film, many of Dorian’s deeds are only spoken about and not in detail. However, what made Oscar Wilde’s novel so iconic is that it doesn’t shy away from graphic details. It was controversial and Wilde was condemned for violating public morality. With the absence of these images, the story becomes tame and boring.

Final say: A tame interpretation. ★★☆☆☆