This dramatic, witty, and very memorable film is based on the Oscar Wilde novel of the same title.  It’s a must-see for fans of intelligent cinema!  In the opening, we meet the talkative, confidant, well-dressed Lord Henry Wooton (George Sanders), a character not unlike Wilde.  Lord Henry visits the home of his close friend Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore), a painter.  Basil is nearly finished with the portrait of a new, handsome young friend, Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield).  Basil tells Lord Henry that everyone who meets Dorian adores him, including the painter’s little niece, Gladys.

Lord Henry admires the picture and the young man, declaring “youth and beauty are the most important things in life.”  He also comments that it’s a shame that his portrait will look the same, but Dorian will grow old with age.  Dorian is strongly affected by Lord Henry’s words; fear, disappointment, and panic flash across his face.  Dorian silently wishes that he’d stay the same, but the painting would change.  Somehow, his wish comes true!

There are crucial moments in the film where it switches from black and white to color.

A very pretty young Angela Lansbury (age 19 or 20) has a crucial role in the movie.

Another beauty here- the grown-up Gladys (Donna Reed).

Coming soon to theaters:

Dorian Gray (starring Ben Barnes & Colin Firth)

 

About the film:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235124/