Dorian Gray falls in love with Angela Lansbury. Image: IMDb
Youth and beauty are lovely while they last, but, alas, they can become an obsession in life’s middle years.
It’s not a battle easily won. Even in an era of Botox and Restylane, keeping up a youthful appearance is tough slogging.
Except if you’re Dorian Gray. Dorian is the titular character of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, a tale about a man who never ages. It was the Irish playwright’s only novel, and it has been adapted for the screen several times over the past 100 years.
Today we’re looking at the 1945 film version, simply because we admire it. Also because it stars George Sanders.
Now, Sanders doesn’t portray Dorian Gray; that part is played by Hurd Hatfield, who gives us an aloof and unsympathetic – yet utterly fascinating – character.
Dorian G. is a young man with looks, money, and a fabulous wardrobe. When we first meet him, we note his youthful and innocent appearance, but that is only Skin Deep. Dorian G. is easily manipulated and, as it turns out, easily corrupted.
The corrupting influence is a new acquaintance (Sanders), a titled Englishman with a mutual friend: the artist who has just finished painting Dorian’s portrait.
Sanders’s character is a hypocrite. He spouts inflammatory (and witty) opinions, but his behaviour doesn’t really stray outside acceptable social norms.
Yet he is dangerous. He likes to push people into situations he would never venture himself, then shrugs away any responsibility.
He goes to work on Dorian G. during their first meeting, when the portrait is presented as complete, and the young man gazes upon it with Sadness and Regret. Indeed, he’s envious of the painting because it captures him in a moment of perfect youth; while he himself will age, the portrait will remain unchanged, taunting him.
Naturally, this longing does not escape Sanders’s notice, and he begins to rhapsodize about the brevity of youth, how it’s the only thing worth having, et cetera.
Dorian agonizes over the painting. If only he could remain at this age forever while the portrait does the aging for him!
So, instead of realizing he needs to Get Over himself, Dorian G. is given his wish.
Here’s the thing: Dorian G. and the portrait are intertwined. One is integral to the other.
As Dorian ages and explores unsavoury aspects of his character, he remains as youthful and handsome as ever, although he doesn’t cultivate charm or an interest in his fellow man. His interest is in himself.
Some marvel at Dorian’s unchanging youthfulness. They attribute his countenance to a virtuous life, which is très amusing because Dorian G. lives a life that is anything but wholesome. He frequents places that his friends – Sanders included – find scandalous. (Note: These things are merely hinted at in the film, because the script is unconcerned with such details. It is dedicated to Dorian’s narcissism.)
Dorian’s secret is the portrait, his surrogate in aging. The figure in the painting bears the weight of Dorian’s lifestyle, and it reveals the damage to his soul. Judging by the revisions in the portrait, it’s been quite a ride.
The first change we see is when Dorian G. uses, then dumps, a young girl (Angela Lansbury). It’s a slight change to the expression in the portrait, but there’s no mistaking the “lines of cruelty about the mouth.” Dorian then locks the painting away and fires any household staff who might have noticed it.
Over the years, Dorian G. has occasional periods of self-loathing where he pledges to Reform. He isolates himself and studies the portrait, but, the film asks, does he study it for signs of sin, or signs of age?
Regardless, the brief periods of contrition subside and Dorian returns to his usual haunts. Why should he change? He lacks charisma, but he does possess eternal youth and beauty, which excuse him from treating others unjustly.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is nearly a perfect film, in our opinion. The story is suited to the gorgeous black-and white MGM treatment, with occasional interjections of colour.
It captures the feel of Wilde’s novel, we think, even though it takes liberties with the story. But it preserves Wilde’s wit and his societal criticisms. It’s drama with a Message, but there are some very funny lines, courtesy of our pal Sanders.
The film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography, and was nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress for Lansbury.
Please give The Picture of Dorian Gray a go. Like any truly great literature, Wilde’s story is timeless and captivating.
This post is part of The CLASSIC LITERATURE ON FILM Blogathon, hosted by Silver Screen Classics.
The Picture of Dorian Gray: starring George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed. Written & directed by Albert Lewin. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1945, B&W, 110 mins.
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You so precisely captured the revulsion we feel for the self-involved Dorian Gray. Also, how much fun it is to chuckle knowingly at and with that despicable Lord Henry. Truly, MGM outdid themselves.
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I like what you said about MGM outdoing themselves here. They really did, especially with the script that’s unsentimental.
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I’d love to watch it, have read the book a few times. Also I do like Angela Lansbury!
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This is one of Angela Lansbury’s first roles, and she is marvelous. I beg you to see this one.
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Will definitely add to my list!
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I just recently watched this for the first time and was stunned by what a great film it is. Is there any better pairing than George Sanders spouting Oscar Wilde’s witty one-liners? Overall, it’s one of those movies which will remain memorable to me no matter how much time passes.
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In this film, I keep thinking George Sanders *is* Oscar Wilde because he’s such a brilliant casting choice. And I know what you mean about the unforgettable nature this film. It really sticks with you, doesn’t it?
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I’m not sure if I’ve seen this. Even if I have, I should watch it again.
Angela Lansbury hasn’t retired, as far as I know, though there’s little work for actors and other creative people in these terrible days.
Hi Ruth. Take care.
Neil
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I hope you get the chance to (re)watch this one. Such a great movie!
Also: hope you’re keeping safe and well.
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I just caught the end of this film one night, so I missed that it was George Sanders spouting Oscar Wilde lines!! Brittaney B is right. How did I miss that? This is definitely on my list. Thank you!
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What?! You missed George Sanders in this? You must, MUST rewatch from the beginning!
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Haven’t seen the film but I studied the book. It still has one of the most powerful metaphors around.
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I’m about halfway through the book now & can hardly put it down. Why didn’t Oscat Wilde publish more novels?
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There’s only sad answers to that one. Most times I see a witty, insightful l, intelligent quote I assume it’s him. And more often than not it’s right ha.
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The book’s wonderful. From start to finish.
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I’m about halfway through the book, and am really enjoying it. Why did it take me so long to read it, for pete sake!
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Lol. Too many books and not enough time? Be interested to know if you feel the same as me about switching the Actress to a Singer. Makes more sense, to me, the way it all happens in the original tale.
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I think it makes more sense to have Sybil as an actress, because it gives her more scope. Lansbury is marvellous, but to sing the same song every night??
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Exactly!!
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Do you think this story gets the credit it deserves as a TWILIGHT ZONE-ish fantasy, or does its “classic literature” status preclude that? Just curious. This sort of thing has always been a bit of a minor issue for me.
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Ah! Great question! I never thought about it before. Next time I watch it, I’ll be looking at it differently. What are your thoughts?
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I suspect most people don’t think of it as a genre work. It’s too “literary,” too highbrow, to mix with Theodore Sturgeon and Hugo Gernsback and Richard Matheson—or so it used to be, anyway. Maybe that’s changed.
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I haven’t seen this or read the book, but I’ve always been interested in it. Now that I have all kinds of extra time, maybe I’ll finally get around to it! 🙂 And I’ll be watching your blog for other movie recommendations 🙂
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I hope you get the chance to see this film – a restored copy is available to rent on YouTube. It’s a haunting, thoughtful film with a fabulous cast.
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Great choice! Saw this for the first time in a long time just a few weeks ago, and was very impressed all over again. Would love to own that portrait of Gray as the hideous, immoral monster. : ) I was particularly struck by your description of George Sanders’ character: “Sanders’s character is a hypocrite. He spouts inflammatory (and witty) opinions, but his behaviour doesn’t really stray outside acceptable social norms.” From a lot that I’ve read, this might well sum up George Sanders himself. In the background reading I did for my post on The House of the Seven Gables, the authors maintained that Sanders rubbed much of the cast and crew the wrong way with his snide comments. Vincent Price graciously demurred, saying he liked Sanders, and also implied that Sanders just liked seeing the reaction to his outrageous comments.
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Haha! The portrait of Gray as the monster! That would be quite the addition to an art collection, for sure. (Did you know that both Dorian portraits – before and after – were painted by brothers at the same time?)
This is an impressive film, isn’t it? It has the MGM beauty, but not the sentimentality. Thanks for the info on Sanders, and another terrific account about Vincent Price.
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I think DORIAN GRAY a hard work to adapt and this version works pretty well. George Sanders and Angela Lansbury are strong as always.
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George and Angela are always impressive, aren’t they? I love the cast in this film, but you really notice it when those two aren’t on screen.
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This film adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray (1947) was an important influence on me in my own youth – as was Wilde generally – and so I was interested to read what you wrote and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m now fifty, and look back at images of myself a quarter of a century ago, and ask: WAS that me? Did I really look like that? The photograph doesn’t lie! That WAS me. But, like Dorian, I wasn’t comfortable in my skin. And now? A little wrinkled and grey I’m finding myself and even liking myself (which I never really did). You inspire me to watch it again to see it from another angle; and to once more compare it with the novel. I do have to say that I recall I felt that turning Lansbury’s character from a talented, though overlooked dramatic actress to a chanteuse, was a mistake. But that’s Hollywood!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this film and its influence on you. You’ve nicely described one of the benefits of getting older, which is to become more comfortable in one’s own skin, as you put it.
I haven’t been to your site for quite a while, but I’m dropping by this weekend to catch up! I always enjoy your writing and your impressive research skills. 🙂
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Great! And I’m adding my own piece to the Blogathon as planned tomorrow! Just finishing it!
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I’ve never seen this film, but you had me at the mention of George Sanders! And in an Oscar Wilde adaptation? That’s a must-see movie! 🙂
Love your reviews! You write like a screenwriter. As a reader, I can feel the movie’s story and the characters journey in your words.
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Oh yes, this is a must-see movie. You, especially, should see this one.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. You made my entire weekend. 🙂
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One of my favourite novels! I’d love to see someone do a new film version but this one is excellent too!
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You raise a good point. I think a modern film adaptation is due.
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Excellent review of a classic! Perfectly casted (Hurd Hatfield is superb), and brilliantly written & directed. I’ve watched quite a few adaptations of Wilde’s fascinating tale, but the 1945 version is by far the best. And that unexpected Technicolor moment… genius! 🙂
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Oh yeah – that Technicolor “twist” is clever. This film is one of my favourites.
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I forgot where, but a friend of mine saw the original painting at a local museum. I would love to see it in person!
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I’d love to see it, too. I’m glad it’s in a museum where folks can visit it.
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Love the new look of your site! (It’s been awhile since I’ve been in the blogosphere…) As for Dorian Gray, I always found the book to be super creepy, quite suitable for the horror genre, so I might have to watch this one with one eye closed! Is this film listed as a horror or only drama?
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Thanks! I decided to spruce things up a bit.
As for the film, some sources list it as horror, and I would agree. I’d love to see it on the big screen for full creepy effect.
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Love your style of writing, Ruth, and for this post especially. This movie hit me right between the eyes and is not easily forgettable. I didn’t recall it being made by MGM, and wouldn’t have guessed it in a million years! Like The Postman Rings Twice it doesn’t seem like the film would be in their wheelhouse, but they hit it right out of the park. A perfect movie!
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I hear you – I wouldn’t have guessed it was an MGM movie, either. But, as you pointed out, they treated the story fairly and made a truly impressive film.
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Loved this review, and this line “Today we’re looking at the 1945 film version, simply because we admire it. Also because it stars George Sanders” amused me SO MUCH. I don’t watch a ton of old movies, but my classic movie buff friends can almost always convince me to watch one by adding “plus it has George Sanders in it.” He’s just fabulous. 😉
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Agreed – George Sanders is ultra fabulous. I hope you get the chance to see this one. Some witty lines but also much food for thought.
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I have seen it, but it’s been at least 12 years, so it may be time for another go. 😉
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I remember watching that with my parents and be so irritated that they hadn’t warned me that it was going to be scary!
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Haha! This film is a bit scary, isn’t it? It’s also one that you never forget. Did you read the novel too, by any chance?
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I’m fairly certain I did in high school. And in college I went to a play. It is a fabulous, clever story on the whole.
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Such a great book, film & review!! It’s one of my favourites 🙂
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It’s a fascinating story, isn’t it? It lends itself well to film, wouldn’t you say?
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