Arguably the definitive cinematic treatment of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel, Albert Lewin’s haunting drama follow the tragic downward spiral of Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield), a handsome, innocent young man corrupted by relentless hedonism. Determined to wring maximum pleasure out of life, Dorian barters his soul for eternal youth. After callously seduces and breaking the heart of an innocent young woman (Angela Lansbury), he gives himself over to a life of crime and carousing. But while Dorian’s outward appearance remains unchanged, his life-sized portrait grows increasingly monstrous in proportion to the hideousness of his soul. Remembered for its striking art direction and brilliant combination of black-and-white and Technicolor cinematography, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY breathes vivid life into Wilde’s terrifying cautionary tale.

Film still courtesy of PHOTOFEST