"The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945) Movie Review

The "Picture of Dorian Gray" was directed in 1945 by Albert Lewin. The main characters are Hurt Hatfield as Dorian Gray, George Wotton as Lord Henry, Angela Lansbury as Sibyl Vane, Lowell Gilmore as Basil Hallward, Donna Reed as Gladys Hallward and Douglas Walton as Alan Campbell.

The Picture of Dorian Gray starts off with a character introduction to Basil Hallward, and Lord Henry. Basil Hallward starts off talking about a man by the name of Dorian Gray. Basil said that he "Didn't intend to tell his name" to Lord Henry. Basil Hallward mentions that he is painting a portrait for Dorian Gray. Dorian Gray marvels at his portrait when it is finished being painted by Basil. Dorian Gray stared at his portrait of himself, and he stands by the "Mysterious Egyptian Cat" and wishes that he will always stay as he is now, and never age. Little does Dorian know, but the wish was fulfilled by the Egyptian Cat. Lord Henry explains to Dorian that he should seek a hedonistic view on life, and only live for pleasure and nothing else. Dorian gives Lord Henry's words a thought and walks into the "Half-World" of the city and wanders into the "Two Turtles Tavern", and sees Sibyl Vane sing her famous song "Goodbye Little Yellow Bird" and instantly falls in love with Sibyl Vane, but little does Dorian know, that good things do not last forever.

I enjoyed this version of "The Picture of Dorian Gray", because it stays close to the storyline that the book had. The other versions change the storyline too much for me, and just isn't the same. I would recommend this version of the film because in my opinion, its the best version that has been made to date. The director, Albert Lewin, used several elements of film, he used lighting, music, camera angles, and was one of the first directors to use color in certain parts of the film. As I watched this version of the film, "Goodbye Little Yellow Bird" became stuck in my head and I wanted to watch the film from beginning to end.

I would recommend this version of the film to anyone that has either read the book, or is a fan of horror or suspense films. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a classic film that will be appreciated for many years to come. In   my three categories, first starting off with the overall rating, I would give this film a 9. In the second category, which is the plot rating, meaning the rating I give the story line, would receive a 9 as well. in the third and final category, character roles,  which is how I believe the actors portrayed as the characters in the film performed their role, would receive a 9. Overall the film was enjoyable and is something that I will watch again in the future.