Amazon.com: These nip/tuck, Botoxed times would seem to be ripe for a remake of Oscar Wilde's ageless story of youth-worshiping aristocrat Dorian Gray. Until then, we have this 1945 prestige production starring Hurd Hatfield as Dorian, who, under the influence of the incorrigible Lord Henry Wotton, vows to live only for pleasure and to give in to all "exquisite temptations." While he sinks into a vile life of decadence and corruption, he remains young, while his painted portrait becomes "an emblem of his own conscience," growing more hideous as Gray becomes more monstrous. Angela Lansbury was nominated for an Academy Award for her heartbreaking performance as innocent singer Sibyl Vane, the first victim of Gray's callousness. George Sanders is at his contemptuous best as the cynical Lord Wotton, wringing every drip of disdain out of such Wilde-isms as, "I always choose my friends for their good lucks and my enemies for their good intellects." This pristine transfer does full justice to the film's Oscar-winning black and white cinematography (with vivid Technicolor inserts of the mesmerizing painting). With entertaining extras that replicate an old fashioned night at the movies, including a trailer and two Oscar-winning shorts, the Tom & Jerry cartoon, "Quiet Please" and "Stairway to Light," and affectionate, detailed, and illuminating commentary by Lansbury and film historian and screenwriter Steve Haberman, this DVD is suitable for framing. --Donald Liebenson
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Captures the book's feel wonderfully
This is an excellent movie. A little gem, quite unknown to me until today, just like the director himself. Directed without any fireworks, just plain and modest narrative genius. Wonderful interpretations from everybody. A delight just to watch the characters interact, and listen to them, regardless of the story itself.
The film is beautiful, and thanks God it long, not like most of this time films that as soon as you are starting to like them it's already ending. Great cast. A moralistic story, a lot of food for thought. Beautiful black and white, beautiful score with small pieces ... Read More
Rating: - Outstanding film !
I buy this Dvd because I remembered watching bits of this film many years ago during my childhood and I must say I was greatly surprised with the quality of the film , the magnificent performances (George Sanders shines) and the amazing script which reflects the essence of Oscar Wilde's celebrated novel. I highly recommend this dvd.
Rating: - An excellent movie
The movie was excellent, the delivery was actually ahead of expected time. Class will show.....keep up the good work. The only thing stopping me from buying more is the exchange rate.
Cheers!
Rating: - Great performance & excellent storyline
For those that like the old black & whites (TCM bufs) this is a great version of the story. I always get a kick out of seeing performances of actors I know of now when they were much younger and Angela Landsbury does a fine job in this performance.
Highly recomend this version!
Rating: - Wonderful!
I loved "The Picture of Dorian Gray" movie. It's a wonderful production and depiction of Wilde's book. Maybe Dorian is not as described in the book, however, Hurd Hatfield as Dorian does a great performance. The effect of coloring the picture is great; at the beginning one expects it will be also B&W but then it shows the painting in a vivid Technicolor.
I found this movie a "must" for those who had read the book, and for all Wilde's book lovers.
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