The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)
There have been several film versions of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. If you’re used to a more modern version, the 1945 one will seem very tame to you; but try to remember how unique it was at the time. If you don’t know the story at all, this is a great one to start with.
The theme itself is one we’re all familiar with: a beautiful face with an ugly heart. Hurd Hatfield (whose career never really took off because of this movie) stars as the title character. He’s young, handsome, and innocent. The world-wise and cynical George Sanders meets Hurd when he’s posing for a portrait. The portrait is just as lovely as the model, and Hurd wishes that he could always stay so perfect forever. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the painting would age and decay instead of his actual body? he wonders. As George leads him down a rabbit hole of sensual pleasures and selfish lifestyles, Hurd’s heart becomes hard and cruel. Along the way, he hurts those around him who love and care: Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed.
I always found it fascinating that Oscar Wilde, known for his quips and witticisms, held such a dramatic story in his heart. In his life, he fell prey to beautiful faces time and again, only to discover that the souls within weren’t as lovely. We’d all love to see the Dorian Grays of the world get punished, or for them to look on the outside the way they look on the inside. Without having the world get hypnotized by Tony Robbins, we’ll have to make do with open eyes and good judgement.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Sara Corales" for posting!
More Donna Reed movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1961's The Picture of Dorian Gray here!
The theme itself is one we’re all familiar with: a beautiful face with an ugly heart. Hurd Hatfield (whose career never really took off because of this movie) stars as the title character. He’s young, handsome, and innocent. The world-wise and cynical George Sanders meets Hurd when he’s posing for a portrait. The portrait is just as lovely as the model, and Hurd wishes that he could always stay so perfect forever. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the painting would age and decay instead of his actual body? he wonders. As George leads him down a rabbit hole of sensual pleasures and selfish lifestyles, Hurd’s heart becomes hard and cruel. Along the way, he hurts those around him who love and care: Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed.
I always found it fascinating that Oscar Wilde, known for his quips and witticisms, held such a dramatic story in his heart. In his life, he fell prey to beautiful faces time and again, only to discover that the souls within weren’t as lovely. We’d all love to see the Dorian Grays of the world get punished, or for them to look on the outside the way they look on the inside. Without having the world get hypnotized by Tony Robbins, we’ll have to make do with open eyes and good judgement.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Sara Corales" for posting!
More Donna Reed movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1961's The Picture of Dorian Gray here!