Perfection of the outside. Murderous corruption within.

Starring: George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, Angela Lansbury, Peter Lawford, Lowell Gilmore, Richard Fraser, Douglas Walton, Morton Lowry, Miles Mander, Lyda Bilbrook, Mary Forbes

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"If only it was the picture who was to grow old, and I remain young. There's nothing in the world I wouldn't give for that. Yes, I would give even my soul for it." - Dorian Gray

Why watch this? This morality tale cautions us on the dangers, and intoxication, of narcissism.

Plot Summary: Young and handsome Dorian Gray has his portrait painted by close friend Basil Hallward in Victorian London. When Basil's friend, Lord Wooton, stops by, Wooton impresses Gray to partake in pleasures while still young. This prompts Gray to inwardly wish that his portrait age, while he remain young. Magically, and thanks to a Egyptian cat god statue, his wish is granted. The portrait not only ages, but it shows the terrible ugliness of his wanton actions, as Gray lives on as a man both depraved and heartless. Gray hides the ever-changing painting in his attic, deciding, years later, to let the artist, Basil, see the decaying device that has ruined his life.

Dad's Preview: This classic Oscar Wilde novel has long been a gothic stalwart for illustrating the price to be paid for man's vanity. The acting is wonderful, and Hatfield's vacant portrayal of Gray is quite haunting. Shot in black and white, four scenes of the painting were shot in Technicolor for added effect. This film is a reminder that even in the good old days of Hollywood, and without CGI, a film's quality and solid direction could produce a chilling horror flick.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's, Inc.