The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1945)
Available on all-region DVD

Synopsis: Although MGM had enjoyed success with lavish literary adaptations such as David Copperfield and Pride and Prejudice, this big-budget version of Oscar Wilde's only novel was a rather curious venture for a studio that prided itself on family entertainment.

But flamboyant screenwriter/director Albert Lewin turned in a compelling picture that teeters between sophistication and vulgarity. Hurd Hatfield gives a muted performance as Dorian and is thus easily surpassed by Angela Lansbury, who plays the chirpy music-hall singer with whom he falls in lust, and by George Sanders as the languidly witty Lord Henry Wotton.

The picture earned co-art director Cedric Gibbons one of his record 40 Oscar nominations.

Cast: George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, Angela Lansbury, Peter Lawford
Runtime: 110 min