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THE PICTURES OF DORIAN GRAY

Eight in a Series - Shane Briant

I came across Dan Curtis’ production of the Dorian Gray story on a streaming channel. Curtis only produced, not directed, but his stamp is all over it.

I was surprised it was recorded on video, not film, so it comes across as “a very special” episode of Dark Shadows. Even John Karlen pops up in a scene or two.

https://youtu.be/102DJ_1Adsw

The TV movie also heavily reused Robert Cobert’s music from the series. I imagine Curtis thought he’d save money, but frankly I think it cheapens the profuction. He even used Quentin’s Theme prominently. Come on! He should have paid Cobert to compose something new.

Here’s an example - the musical sting we heard often on Dark Shadows.

https://youtu.be/a3LvN2D0W-0

I’m not to crazy about Shane Briant as Dorian. He’s average looking... bordering on unattractive and too puffy faced. He should be beautiful and innocent looking before his bargain with the painting. Yet he looks sullen and jaded from the beginning. This production also relies heavily on Dorian narrating the story... and Briant isn’t that great an actor to maintain your interest.

I gave up 1/2 through.

THE PICTURES OF DORIAN GRAY

Four in a Series - Jeremy Brett

Jeremy Brett’s appeared in a supporting role in a 1976 production of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” that’s still available online. But he starred as Dorian in his own production in 1961, as part ITV’s Armchair Theater (an anthology series of single plays).

Unfortunately I have not been able to find any videos of the production... not even clips. (Some episodes of the series are for sale on Amazon in Region 2 DVDs but they doesn’t appear to include Dorian.)

Instead, I’m sharing a few photos that give us a hint of the production.

THE PICTURES OF DORIAN GRAY

Three in a series - John Fraser

The next version of Dorian Gray on my list is the 1961 TV production starring Scottish actor John Fraser as Dorian. Originally I could only find a very grainy and distorted copy but I final found one worth viewing. (It includes the original commercials.)

https://youtu.be/zA9P5nPnIFU?list=PLFN-tiGsWccCEhisdk9Njl0lktljLFhWq

A year before this production John Fraser played Lord Alfred Douglas opposite Péter Finch as Oscar in the film “The Trials of Oscar Wilde”. This casting no doubt had influence in Fraser starring as Dorian. I think he does a good job, in particular the first half.

Louis Hayward played Artist Basil Hallward, Susan Oliver played Dorian’s first love interest Sybil Vane, and George C. Scott plays Lord Henry. Although Scott was later considered a great actor, he comes across very stagey (projecting to the balcony as the saying goes).

Below a link to a full copy of “The Trials of Oscar Wilde”. It gives us a better glimpse of Fraser’s performance. He’s suitable good looking and glib about morality.

https://youtu.be/kQWf3VyLu9Y

Next Jeremy Brett:

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

Two in a Series - Hurd Hatfield

I have to admit, I have not see the Hurd Hatfield version of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1945) in many years. Frankly I don’t like it very much. Why? Hurd Hatfield. I find his face so bland and expressionless that I don’t want to look at him. Where is the Adonis that Oscar Wilde describes?

George Sanders on the other hand is perfect for the role of amoral Lord Henry, who seduces Dorian down the wayward path. In fact, I think Sanders played this role in every movie he ever made.

https://youtu.be/M1R5wPVDT7Y

A very young and beautiful Angela Lansbury plays Sybil Vane - she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

The portraits in the film are the most elaborate of the various versions of the story. The original portrait was painted by Henrique Medina. It was sold at an MGM auction in 1970. Resold several time, it’s last known price was $149,000 at a 2015 Christie’s auction. The corrupt version was done by Ivan Albright (who believe it or not, painted other portraits in that style) and currently resides at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Trailer:

https://youtu.be/bHBQOdAGq00

Next John Fraser:

THE PICTURES OF DORIAN GRAY

One in a Series - Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900) iHe was one of the best-known “celebrities” of his era. He had biting wit and was flamboyant in his clothing style. Unfortunately he died at the age of 46 shortly after he was convicted for "gross indecency”.

Ten years earlier he published his only novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. It’s three main characters clearly based on Wilde himself. In fact he was quoted as saying, “Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry is what the world thinks of me: Dorian is what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.”

The story involves Dorian Gray, a young man of exceptional beauty, who has his portrait painted by artist Basil Howard. The day it is finished he meets Lord Henry Wotten, a decadent aristocrat, who encourages Dorian to think only of himself and to do as he pleases.

When Dorian sees the finished portrait and realizes while he grows old, the portrait will be forever young. He wishes that the reverse could be true - that he would be forever young and beautiful while the portrait ages. In fact he would give up his soul for it to happen.

From that point forward, Dorian remain beautiful while the portrait reflects every sin and debauched action he takes. He’s the cause of making others commit suicide and commits murder himself.

The novel has been adapted into plays, movies and TV shows. The silent film versions are lost and a few others are unavailable on the internet. I will be doing a survey of the films based on Dorian Gray, and decide which of the version I like best.

Since this is a “Dark Shadows” themed tumblr, I’ll be including Quentin Collins wholes life was changed by a Dorian-like portrait.

Next Hurd Hatfield: