The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

A pure young man has his portrait painted and thoughtlessly wishes that he could always remain as it portrays him while the painting would age in his stead. Under the influence of the worldly Lord Wotton, he heads down a path of hedonism. But, per his wish, his physicality never bears the marks of his actions while the portrait grows monstrous.

Though the film is black and white, the painting itself is often shown in gorgeous color, which is so effective, especially in the early scenes. We not only see but feel its power, as though -- if it were hanging in a museum -- we'd stand in front of it for hours. Where the film fails is in its horrors, which are left wholly to our imaginations except for two instances. The painting's magic worked a little too well in that it was extremely difficult to believe Dorian capable of terrible acts when we only see him in his innocent state.

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