Review of The Picture of Dorian Gray

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY is one of many classic horror stories that producer Dan Curtis adapted for US television back in the early 1970s. It's a pretty authentic version of the Oscar Wilde novel that feels interesting throughout, despite the dated atmosphere and cheap look. Running at two hours, this is a fairly slow and ponderous story, bolstered by an excellent performance from underrated Hammer star Shane Briant in the leading role. He gets under his character's skin and convinces totally, with Nigel Davenport excellent in support as the debauched Sir Harry. The film has just the right creepy atmosphere and the titular portrait is well used and sufficiently horrible. It's a good film, if you can get past the relatively low budget.