The Picture of Dorian Gray

This was a decent adaptation for a low-budget made for TV theater-style movie.

Unfortunately burdened with a barrage of Wildean aphoristic cant (but then, so was the novel). No doubt at all that this was a Dan Curtis vehicle, with recycled music from Dark Shadows (featuring Quentin's Theme and the "I Want To Dance With You" song)...not to mention Barnabas' ring and John Karlen. At first I thought Bryant was going to prove an ingenue washout, but he gained a certain authority as things progressed. Davenport was also very good (despite the canned cynicism)...as was Aidman.

An engaging take on the story with very good narration that truly helps to carry this telemovie. What I really like about this version is the underlying homosexual subtext they bring into it. It's never overt, always sly, but readily there. The portrait takes on a very Basil Gogos vibe as it degrades and I love how committed they are to that image by the end.

Well acted, but stuffy and stagey.