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Drama Cult Classic

Decadence, eternal youth, and swinging London collide in this Euro-horror take on Wilde’s classic.

DORIAN GRAY

He is twenty-one. He has been twenty-one for almost half a century

1970 · 01:37:00 · R · Drama / Horror / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A corrupt young man retains his youthful beauty through a mysterious special painting, which begins to reveal his age and depravity itself.

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Quick Answer
What is Dorian Gray about?

Dorian Gray is a 1970 drama, horror, and thriller film directed by Massimo Dallamano about a beautiful young man in contemporary London whose portrait ages and reveals his depravity while he remains eternally youthful.

Synopsis

In contemporary London, a beautiful and rich young man, Dorian Gray, loves Sybil Vane, an aspiring actress; thanks to her, he's momentarily less self-centered. He's also sitting for a portrait painted by his friend, Basil Hallward; when it's done, Dorian complains he will grow old while the painting stays unchanged. On the same night, he slaps Sybil and sends her away, then accepts the seductive offer of a party's hostess to sleep with her.

The next day, the painting looks slightly older as he becomes corrupt and amoral, capable of destroying many lives inclusive Sybil's. In horror and fascination, Dorian hides away the portrait and continues a life of degradation. Over time, as the portrait becomes hideous, he's unchanged by debauched life; finally, he and Basil face the painting.
Details & Specs
Director
Massimo Dallamano
Writers
Oscar Wilde, Günter Ebert, Marcello Coscia, Massimo Dallamano, Renato Romano
Release
1970
Runtime
1h 37m
Country
Italy, Germany, United Kingdom
Language
Italian, English
Also Known As
The Secret of Dorian Gray, A Vida Intima de Dorian Gray, The Evils of Dorian Gray, Das Bildnis des Dorian Gray (original title)

The SassyFlix Take

Oscar Wilde’s tale of vanity and vice gets a 1970s makeover, complete with sex clubs, disco, and a hedonistic London backdrop. Helmut Berger broods his way through a decadent parade of lust, murder, and erotic excess. If you like your classics with a side of giallo and a heavy pour of Euro sleaze, this one’s for you.
From the Vault

Oscar Wilde’s portrait never looked quite so mod.

Why Cult

Swinging London Update

Dorian’s descent unfolds against the backdrop of contemporary London’s nightlife, from discos to gay clubs, capturing the era’s decadent spirit.

Euro-Giallo Flair

Director Massimo Dallamano infuses Wilde’s morality tale with eroticism, murder, and a distinctly continental giallo edge.

Queer Subtext & Sexploitation

With explicit nods to homosexual and lesbian desire, nightclub decadence, and sexploitation trappings, this adaptation doesn’t shy from the book’s darker undertones.

Helmut Berger in Vanity

Helmut Berger’s icy charisma anchors the film as the beautiful, corrupted Dorian, navigating a world of seduction and doom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dorian Gray about? +

Dorian Gray follows a young man in contemporary London whose portrait ages and becomes monstrous as he descends into a life of vice, while he himself remains outwardly youthful.

Who directed Dorian Gray? +

Dorian Gray was directed by Massimo Dallamano.

How long is Dorian Gray? +

Dorian Gray has a runtime of 97 minutes.

What genre is Dorian Gray? +

Dorian Gray is a drama, horror, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Dorian Gray? +

You can watch Dorian Gray on SassyFlix.