 In contemporary London, a beautiful and rich young man, Dorian Gray, loves Sybil, an aspiring actress; thanks to her, he s momentarily less self-centered. He s also sitting for a portrait painted by his friend, Basil. When it s done, Dorian complains he ll grow old while it 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. In horror and fascination, Dorian hides it away and continues a life of degradation. Over time, as the portrait becomes hideous, he s unchanged by libidinal life; finally, he and Basil face the painting.