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.