Magnificent Obsession (1954)

When churlish, spoiled rich man Bob Merrick foolishly wrecks his speed boat, the rescue team resuscitates him with equipment that's therefore unavailable to aid a local hero, Dr. Wayne ... See full summary »

Director:

Douglas Sirk

Writers:

Lloyd C. Douglas (novel), Robert Blees (screenplay),

Stars:

Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, Agnes Moorehead

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jane Wyman	...	Helen Phillips
Rock Hudson	...	Bob Merrick
Agnes Moorehead	...	Nancy Ashford
Otto Kruger	...	Edward Randolph
Barbara Rush	...	Joyce Phillips
Gregg Palmer	...	Tom Masterson
Paul Cavanagh	...	Dr. Henry Giraud
Sara Shane	...	Valerie Daniels
Richard H. Cutting	...	Dr. Derwin Dodge
Judy Nugent	...	Judy
Helen Kleeb	...	Mrs. Eden
Rudolph Anders	...	Dr. Albert Fuss
Fred Nurney	...	Dr. Laradetti
John Mylong	...	Dr. Emil Hofer
Alexander Campbell	...	Dr. Allan

Storyline

When churlish, spoiled rich man Bob Merrick foolishly wrecks his speed boat, the rescue team resuscitates him with equipment that's therefore unavailable to aid a local hero, Dr. Wayne Phillips, who dies as a result. Phillips had helped many people, and when Merrick learns Phillips' secret, to give selflessly and in secret, he tries it in a ham-handed way. The result further alienates Phillips' widow, Helen, with whom Merrick has fallen in love. Merrick's persistence causes another tragedy, and he must remake his life, including going back to medical school, in an attempt to make amends and win her love.

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Plot Keywords:

medical | blindness | surgeon | mentor | loss of husband | 

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Taglines:

THE STORY OF A WOMAN'S NEED FOR A MAN that will become one of the great emotional thrills of your lifetime!

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

7 August 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die wunderbare Macht

Filming Locations:

Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.00 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

'Jane Wyman (I)' appears as herself and narrates the trailer.

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Goofs

The recently-blinded Helen Phillips (Jane Wyman) praises her friend for not becoming short-tempered with her and her new disabilities. "I'd have thrown me in the drink, if I were me." ... Should be, "......if I were YOU."

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Quotes

Valerie: [first lines]
Valerie: Bob! Bob, take it easy!
Dr. Bob Merrick: Easy? Where's that get ya?

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Connections

Referenced in The State of Things (1982)

User Reviews

Tissues required!

Douglas Sirk directed a lot of films that capitalized on the melodramas that were highly popular in the fifties. In "Magnificent Obsession" he shows why he was probably the man that was born to direct this film, as well as others of the genre. This is a remake of the film of 1935, which had been a vehicle for Irene Dunne and Robert Taylor.

Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson seemed to be unlikely candidates for playing a romantic couple in the movies. After all, Ms. Wyman was older than Mr. Hudson and clearly appeared to be in the film. The story, which is based on LLoyd Douglas novel, has a little bit of everything.

"Magnificent Obsession" proved to be a hit for its stars. In a way, it's easy to see why fans were attracted to it, with its many twists and turns and the impossible love between Helen and Dr. Bob Merrick, the playboy who becomes contrite after he causes the accident that makes Helen blind. Also in the cast the magnificent Agnes Moorehead, who has great moments in the film.