Magnificent Obsession (1954)

A rich playboy whose recklessness inadvertently causes the death of a prominent doctor tries to make amends to his widow, and falls for her in the process.

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	...	Randolph
Barbara Rush	...	Joyce Phillips
Gregg Palmer	...	Tom Masterson
Paul Cavanagh	...	Dr. Giraud
Sara Shane	...	Valerie
Richard H. Cutting	...	Dr. Dodge
Judy Nugent	...	Judy
Helen Kleeb	...	Mrs. Eden
Rudolph Anders	...	Dr. Fuss
Fred Nurney	...	Dr. Laradetti
John Mylong	...	Dr. 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:

remake | spoiled rich man | hospital doctor | kiss on the forehead | harvest festival | 

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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:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jane Wyman appears as herself and narrates the trailer.

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Goofs

17 minutes in: When the cab pulls up in front of Brightwood Hospital to drop off Tom, the shadow of the microphone boom is clearly visible on the hood of the vehicle.

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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 Many Loves of Dobie Gillis: Magnificent Failure (1962)

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Soundtracks

Consolations, S. 172 No. 3 in D flat major - Lento, placido
Written by Franz Liszt

User Reviews

A bit much, even for Sirk

I am a Douglas Sirk devotee and regard him as one of the screen's more underrated directors. Having said that, I regard "Magnificent Obsession" as a bit much, even for Sirk. I like Sirk because, even though he is a master of soapers, he is more than that. His films contain social commentaries that are often biting, and they often contain good character studies. In this preachy film the social commentary is absent and the characters are one dimensional. But I can forgive all this because the acting is good--Wyman, Kruger, and Moorhead are excellent--and Sirk showed that Rock Hudson could act if properly directed. This was Hudson's breakthrough film. But the music is almost too much to bear! I have never heard such wretchedly maudlin, and loud, movie music in my life. The heavenly choruses in the background are shameless. In spite of all this, however, it is all quite entertaining. 7/10

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

7 August 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Magnificent Obsession

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