Review of Magnificent Obsession (1954) by Eric R — 31 Aug 2011

Bob Merrick is an arrogant playboy whose wealth was left to him by his parents. One fateful day he is indirectly responsible for the death of the town's most loved and respected doctor. The doctor's wife refuses to except Bob's apologies because she believes he doesn't really even understand how.

When she is accidentally blinded in a freak accident, Bob Merrick decides he must "do right" and unanimously help to fix her vision by any means necessary. While Bob spends time with Helen, under a different name so he can conceal his true identity, Helen begins to fall in love with Bob.

not knowing that her physician is actually Bob Merrick, the man indirectly responsible for her husbands death. Magnificent Obsession is a strong work from Douglas Sirk dealing with issues of loss, love and compassion for others.

Its a tad sappy at times and not nearly as lush or vivid visually as some of Sirk's other work but it still packs an emotional punch. That isn't to say that their isn't some fantastic imagery, particularly the scene where Jane Wyman's character wanders the house as night after returning from Europe.

It's just not as vivid as say 'All that Heaven Allows'. Rock Hudson is well cast as the playboy and following his quasi-transformation as a human being is nice to watch. Jane Wyman is also great as the grieving wife who has her life flipped upside down.

They have a good chemistry and its a pleasure watching them both together.