Magnificent Obsession

See Larger Image	Manufacturer: Universal Studios Starring: Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush, Agnes Moorehead, Otto Kruger Directed By: Douglas Sirk Average Customer Rating:


Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9786300183896 Format: Color ISBN: 6300183890 Label: Universal Studios Manufacturer: Universal Studios Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Universal Studios Release Date: 1998-01-01 Running Time: 108 Studio: Universal Studios Theatrical Release Date: 1954-08-07
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Editorial Reviews: Rock Hudson became a beefcake star playing a self-absorbed, thrill-chasing millionaire playboy in the first of Douglas Sirk's glossy Technicolor melodramas. In a classic example of the wicked machinations of soap opera fate, Hudson's showboating antics kill the most saintly man in motion-picture history and stalk his newlywed widow (Jane Wyman), driving her into an accident that leaves her blind. The kindly attentions of a bohemian painter and part-time guardian angel help turn Hudson's life around, and he rejects his irresponsible lifestyle and dedicates himself to his new "magnificent obsession" of philanthropy and good deeds, meanwhile romancing Wyman in a sincere, soft-spoken voice and with a phony name. Magnificent Obsession was a huge success and established a style Sirk would refine through the 1950s, reaching a baroque peak in Written on the Wind and culminating with what may be his most successful and most famous film, Imitation of Life. Compared to his later successes, this is arch and flat, lacking the ironic edge and luscious style of his best films, but it's an exceedingly handsome production in bold, bright colors where swooning romance and life-saving operations define life as an emotional roller coaster of mythic proportions. --Sean Axmaker
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Good story but ending not believable Comment: I enjoyed the story and loved how a person can choose to change his life for the better. However, for Dr. Merrick to suddenly appear at a sanitarium in New Mexico, and then have a very nice operating room complete with viewing window that you might imagine finding in a large well equiped hospital was a little difficult to swallow. The nurse and companion, Nancy, suddenly became a scrub nurse and miraculously knew every instrument!! And then, to top it off, after a very long and difficult surgery, the patient was placed in a bed in a hotel-style room containing a huge curtained window with fresh air wafting through. There was no IV, no moniters, etc. etc. After such a surgery, the patient would be placed in a post op--critical care environment. I felt the script should have been tweaked enough in the end to make it seem more credible. Customer Rating: Summary: The investment of one's life in others...will be a magnificent obsession. Comment: This film is about a selfish millionaire playboy, Bob Merrick (played by Rock Hudson), who is involved in a boating accident that indirectly causes the death of a beloved local physician, Dr. Phillips, and the blindess of the doctor's wife (played by Jane Wyman). Bob Merrick deeply regrets all of the pain he has caused the doctor's family, and decides to abandon his old ways. He starts a new life focused on his "magnificent obsession", his dedication to helping others, which was inspired by the life philosophy of Dr. Phillips. "Magnificent Obsession" is a beautiful melodrama about the power of love and redemption. The characters demonstrate the inspiring qualities of growth and inner strength during times of adversity. This is a touching love story that was beautifully filmed, has a lovely soundtrack, and was superbly acted. I highly recommend this film, and I hope that it becomes available on DVD soon! Customer Rating: Summary: Great Classic - Comment: This is a wonderful classic movie.. available by import on DVD.. beware some of the cheap ones are not very good .. but there is another release of this movie at a higher price that is very good quality. Customer Rating: Summary: More Than A Movie... Comment: This is about a man laying hold of the greatest power in the world. In this film we see Rock Hudson undergo a transformation from irresponsible playboy to a dedicated, caring, passionate man with purpose. The supporting cast played beautifully by Jane Wyman, Agnes Moorehead, and Otto Krueger enriches the whole film. Douglas Sirk directed this masterpiece and of course, as usual, uses lavish color as he weaves a certain mood across the entire movie. I can't understand why no one in Hollywood can find it in them to make movies like this anymore. Especially in today's world, the message is even more relevant. This is a movie you will want to own and see over again. Customer Rating: Summary: The soundtrack is the best part! Comment: The story is sentimental yet illuminating, and the acting is fine, but the most significant achievement of this film is its lovely soundtrack. Based on haunting themes by Chopin and Beethoven (the beautiful choral movement of his 9th symphony), the mesmerizing melodies of Magnificent Obsession deserve to be noted. As I teen, I listened to my longplay recording of the soundtrack until I nearly wore it out. With many old musical soundtracks being reissued on CD, I dearly hope that this one will soon be among them. Whether you're watching Magnificent Obsession for the first or fifth time, tune your ear to its etherial background music and let your soul soar on its magical classic melodies. More Reviews