Magnificent Obsession (The Criterion Collection)

A previous reviewer described this film as predictable. Of course it is, it is part of the genre. I thinks she misses the point completely. It is a romance, a saga, and of course it must have a happy end. It goes without saying.
It is my first Sirk, I taped it a couple of weeks ago and saw it today. It felt like going back to the films I saw when I was young. And I loved it, The lush Technicolor, the beautiful sets, the lovely costumes together with some fine acting, a well written script and a lovely melodrama. I cannot think of a better way to spending a boring Sunday than laying in my sofa watching this brilliant entertainment.

While there may be some elements that are slightly unbelievable (the widow doesn't recognize immediately the voice of the man who blinded her and whose carelessness resulted in her husband's death even though she'd met him before? When she finds out, she actually not only forgives him his deception but falls in love with him?) this is nevertheless a fine, romantic, lush production of an equally fine novel. Many boast about Rock Hudson's performance and it is excellent. His transformation from a selfish, spoiled millionaire's son to a caring neurologist who woos and wins Jane Wyman's character is totally believable. But, to me, it is Jane Wyman who steals the show as the afflicted, blinded widow Helen Phillips. She is totally believable as a newly blinded woman who somehow comes to terms with the fact that she probably will never see again. And the supporting cast, especially Otto Kruger as the philosophical artist is also excellent. And, speaking of philosophy, the book on which this movie is based has a definite, important message which comes through loud and clear without hammering us in the head or preaching at the viewer. The message is not lost in translation to the screen although that often happens when a book is made into a movie. These elements, combined with the spectacular color, lush music and beautiful scenery help to make "Magnificent Obsession" a typical, wonderful, old-fashioned 3-hankie "woman's picture." It's nearly 50 years old but it's still a marvelous rainy-day picture that will uplift and delight any woman who views it.

This is a beautiful film directed by Douglas Sirk. It contains extraordinary color cinematography (Sirk's trademark) by Russell Metty expressing Sirk's awe-inspiring and unsettling vision. Otto Kruger gives an inspiring performance in a secondary roll. A beautiful film and one of my favorites!