Doc Rock and the playboy redemption. Magnificent Obsession comes from a novel by Lloyd C Douglas; it had been filmed once before in 1935 with Irene Dunne and Robert Taylor as the main characters. This version is directed by Douglas Sirk, known for his melodramas, and stars Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson in roles that are full of emotional intensity. The plot centers on Bob Merrick (Hudson), a man living a playboy lifestyle who unintentionally causes the death of Helen Phillips’ (Wyman) husband. As he begins to develop some depth beyond his superficial image, he feels compelled to make amends with Helen, but her efforts toward recovery are interrupted when she is tragically blinded. While Helen recovers, Bob inserts himself into her life under false pretenses; surprisingly, they begin to fall in love, though the truth will eventually be revealed and misfortune seems to constantly threaten their connection. Like other films from Douglas Sirk, Magnificent Obsession is full of dramatic moments and doesn’t shy away from pushing the viewer's emotions. It's essentially a tearjerker, something of an emotional outlet for those who want it. That isn't necessarily negative; just be prepared for what kind of movie you are watching. Describing it simply as a romance would be misleading because at its heart, this is a story about redemption, where even religious themes are woven into the carefully written script. The film also has strong technical aspects: Frank Skinner’s score is beautifully smooth, with Chopin's Études perfectly complementing the developing romance, and Russell Metty’s color photography is understated but effective. Rock Hudson gave a performance that helped establish him as an actor (showing he could deliver when given substantial material), and Wyman earned an Oscar nomination for her emotionally charged portrayal. Overall, it's a film worth seeing, provided you are in the mood for a sad story! 7.5/10

Source on TMDB