It’s hard not to feel sympathy for “Bob” (Rock Hudson) throughout this story. While he's portrayed as an irritating and self-centered playboy, his involvement in an accident requiring the resuscitator leads him to face considerable disapproval from hospital staff. The reason? A local surgeon also encountered a crisis at the same time, and because the machine was occupied elsewhere, he died. “Bob” is understandably di…

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 life…