Magnificent Obsession (1954) ***1/2 [Magnificent Double Feature Pt. 1]

Magnificent Obsession (1954) was the movie that brought Rock Hudson fame. The Hollywood heartthrob's second pairing (of six) with director Douglas Sirk was also his first with actress Jane Wyman. 

Obsession, based on the 1929 novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, was first adapted in 1935 in a film starring Irene Dunne. The 1935 version (review) was directed by John M. Stahl who, a year prior, made a film called Imitation Of Life (which Sirk would also remake, as his final film in 1959). 

While I greatly enjoyed MO, I think that Sirk, Hudson, and Wyman made an even better melodrama the following year when they reteamed for All That Heaven Allows (review), which I found more affecting, more thought-provoking, and more beautifully shot (again by Russell Metty).

Douglas Sirk Feature Films Ranked