Magnificent Obsession (1935)

My Review

“Magnificent Obsession” is a riveting melodrama about a spoiled playboy who inadvertently causes the death of his town’s respected physician. As a result, he experiences a conversion to Christianity and dedicates his life to helping people. Director John M. Stahl (“Imitation of Life” 1934) put together an excellent film with high quality production values and memorable performances. It was adapted from the 1929 novel of the same name by Lloyd C. Douglas.

The cast includes Robert Taylor, Irene Dunn, Charles Butterworth, Betty Furness, Arthur Treacher, Sara Haden, Ralph Morgan, Henry Armetta, and Arthur Hoyt. The watchable “Magnificent Obsession” was popular in theatrical release for Universal Pictures. It was filmed mostly on Universal City soundstages with outside location shoots in the San Bernardino National Forest. A remake called “Magnificent Obsession” was released in 1954 starring Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman.