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Poster for Magnificent Obsession

Magnificent Obsession

Seen it?

1954 | 108 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved All That Heaven Allows, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1954: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Reckless playboy Bob Merrick crashes his speedboat, requiring emergency attention from the town’s only resuscitator while a local hero, Dr. Phillips, dies waiting for the life-saving device. Merrick then tries to right his wrongs with the doctor’s widow, Helen, falling in love with her in the process.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    88% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $5 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 68K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Douglas Sirk

  • Jane WymanHelen Phillips
  • Rock HudsonBob Merrick
  • Barbara RushJoyce Phillips
  • Agnes MooreheadNancy Ashford
  • Otto KrugerEdward Randolph
  • Gregg PalmerTom Masterson
  • Paul CavanaghDr. Henry Giraud
  • Sara ShaneValerie Daniels
  • Richard H. CuttingDr. Derwin Dodge
  • Judy NugentJudy