Magnificent Obsession

1935    1h 52m    Not Rated
6.867%53%74%
The life of spoiled rich Robert Merrick is saved through the use of a hospital's sole resuscitator, but because the medical device cannot be in two places at once, it results in the death of Dr. Hudson, a selfless, brilliant surgeon and generous philanthropist. Merrick falls for Hudson's widow Helen, although she holds him responsible for her husband's demise. One day, he insists on driving her home and makes a pass at her. She gets out of the car and is struck by another car, then goes blind. Merrick talks to a friend of Dr. Hudson who tells him that her husband had a philosophy: to help people, but never let it be known that you are the one helping them. Only then, he believed, could there be true reward in life. Merrick watches over Helen and visits her during her recuperation, concealing his identity and calling himself Dr. Robert. When he finds out that she is nearly penniless, he secretly pays for specialists to try to restore her vision. Finally, she travels to Paris and is told that her eyesight is gone forever. Robert follows her, confesses his true identity, and proposes marriage. She forgives him but leaves, not wanting to be a burden to him. Years later, Robert puts himself through school and becomes a brain surgeon. He learns that Helen urgently needs an operation, which he performs. When she awakens, her sight has miraculously returned.
Directed By
John M. Stahl
Written By
Victor Heerman, Lloyd C. Douglas,
Studio
Universal Pictures

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Cast of Magnificent Obsession
  • Irene DunneHelen Hudson
  • Robert TaylorDr. Robert Merrick
  • Charles ButterworthTommy Masterson
  • Betty FurnessJoyce Hudson
  • Sara HadenMrs. Nancy Ashford
  • Ralph MorganRandolph
  • Henry ArmettaTony
  • Gilbert EmeryDoctor Ramsay
  • Arthur TreacherHorace
  • Beryl MercerMrs. Eden
  • Alyce ArdellElise, Helen's Maid
  • Theodore von EltzDr. Preston
  • Sidney BraceyButler
  • Arthur HoytPerry
  • Cora Sue CollinsRuth, the Child in the Park
  • George DavisTaxi Driver (uncredited)
  • Charles ColemanSimpson
  • Frank ReicherDr. Rochard
  • Purnell PrattHastings, Merrick's Attorney
Magnificent Obsession Reviews

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