Magnificent Obsession (1954)

A shallow playboy (Rock Hudson in his breakthrough role) has an accident requiring a resuscitator that saves his life but allows a great doctor to die when the resuscitator is not available to him. Matters worsen when the doctor's widow (Jane Wyman in an Oscar nominated performance) fleeing Hudson's attentions is hit by a car and blinded. Slowly, he comes to realize that in order to redeem himself, he must unselfishly devote himself to helping others without their knowledge or thanks. Based on the novel by Lloyd C. Douglas (THE ROBE) and directed by Douglas Sirk. This may well be the film that separates the genuine Sirkians from the poseurs. A remake of the 1935 John M. Stahl film, this loopy "new age" tale transcends the "pay it forward" philosophy it espouses. Gorgeously photographed in Technicolor by Sirk regular Russell Metty, the film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness and redemption with the customary lushness and heightened emotionality that one has come to associate with Douglas Sirk. With Barbara Rush, Agnes Moorehead, Otto Kruger, Sara Shane and Gregg Palmer.