Magnificent Obsession (1954 Douglas Sirk)

It isn't as classy as some of his other films, but Magnificent Obsession - with all its fifties charm, magnificently caught by Russell Metty - is like a beautiful warm blanket, and Sunday afternoon is the apogee of watching it. Spoiled brat Rock Hudson becomes utterly charming thanks to strange philosophical journey, a sort of 'pay it forward'. It's one of Sirk's more nutty films, though you can't argue with Frank Skinner's music.

Why are a couple of the backdrops (Switzerland, New Mexico) so obviously paintings? Because Sirk was a theatre director and he's saying 'this is a play'? It's odd, because for example the earlier back projected moments are really well done.

With Jane Wyman, Otto Kruger, Agnes Moorehead (a subtle performance), Barbara Rush, Gregg Palmer, and a trio of European doctors.

The Criterion release, remastered at its original and frankly nutty ratio of 2.00:1, is the only way to go.

Save your close up until you really need it