Having seen both versions of Magnificent Obsession, I have to say I prefer the remake. It's glossier and more melodramatic, which is the point of such a soapy story. However, neither movie grabs me or makes me reach for the Kleenex box. In 1936, I couldn't stand Robert Taylor, and in 1954, I didn't like Jane Wyman very much. Mild dislike wins out over an intense one, so if you're going to rent one of the versions, I'd recommend this one.
Rock Hudson is a careless playboy, and when he endangers himself in a senseless accident, he uses up valuable emergency medical equipment that could have gone to someone else-literally. Because the equipment was used to save Rock's life, a beloved doctor in a nearby hospital died. Rock feels very guilty and tries to make it up to the man's widow, Jane Wyman, but she understandably hates him and can't forgive him. Then, in another cruel twist of fate, Rock accidentally hits Jane with his car and blinds her! The movie is titled Magnificent Obsession because he makes it his mission to make up for all the wrong he's done to her, so if that story appeals to you, you'll probably like it.
It really is an interesting, melodramatic story that could have stood another remake. If you like the chemistry of the two leads, you can check out the other romance they made together, All That Heaven Allows. I would have preferred another choice for this movie's lead, someone more tragic like Jennifer Jones or Susan Hayward. Then again, Jane Wyman did play tragic figures in Johnny Belinda and The Glass Menagerie, so if you like her style, you might really like her in this.
