Where Was Magnificent Obsession Filmed? A Classic Romantic Drama From 1954!!

Are you obsessed with classic films? Then, allow me to introduce you to a similar film, Magnificent Obsession, starring Rock Hudson. I’ll also let you in on other things about the movie, including where was Magnificent Obsession filmed.

The classic romantic drama flick Magnificent Obsession was adapted from Llyod Douglas’ fictional book, published in 1929. Almost 25 years later, Douglas Sirk considered making a film based on the same story. However, Robert Blees later joined the project and changed the screenplay.

The basic premise of Magnificent Obsession revolves around the character of Bob Merrick, an American businessman who unknowingly causes the death of a doctor. The plot thickens when the lead actor approaches the deceased doctor’s wife to make amends for his mistake. However, Bob soon falls in love with her but cannot confess his true feelings.

Magnificent Obsession performed decently at the box office. The makers were overall satisfied with the commercial performance of this heart-wrenching film. However, fans who enjoy watching awe-inspiring romantic films weren’t completely satisfied with the predictable storyline. But, Magnificent Obsession still managed to be nominated for an Oscar.

Now, if you’re wondering where was Magnificent Obsession filmed, then let’s dive right in and check out the shooting locations of this romantic flick.

Where Was Magnificent Obsession Filmed? Let’s Know This Romantic Drama Closely!

Douglas Sirk’s rendition of Magnificent Obsession was starkly different from the movie of the same name, which was released in 1935. Douglas knowingly wanted to make certain changes to the original story, and in doing so, he changed the actual location of the story. 

The story of Magnificent Obsession (1954) is set in and around the state of California, unlike the previous film. So in order to present authentic locations to the audience, Douglas closely searched various locations in California, looking for some brilliant filming locations.

Shortly after, Douglas and his team struck gold after finding ideal shooting spots near San Bernardino National Forest. It is important to mention that this place was later chosen as the main filming location for Magnificent Obsession. 

However, the movie’s interior sequences were filmed near an iconic Californian city, which we would later discuss in detail.

The principal photography for Magnificent Obsession began in the first week of September 1953 and continued till the end of the next month. During this time, the production members could work efficiently, resulting in the shooting schedule remaining unchanged.

Douglas and his team made sure to arrange all the necessary pieces of equipment well in advance. This also contributed to making the production members stay on top of shooting dates.

Now, let us closely analyze the shooting spots and find out where was Magnificent Obsession filmed.

California | USA

As I’ve mentioned before, the story of Magnificent Obsession is set in and around the state of California. But in order to depict the scenes of the forest, Douglas and his team had to scout through various locations in California. 

Eventually, the opening sequence of the movie, where we see the swanky character of Bob for the first time, was actually filmed near Big Bear Valley. This iconic place lies in the southern region of California and is an integral part of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The opening scene of the film, where a tragic incident takes place on a speedboat, is captured on Big Bear Lake. The production members arranged a speed boat and mounted special cameras on it. 

However, before the lead actor could enact this high-flying action sequence, he had to take specific instructions from trained professionals who were present on set. Other major outdoor sequences of the movie were filmed in other areas of San Bernardino National Forest.

The production member also filmed a couple of brilliant outdoor scenes near Lake Arrowhead before moving to the next filming location.

The second half of the movie was filmed in and around the city of Venice, California. The sequences depicting the luxurious mansion of the lead actor were all filmed around a big house located in the downtown area of Venice. 

Then finally, the filming crew moved to Universal City and filmed the remaining interior scenes inside Universal Studios, located at 100 Universal City Plaza, California. This iconic studio has been used by a number of filmmakers over the years. Brilliant films and shows like House, Seinfeld, and Inception were also shot here.

Now, allow me to walk you through the plot of Magnificent Obsession. In the meantime, you can also check out The Sandman Season 2, Meet Joe Black and Wonder Woman.

Plot Of Magnificent Obsession | What’s It About?

The basic premise of Magnificent Obsession revolves around the character of Bob Merrick, an American businessman, who causes a tragic incident. At the beginning of the film, the lead actor gets involved in a boat accident, which somehow causes the death of a renowned doctor.

Later in the film, the lead actor falls victim to the rage of the locals, who hold Bob accountable for the doctor’s death. The male lead realizes his mistake and decides to meet with the family members of the deceased doctor. However, after Bob meets Dr. Phillip’s widow, he gets romantically attached to her.

Watch Magnificent Obsession to witness the unconventional story of a swanky American businessman who falls in love with a widow.

Final Words

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