Woman Obsessed Poster

Woman Obsessed 1959

★ 6.311 votes102 min📅 1959-05-27

"She hated the child whose life stirred within her...because it was part of him whom she loathed and despised..."

In Henry Hathaway's gripping 1959 drama *Woman Obsessed*, Susan Hayward delivers a powerhouse performance as a widow struggling to keep her family farm afloat after her husband's tragic death.

Director: Henry Hathaway

Cast

Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward
Mary Sharron
Stephen Boyd
Stephen Boyd
Fred Carter
Barbara Nichols
Barbara Nichols
Mayme Radzevitch
Dennis Holmes
Robbie Sharron
Theodore Bikel
Theodore Bikel
Dr. R. W. Gibbs
Ken Scott
Ken Scott
Sergeant Le Moyne
James Philbrook
James Philbrook
Henri
Florence MacMichael
Florence MacMichael
Mrs. Bedelia Gibbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woman Obsessed (1959) about?

This 1959 drama follows a grieving widow, Susan Hayward, who must raise her young son alone after her husband's death. Desperate for help, she hires a drifting handyman, sparking a volatile dynamic that pits her against her resentful child.

Who directed Woman Obsessed?

Henry Hathaway, an acclaimed director known for his Westerns and dramas, helmed *Woman Obsessed*.

Who stars in Woman Obsessed?

The film features Susan Hayward as the determined widow, Stephen Boyd as the enigmatic handyman, Barbara Nichols as a supporting character, and Dennis Holmes as her son.

Is Woman Obsessed (1959) worth watching?

While not widely rated today, *Woman Obsessed* offers a compelling character study of motherhood, resilience, and the blurred lines between love and control. Fans of 1950s dramas and Hayward's performances will find it a compelling watch.

How long is Woman Obsessed?

The film runs for 102 minutes.

About Woman Obsessed (1959) — A gritty drama of love, loss, and harsh lessons on the frontier

In Henry Hathaway's gripping 1959 drama *Woman Obsessed*, Susan Hayward delivers a powerhouse performance as a widow struggling to keep her family farm afloat after her husband's tragic death. With her young son in tow and the weight of solitude pressing down, she makes a fateful decision to take in a wandering handyman, played by Stephen Boyd. What begins as a lifeline soon unravels into a tense emotional battleground, as the boy's resentment festers and the handyman's harsh methods push boundaries, blurring the line between tough love and cruelty. Set against the rugged backdrop of frontier life, the film explores raw themes of grief, trust, and the complexities of blended families, all wrapped in a slow-burning atmosphere of simmering tension.

As loyalties fracture and emotions run high, *Woman Obsessed* becomes more than just a tale of survival—it's a psychological drama about the lengths to which love and duty can be tested. Hayward's fiery portrayal anchors a story that questions whether harsh lessons are necessary for strength, while Boyd's enigmatic handyman leaves audiences questioning his true intentions. With its deliberate pacing and morally ambiguous characters, this 1950s drama lingers long after the credits roll.