"The Story of Esther Costello" released in 1957, offers Joan Crawford one of her more interesting roles. Joan plays a wealthy woman, Margaret, who becomes both a mother and benefactor to a young girl, Esther (Heather Sears) who is deaf, blind, and mute. The first part of the film is first rate, with Joan helping the young girl (who has been raised rather savagely) to communicate. With much perseverance and dedication, Esther learns to understand spoken words by putting her hand on an individual's face and interpreting the vibration of their voice. She also learns to read Braille. Together, Margaret and Esther go on a tour, raising money for children with disabilities. Enter Margaret's ex-husband, handsome and suave Carlo (Rossano Brazzi) who is more interested in money than rekindling his romance with Margaret. However, he does so, and convinces the two women to embark on a grueling European tour to raise a lot of money, as he realizes Esther is a serious moneymaker. The film, in the second half, descends somewhat into sleaze, with Carlo bilking money from the fund raisiers, and he also becomes attracted to Esther, who is quite a lovely young woman. Needless to say, Margaret finds out about the attraction, especially after Carlo rapes Esther. The ending is a bit odd. This is not a perfect film, but has great importance in that it humanizes individuals like Esther at a time when people often locked them away in institutions. Joan Crawford is her usual dramatic self here; and she is quite believable as a woman who cares deeply about Esther and wants all the best for her. Heather Sears is excellent as the young Esther; her facial expressions and gestures are very realistic; it can't be easy to play a part without dialogue. Rossano Brazzi, who was something of an international sex symbol at the time of this film, plays his part with all the money-grubbing sleaze required. Check the film out -- it is unfortunately somewhat forgotten.
Review of The Story of Esther Costello
