robtaday Review of The Story of Esther Costello

The Story of Esther Costello (1957)

Good Old Joan Crawford Picture

[7/10 · 18 September 2013]

I watched this recently on a Crawford double bill with Harriet Craig. The movie is typical of what Crawford was getting in the 1950s. I have to say though, that I had to laugh out loud at one point. I don't know if they laughed when the movie was originally screened in theaters but I came up with a million punch lines when, only after being raped did Esther "miraculously" regain her sight, speech and hearing. I couldn't help but wonder what else she might be able to do if he jumped her again - perhaps sing and dance! But then, that's what makes these old movies so much fun. The sex scenes indicated by tempestuous rain and the climax hinted at by door flying open, thunder,etc. Too much! It's a lot better than the in-your-face sex scenes of today though. Great for a "sick day" at home.