Esther's story begins in Ireland in 1948. While playing in a cellar, a group of children discover a box of grenades and some gunpowder. Not knowing what the items are, the children begin fighting over them, and an explosion occurs. The majority of the children are killed in the tragedy, as is Esther's mother, who had popped her head into the cellar at the moment of explosion. Esther, however, who had been hiding from her mother, is not killed, but the trauma of the accident leaves her blind, deaf, and mute.
Fast forward five years...vacationing American, Margaret Landi (Joan Crawford), visits Esther's village and is introduced to the young girl. Her heart touched by Esther's story, Margaret finds herself persuaded by Esther's priest to do much more than just donate money to the church. Since Esther is an orphan, with only a drunken old aunt to look after her, the priest encourages Margaret to care for Esther, to provide an education for her. Though at first reluctant, Margaret has fallen in love with Esther and, so, agrees to take Esther back to America with her.
Medical tests reveal that Esther's problem is partly psychological/partly nerve damage. Since it's not likely that she will see, hear, or speak again, she must learn to live with her limitations. After a few years in a school for the deaf and blind, with Margaret beside her every step of the way, Esther has made remarkable progress. Feeling that Esther's inspiring story is a way of gaining public awareness of the need for funding, Esther and Margaret are encouraged to begin a speaking tour.
At this point, Margaret's estranged husband, the philandering Carlo Landi (Rossano Brazzi), comes back into her life. But does he really love her? Or does he see the fundraising as a means for financial gain for himself? And what are his intentions toward Esther?
This film is definitely a very mature-themed drama, and I think it was handled beautifully. The acting was very good. Truly, I thought Joan Crawford and Heather Sears had such great chemistry that I truly wondered if Mommie Dearest was all just a hoax. Was Joan really as horrible a mother as her daughter claimed? Because I think she was fantastic here. And Heather Sears was amazing as the blind, deaf, and mute young woman. I'm happy that she won an award for her performance, because she certainly deserved it.
Anyhow, definitely keep your eyes open for The Story of Esther Costello. Without question, it is worth watching. Happy viewing!!!