b"Esther Williams turns the life story of Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman into a big Hollywood spectacle that also has something to say about a woman's right to work and define her own life. The backstage drama surpassed what occurs on the screen. Esther enjoyed a lusty affair with co-star Vic Mature and performed dangerous stunts throughout production. She was probably the only star in MGM the front office could not threaten to replace."