In this costume melodrama, a virginal maid is impregnated by the footman in the household where they work. He offers to marry her, but then suddenly disappears with another woman. The next few years of the woman's life are spent trying to eke out a living for her and her son. Once again she meets the footman, who has now become a successful bookie. The two finally marry and lead a happy life until he falls sick, bets all their money on a losing horse, and expires before the fateful race concludes. Once again the woman and her son are impoverished. -AllMovie - S. Brennan

Review:
"For me, the strength of this film is in the accuracy of the racing details, the costumes and the culture of the time. The racing scenes, shot on Epsom Downs recreate the Derby's of 1881 and 1885, and have been thoroughly researched, even the jockeys used for Fred Archer and Fred Webb show an amazing likeness. Also, the scenes in the streets, on the racecourse and in the public house are totally believable.

This is a film made by those who love and cherish the subject. Although to my knowledge, having worked at Racing Post for many years and, written the history of the Derby, very few people today know of the this film. Strangely, a few years ago, I awoke at 4 am, unable to sleep, to find the film just starting and have never seen it since! However, this film has much to offer - a Victorian romance, the struggle of conscious, excitement and, a ripping gambling yarn." - Michael Church.

Directors:Ian Dalrymple
Peter Proud
Writers:Michael Gordon (writer)
George Moore (novel)

Cast (in credits order)
Kathleen Ryan ... Esther Waters
Dirk Bogarde ... William Latch
Cyril Cusack ... Fred
Ivor Barnard ... John Randall
Fay Compton ... Mrs. Barfield
Margaret Diamond ... Sarah
George Hayes ... Journeyman
Morland Graham ... Ketley
Mary Clare ... Mrs. Latch
Pauline Jameson ... Hospital Nurse
Shelagh Fraser ... Margaret
Margaret Withers ... Grover
Julian D'Albie ... Squire Barfield
Nuna Davey ... Matron
Beryl Measor ... Mrs. Spires
Barbara Shaw ... Mistress
Archie Harradine ... Singer
Duncan Lewis ... Butcher
A. Parker ... Jockey Fred Archer
F. Lane ... Jockey Webb
Billy Rees ... The Demon
Hilda Fenemore ... Undetermined Minor Role (uncredited)

Also Known As
:Sin of Esther Waters (USA)
Runtime:110 min
Country:UK
Language:English
Color:Black and White
Aspect Ratio:full screen
Sound Mix:Mono (Western Electric Recording)
Certification:UK:A
Filming Locations:Folkington Manor, Folkington, East Sussex, England, UK