#12: The Bathing Beauty
A year following an event that hospitalized four men, Esther clinched a coveted role alongside Red Skelton. Their film, initially to spotlight Skelton, showcased his antics to win back his swimmer fiancée in a comedic twist at a women’s college.

The film became a hit and a milestone in Esther’s career. Her outstanding performance led producers to rename the movie Bathing Beauty, veering away from the original title, Mr. Coed. This put her in the spotlight and marked the beginning of her stardom.