Life's Whirlpool
Cast & Crew
Lionel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore
Paul Everton
Alan Hale
Reginald Carrington
Ricca Allen
Film Details
Technical Specs
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com//img/global/logo-AFI.png)
Synopsis
Esther Carey, who has spent her youth caring for her invalid father, is left alone at his death. Soon after, Esther marries John Martin, a cold, heartless man. Prior to the marriage, John's household had been run by his sister Ruth, who now resents Esther's intrusion. Between John's neglect and Ruth's vindictiveness, Esther is miserable, her only joy being the birth of her baby. Consequently, when Esther meets an old suitor, Dr. Henry Grey, their old love is rekindled, and Henry, realizing the gravity of the situation, leaves for the battlefields of France. Later, he sends Esther a letter, which Ruth intercepts and shows to her brother. In a rage, John drives Esther from the house. Meanwhile, Dirk Kanst, a farmer whom John has ruined and who is now insane with rage, enters the house and strangles John to death. Ruth casts suspicion upon Esther, and she is arrested for the murder. Esther is acquitted, however, when detective B. J. Hendrix finds Dirk's battered hat near the library window, traces its owner to a nearby village and obtains his confession to the crime. Esther's happiness is then made complete when Henry returns and they are reunited.
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Director
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com/Master-Profile-Images/LionelBarrymore.jpg?imwidth=188&height=141)
Lionel Barrymore
Cast
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com/Master-Profile-Images/EthelBarrymore.jpg?imwidth=188&height=141)
Ethel Barrymore
Paul Everton
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com/Master-Profile-Images/AlanHale.1003508.jpg?imwidth=188&height=141)
Alan Hale
Reginald Carrington
Ricca Allen
Frank Leigh
Walter Hiers
Harvey Bogart
Vera Royer
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com//img/global/logo-AFI.png)
Film Details
Technical Specs
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com//img/global/logo-AFI.png)