TL;DR
This biography delves into the tumultuous lives and legendary rivalry of Hollywood icons Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine. From their childhood marked by competition and resentment to their parallel careers in the Golden Age of Hollywood, the book explores the complex factors that fueled their lifelong feud, including family dynamics, romantic entanglements, and professional jealousy. It offers a captivating glimpse into the glamorous yet fraught world of Hollywood and the enduring power of sibling rivalry.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Charles Higham was a prolific biographer and film historian known for his insightful and often controversial works. He penned numerous biographies of Hollywood celebrities, including Katharine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, and Marlene Dietrich. His writing style is characterized by meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and a penchant for uncovering hidden truths.
Key Takeaways
Early Life and Sibling Rivalry
The book explores the sisters’ childhood in Japan and California, marked by a competitive and often hostile relationship. Olivia, the elder sister, was seen as the more beautiful and talented one, while Joan struggled for attention and recognition.
Hollywood Careers
Both Olivia and Joan achieved remarkable success in Hollywood, starring in iconic films like “Gone with the Wind” and “Rebecca.” However, their professional rivalry intensified as they competed for roles and accolades.
Oscar Feud
The book details the infamous incident at the 1943 Academy Awards when Joan won the Best Actress Oscar for “Suspicion,” defeating Olivia who was also nominated. This event further strained their relationship and became a symbol of their lifelong feud.
Romantic Relationships and Marriages
The sisters’ personal lives were also marked by competition and drama. They often pursued the same men and experienced turbulent marriages.
Family Dynamics
The book delves into the role of their mother, Lillian Fontaine, in fueling the rivalry between the sisters. Lillian allegedly favored Olivia, creating a sense of resentment and insecurity in Joan.
Later Years and Reconciliation Attempts
Despite their ongoing feud, there were occasional attempts at reconciliation, particularly after the death of their mother. However, a lasting peace remained elusive.
Legacy and Impact
Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. Their films continue to be celebrated, and their rivalry remains a source of fascination and intrigue.
Psychological Exploration
The book delves into the psychological complexities of sibling rivalry, exploring the factors that contribute to such intense and enduring conflicts.
FAQ about Sisters
Did Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine ever reconcile?
There were occasional attempts at reconciliation, but a lasting peace was never achieved.
What was the main cause of their rivalry?
The rivalry stemmed from a complex combination of factors, including childhood competition, professional jealousy, and family dynamics.
Which sister had a more successful career?
Both Olivia and Joan achieved significant success in Hollywood, making it difficult to definitively say who had a more successful career.
Is the book based on factual information?
Yes, the book is based on extensive research and interviews.
What is the author’s perspective on the sisters’ relationship?
The author presents a balanced view of the sisters’ relationship, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of their rivalry.
Sisters Quotes
- ”We were two little girls who didn’t know how to deal with the cards that had been dealt us."
- "I married first, won the Oscar before Olivia did, and if I die first, she’ll undoubtedly be livid because I beat her to it!"
- "Olivia and I have always been competitive, but our rivalry has been more of a media creation than anything else.”