Feuding sisters - Joan Fontaine & Olivia de Havilland: CBC Archives | CBC
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- In this clip from 1979, Joan Fontaine explains why she stopped speaking to her sister, Olivia de Havilland. Fontaine and de Havilland are the only set of siblings to have won lead acting Academy Awards. Fontaine won for Best Actress for the film Suspicion, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. For more classic clips, go to www.cbc.ca/archives
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Feuding sisters - Joan Fontaine & Olivia de Havilland: CBC Archives | CBC
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I wrote a letter to Joan Fontaine back in 1983 and told her how much I had enjoyed her films and she was kind enough to send me an autographed picture of herself. Thank you for your video.
very sweet
Where did you address it to?
I did the same to Olivia De Havilland! Got an autographed photo 🩷
She was extremely precise in her language and choice of words. She corrects the interviewer twice in this small snippet.
Joan was a strong woman with a strong mind. I like the fact that she's very direct and doesn't sugar coat things. R.I.P
PatrickLHawkins if
@@AntonyoAndrews if what?
@Juan Perez lol
@Juan Perez where did she live?
A true Scorpio woman, jealous, angry,
He wanted to cover more topics in the books
I love how Joan Fontaine corrects the talk show host constantly.... No one puts words in Joan's mouth!!! I always thought that Joan was the better actress.... She has so much charisma!!!
I just watched her movie Rebecca and i can tell you she ranks up there with grace kelly as the prettiest and cutest actress i have ever seen
Joan Fontaine & her sister Olivia De Havilland lived to ripe old ages of 96 & 104. Together they lived for 200 years. Good strong genes & educated Japanese diet perhaps.
I love how honest she is I terms of, I feel interviewer is trying to evoke certain emotions out of her and shes more less saying 'yes we didn't get along' and that's it's not treated as tragedy but as just a simple fact which is true for many many people.
I love that Joan is so direct. She basically pointed out that it's totally okay to not be warm and fuzzy all the time. Perhaps the women in the family were all assertive and no-one was willing to back down to please anyone but themselves. Joan is unconcerned about winning a popularity contest. Good for her!! Awesome!!
Listening to Joan here, you can tell that she was completely fed up with Olivia de Havilland. She was totally over her.
A true Scorpio woman, jealous, angry,
He wanted to cover more topics in the books
You know she kept it classy. Kudos to her. She had an absolutely delightful voice, as did Olivia.
They had basically the same voice. Only Joan's was deeper.
She was absolutely gorgeous for 62 years old
I liked Olivia but Joan was my favorite, very strong personality in real life, i admire her she’s my example RIP 💐💓
Rest in peace beautiful lady....
Velma from Scooby Doo became an interviewer.
THE INTERVIEWER LOOKS LIKE A MIX BETWEEN VELMA (FROM SCOOBY DOO) AND A YOUNG DEMI MOORE...I MIGHT BE WRONG BUT ITS JUST MY PERCEPTION.
Hana Gartner
It is sad that two of the most dynamic actresses ever and sisters, but really didn't have a real sisterly relationship!
She's about 62 here and looks beautiful :)
Joan and Olivia were both beautiful woman. I appreciate the fact that she's straight to the point.
They both were really beautiful. Amazing bone structure
RIP Miss Fontaine.
Just like Joan said - 'all family's have their problems'.
Robert Anderson AS Joan said. 🤓
I like her very much. Shame the sisters couldn't have sorted things but just proves that family isn't necessarily above all else.
Seems to be a very intelligent, articulate and self-aware woman! Life has it's ups and downs and we all have flaws in our character!
I wasn't sure how I felt about Joan Fontaine, but this interview showed me a side of her I didn't expect. I like her. Choosing independence over a meaningless relationship appeals to me. She seems to know herself. That's quite an accomplishment. I look forward to her next picture.
Sadly, it seems that independence for her came at a great cost: four failed marriages, no relationship with her only sibling, and fractured relationships with her children. I like her and hope she found peace during her final years alive.
So sad about the sister's hating each other. Parents must have been emotionally damaging the kids.
@William Brynn No, they hated each other. Not to call your own sister when your mother dies? That's hate.
@William Brynn Then what is it?
@William Brynn That is pathetic. Even in the absence of love, when death prevails it is such a solemn occasion that decency compels you to notify those closest to the deceased. When two sisters do not communicate over the death of a mother, it can only be a deep hatred. To say otherwise, is not even close to the truth. Olivia truly hated her younger sister Joan. The seeds were planted by the dynamics of the family. It had nothing to do with independence or not being close.
@William Brynn Joan's daughter more than likely is the one who informed Olivia that Joan had died. When Olivia told Joan that Lilian Fontaine died, it was by telegram. Joan had to find out on her own, before the telegram arrived, because she was on tour under contract. Olivia moved forward like nothing had happened.
Joan looks beautiful. The 2 Sisters are both Great Actresses. A Real Classic.
Olivia and Joan have same mannerisms, voice patterns, speech... almost twins. Truly a shame they could not be nicer to one another; a loss for everyone
Mabe in the world beyond the two sisters are friends...I sure hope so. From São Paulo, Brasil.
@@eriscarmodossantosdefranca5528 A lovely sentiment and fine way to give them hope to reconcile.
Well technically they’re Irish twins I believe!
She was down to earth and I love listening to her. I feel that she was honest and forthright. A very real person and quite a good actress. Funny how I find her to be "warm and cozy.!"
Yes, I have just GOT to write these ladies somehow NOW. Yes, so unbelievable and beautiful that they both still live. They broke the mold. Brava, Brave, ladies!
Joan was Wonderful. RIP
Olivia was Great. RIP
Joan was a cut above the rest..
That interviewer is one of the most respected journalists in Canada and there is no reason to feel superior to her.
Her glasses could be a little less shown off...
Love her! Rebecca is one of my fave movies of all time! A true classic! But she's totally different in real life! Very strong! 95 now! Bless her!!!
It's funny how the interviewer practically begs Fontaine to admit she's dragging emotional and family baggage around and Fontaine just won't bite. Fontaine certainly handles herself well. The pro with poise.
I always wished either Olivia de Havilland or Joan Fontaine would have played the old Rose in Titanic. I wish James Cameron could have made that happen. That would have been movie magic.
pbunting I tried to see that film at least 3 times... & fallen asleep way before the love scene. I missed the technical tricks, doggone it.
@pbunting Apparently James Cameron wanted an actress who had been around during the Golden Years but wasn't instantly recognisable. That's why Gloria Stuart got the part. Neither Olivia nor Joan would have had the 'anonimity' that Cameron wanted. (Oh, and Stuart was 6-7 years older)
@@andrewthornhill7042 I don’t know about Joan but I know Olivia was retired at the time.
Joan was much more subtle actress than Olivia, who was much more intense. Both superb.
RIP Joan...
Great lady! Independent, outspoken & unapologetic to what she believes in!
She is one of my favorite actresses. So cool to see what she is like in "real life". Much different from many of the roles she played... the demure, soft-spoken, timid, ladylike characters. She is very much the lady, but with so much energy and a wonderful, full deep voice. Would love to see the whole thing -- any chance of that? Thanks so much!
Not a sausage. He didn't even reply to you. Don't suck up to a tithead like this.
This was a very sad interview. The way she depicted her mother, a person without warmth, was sad. Also, she was asked when was the last time she spoke with her sister. She failed to answer the question. She appears to answer directly and honestly, but she was also quite evasive.
I was so afraid the camera lights would reflect through those barn sized glasses and burn the place down.
It's hard to believe that two sisters who are beautiful loving people to others can't get along in real life. It's family. Have they made a film about them growing up? I love them both regardless. Melanie in Gone With the Wind and of Ms Fontaine in Rebecca.
I like both Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland, and it would be impossible to choose between the two. Both are excellent actresses, beautiful, elegant and fiercely independent. I admire them for that and will always be grateful for the performances they gave in so many films (Joan's LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN, SUSPICION, REBECCA, JANE EYRE, FRENCHMAN'S CREEK; Olivia's GONE WITH THE WIND, TO EACH HIS OWN, THE HEIRESS, THE SNAKE PIT, MY COUSIN RACHEL). The interviewer was not particularly tactful and was obviously insecure in her conducting of the interview. Rest in peace, Miss Fontaine. You will be missed.
+Ricardo Bigi Wise words.
Same! I really like both of them as well. They seemed to have lovely and gentle vibes...
Now, RIP to the both of them.
Olivia always played the good girl. Joan, the fragile, sensitive and intense young lady. .. More like real life people
A true Scorpio woman, jealous, angry,
He wanted to cover more topics in the books
The woman has class written all over her. She's extremely intimidating to watch in this movie.
I love her films and I love Olivia's films.
fascinating woman
They looked so much alike
Sad news, RIP miss Fontaine
olivia always will be remember for her role of melanie hamilton
thanks for adding
Joan Fontaine and Bette Davis are my favorite two movie actresses ,i could never choose between the two ,i have bought every dvd i could find on both of these great legend ladies.
I wonder if the interviewer could have found bigger glasses... - Said no one.
duhtoff thought she looks like a character from Snoopy!
duhtoff they are hilarious!
She must moonlight as a welder
Daria
It was in fashion at the time 🤓
RIP Joan!
Really strong personality, very direct, don't minced her words and sure to let the interviewer know where she comes from, a woman that definitely knows what she wants!!!
Great! This is the greatest interview with Joan F. She's one of my fave actress along with her sister Olivia de Havilland. Who's the one interviewing, she's great at probing. Joan is really smart, candid but with class. Thanks a lot for posting.
Excellent actress....love her.
I did not know that Joan Fontaine had passed away. Look at how beautiful she was in this interview. Someone asked me the other day, knowing that I watch movies over and over, which movie I had seen the most times. I said it was Rebecca. My word I love that movie and remember seeing it for the first time. She was jealous of Rebecca and no wonder, but then came the twist. (I won't spoil it here) Laurence Olivier so handsome, she so plain and clumsy. I loved her in Suspicion and Jane Eyre too. I liked her sister but prefered her. Why is it that stars today do not have that mystery about them? Is it because of the tabloid feel in Hollywood? Todays stars just don't have what they had years ago and that's a shame. Most of them have no class. I loved this interview and thank you for posting it.
+Jim Geiser Thanks for that info...........
+Jim Geiser Olivia Mary de Havilland (born July 1, 1916), was the oldest surviving Academy Award recipient, even before Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland (October 22, 1917-December 15, 2013) died.
+Jim Geiser That's true but there's no indication that de Havilland took part in any services for her sister, who was cremated. Given the feud, it's unlikely that she did.
Nope. Luise Rainer was at the time Joan died. Rainer died at the age of 104 in late 2014, just a few weeks before she would have been 105. She was the longest-lived individual ever to have received an Academy Award.
Olivia de Havilland just turned 100 yesterday. July 1, 2016.
I always new of Olivia and saw her in movies. I was surprised to learn she had a sister and it was Joan, whom I knew very little about. Joan was in those good movies yet I hardly remember seeing any of them. Olivia was always the better known of the two by me. Thid I'd as a child that I'm talking about.
Me and my aunt visit Joan from time to time, she never mentions her sister and I don't dare ask. She has become increasingly frail over the past few months but she still has a marvelous sense of humor, a warm personality and that twinkle in her eye when she talks to you with one hand under her chin. But I'm sad to say I fear she's nearing the end.
Olivia seems very personable when she was on Betty Davis This is Your Life and on the Dina Shore Show. Both are pretty and articulated. Both are great actresses. I can understand family dynamics but I wish things could of been different between them.
There's no doubt in my mind that Olivia was more self-indulgent and petty here. But as a filmfanatic I love them both equally.
So sad that Joan was tortured by Olivia and then survived by her.
Olivia's pettiness was well-documented in incidents such as backing out of parties thrown in her honor, by her sister or showing up whenever she wanted, just because she was older. Also, the infamous 1947 Oscar snub, captured for posterity. Joan may not have been an angel but Olivia seemed more sneaky and underhanded.
Olivia was extremely envious of Joan, particularly after forcing Joan to take a stage name and then earning an Oscar before Olivia. Joan was a licensed pilot, golfer, tuna fisherwoman, animal lover, gardener, lecturer, author, cook, interior decorator. In short, her talents, skills were vast. She also amassed an investment portfolio that was probably even more lucrative than her earnings from acting. Olivia was forced to loan money from Joan. It's apparent that Olivia was never able to handle the fact that Joan was a success who made the most of every opportunity.
Kaylon Centers Olivia outlived Joan and Olivia is still alive living in Paris...
@@travelseatsyellowlab you talk like you lived with them. Please spare us of your based opinions. You hear here only Joan's side of the story, you don't even know for sure if is true. For all we know she could make herself look like the victim. Olivia has other side of story as well. And to be quite frank, Olivia is far more successful than Joan. Joan may have won an Oscar but Olivia's movie was a world wide success. I live in Eastern Europe and heard of Olivia when I was a child. I only heard of Joan now (30 years of age), also thru Oliva and all because of her feud with her sister, not because of her movies. Go figure. Stop blaming Olivia for everything. Things are not black and white as you write them. Joan wasn't an angel and Oliva a devil. They both were in this feud for reasons only they know for sure. Both made mistakes, both were not perfect. Do you have siblings? I have plenty. Only one sister and we also had a feud for years over stupid things. We barely get along because we are completely different but no one is worse than the other. You don't know what you're talking about and how these arguments are between sisters. And Joan won't go to say all the pain she caused Olivia either. Of course no one will want to show themselves in a bad light, would you? People expect in a feud to be a bad guy and a good guy, but there's no such thing. In this case they were both in the wrong and both stubborn. Is ridiculous of you to take sides when you haven't lived with them and know the full true story. Get a grip.
She’s so beautiful
Love both, but I have a special affection for Joan, I admire the strong woman she was all her life and how she must had suffered for it. I think Olivia should have gone to the psychologist. It was not Joan's fault. I believe Joan tried to get close to Olivia, but she did not allow it. they could have gotten over it together, a joint therapy should have been done as well. Their mother always showed that Olivia was her favorite daughter and I believe that Joan tried to prove to her mother and sister that she could be a good actress like her sister, since her mother was an unsuccessful actress for having abdicated her career to get married. Lilian (their mother) forbade Joan to use her sister's last name, so Joan had to use her stepfather's last name. This rivalry from when they were small was jostling when they grew up, as the disputes became more complex, including Joan the fact that Joan had married an ex-boyfriend of Olivia, and both were in love with Errol Flynn.
I love Joan! Beautiful and elegant lady. I believe that, analyzing her life, her behavior, and that of her sister Olivia, Joan was extremely deprived of the love and attention she longed for from her mother and sister her whole life. She always tries to demonstrate a certainty and a bit of irony when asked about her rivalry with Olivia.
Her mother's declared preference for Olivia has affected her deeply, though she has always tried to hide it, but by analyzing her expressions when she speaks about her sister and mother, we can clearly see that. She tries to show a security to protect herself from the psychologist violence she suffered since her childhood. In fact, she was a very lonely person, surrounded by many people, but she was deprived, both by herself and the other relatives, of a coexistence of confidence, trust and love.
I read her autobiography, read dozens of articles about her, interviews, etc. I already had a very big sympathy for Joan and I have a special affection for her, but in these last weeks, made me fall in love with the person she was definitely. I found an article, where her private secretary and great friend Susan Pfeiffer, clarified several points of Joan's life that is wrongly spoken. She wanted to clarify these speculations for decades.
Here’s the full article:
EVERYONE WHO MET HER FELL IN LOVE WITH HER:” A Letter From Susan, the Secretary of Joan Fontaine
Posted on February 22, 2014 |
Upon checking my inbox earlier today, I found that I had received a letter from Susan Pfeiffer, secretary and beloved friend to Joan Fontaine. Susan and I have been in touch several times-last October when I conducted a written interview with Joan, it was Susan who helped with the correspondence and was an integral part of the interview coming to fruition. And when Joan passed away this past December, we were in touch again. Susan was a very important part of Joan’s life during her last decade. She knew her perhaps better than anyone over these past few years, and in her letter to me today, she asked to clarify some things she has heard over the years about Joan, her life, her legend, and her character.
I have long been protective of Joan, as I feel that she was terribly misunderstood by many people. A progressive thinker and very sensitive to the plight of animals, she was ahead of her time in many ways, in ways inconceivable to most of her generation. In her letter, Susan opened up to me about some of the misconceptions that she often comes across regarding Joan and her life. I am deeply humbled that Susan chose Backlots for this honor.
Joan spent her final years in quietude (she had no computer and no presence on the internet, as has been incorrectly reported), in a beautiful house in Carmel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When she passed away on December 15, there was some talk that she was cremated and her ashes were scattered on the Pacific Ocean close to her home. Susan would like our readers to know that this is not true-though Susan did not disclose Joan’s true final resting place, she would like us to know that Joan’s ashes were not scattered in the Pacific. There were countless places very special to Joan-she was a woman who loved deeply and became attached to many people, places, and things. Susan describes her as “one of the kindest, loving women I have ever met.”
Joan had two daughters, Deborah (born in 1948) and Martita (a daughter born in Peru in 1946 who came to live with Joan in 1951). In her teens, Martita went through some problems and there was a rift between them. Joan discussed this in her autobiography and as she was a private person who didn’t talk much about her private life, people assumed that the rift remained and Martita and Joan never made up. But, Susan tells us, that rift healed, and healed well. Martita and Joan were close as adults, and Martita came to Joan’s home in Carmel for a visit during Susan’s years with her. She was close to both of her daughters-Deborah and Martita both sent flowers and cards for birthdays and holidays, and they talked often on the phone. Susan tells us: “Joan saved all the cards and letters sent by both Martita and Deborah. They meant a lot to her. She loved both of her girls.”
Playing with her daughters, circa 1955.
Perhaps the most discussed part of Joan’s life was her relationship with her sister, Olivia de Havilland. As with many siblings, their relationship was one of very serious ups and downs. At the time of Joan’s death, she and Olivia had not spoken for a long time. Joan is often maligned for this, and Susan tells of countless letters from fans advising Joan to “mend fences” with Olivia, and chastising her for not attending the ceremony when Olivia was awarded the Legion d’Honneur (Joan never received an invitation and didn’t learn of the event until after the fact). However, Susan wants to make it very clear that Joan had no hard feelings toward her sister and that she “never saw any animosity toward Olivia.” Susan tells me that Joan was once approached about the possibility of an on-air interview with her and Olivia together, and Joan agreed to it. Unfortunately, the interview never came to pass and the sisters never had the opportunity to come face to face again.
In addition, Susan recalls speaking with Joan about a rumor regarding her and Errol Flynn being lovers. Errol and Joan were friends/acquaintances, writes Susan, but never lovers. Susan also wishes to clear up a rumor about Joan and Howard Hughes. “Joan never had an affair with Howard Hughes,” she writes. “She was not attracted to him.” This is also corroborated in Joan’s autobiography, in which she relates that Howard Hughes made several passes at her, but she was never interested.
Closing her letter, Susan gives us one final, beautiful insight into Joan Fontaine, the person: “She cared about everyone, and everyone who met her, fell in love with her. She was very special and will be greatly missed.” A true testament to a gentle, caring soul.
Thank you to Susan Pfeiffer for these wonderful insights into a woman who truly is greatly missed.”
Flynn conoció a Joan? Motivo más porque Olivia sentía rencor a su hermana
RODOLFO ALEGRE I guess Joan had a crush on him too... 😂
Miss Fontaine was gorgeous.... even in her elderly years
Since there are so many worse things happening between people in the world , I find this feud between two wealthy and famous actress sisters amusing .
I concur. Two very fortunate women decided they didn't want a relationship
@@kirk1007 their lack of relationship had more to do with circumstances from how they were raised, and the competitive entertainment industry than by choice.
Both de Havillands share equal responsibility for the rift. It's completely unfair to blame one or the other, especially after as much as I have read about both sister.
*sisters.
I like her after seeing this
RIP Joan didn't expect your passing to be today.
Both Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine are amazing actresses. As a Japanese, moreover, I feel very close to the two of them because they were born in Japan. And I happen to share the same birthday with the older sister: July 1. I was born in 1975, when she celebrated her 59th birthday. May both live long enough to celebrate their centennial birthdays. The feud between the two might help them stay healthy.
They look Japanese too.
It’s surprising to me that they weren’t a warm family..They both came across as so caring and loving…But, Truly great actors are like that at times..I love them both as incredible talents..
Their mother always had them competing with each other and constantly compared them to one another. They didn't stand a chance of having a relationship.
OLIVIA WAS MY FAVORITE ACTRESS 👍🤗❤ One movie you loved her and the next movie you hated her " what an actress " 🤗💋
Wow, Rebecca is one of my all time favourite movies and Olivia de Havilland one of my all time favourite actors. It's just crazy they did not get along and stopped speaking. I think they were both so beautiful and talented.
love Joan...... Olivia
@BabeonToast ..the silence referring to Olivia and Joan not speaking to one another for many years.
I adore both Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine. It must have been sheer hell competing against one's sister in the same profession. Both were strong individuals with strong personalities. Miss Fontaine is more open, direct and public about her
private life and maybe the more vulnerable of the two because of that. After all, she was married four times. Miss de Havilland may be the wiser of the two and for this reason her career lasted longer and she has kept more friends. Either way what can you say but gracious things about two legendary independent sisters who both survived well into their nineties? -- Two lives well lived!
Olivia De Havilland is still alive at 103.
@@LaDivinaLover she's dead now and has been since July 26, 2020.
They said that, as a matter of fact the gorgeous Madam Fontaine,, was waiting to the end of the interview to laughing at loud at the huge glasses, the interviewer was wearing.
where did u read this lol HAHAHAHA
Beautiful and charming lady. I like her!
I love her voice and accent. This is the manner of speaking that has died out in America. Sad.
SHES PURE CLASS... CAN YOU IMAGINE THE MELODRAMATIC ROLES SHE DID ... and she's soooo different now🥲❤️
these sisters...the last of the hollywood legends
Happy Birthday Joan. You are a Gem a One in a Million - Keep that Rebellious Independence. God Bless You.
I like her! Suspicion (1941) is one of my fave Joan Fontaine movies.
Damn ! - I wanna see the entire interview :(
I see the resemblance.
My one wish to her and her sister Olivia is to reconcile but death eventually end it.How sad for these two.Btw my both idols :)
@waterblueglass That's actually Hana Gartner interviewing Joan, she was famous for her huge glasses back then; still with the CBC as far as I know.
So sad that the sisters were locked in a feud. I can say from my own experience, it starts in the family dynamics almost always. So sad. Both were accomplished but lonely. The fact that neither had a solid romantic relationship proves this point. There were attachment issues, competitiveness, insecurity, so sad. You can see how defensive Joan is with the line of questioning.
Their mother would change her favorite child from one to the other quite frequently. She hadn't wanted to marry their father but they flipped a coin to decide whether or not to marry, a bet that Lilian lost. Soon she had Olivia. Only a few months later, one evening before supper, as Lilian was lying on a chaise lounger, Walter came to make love to his wife, impregnating her a second time, a prospect that Lilian was indignant over. Once Joan was born and Mr. & Mrs. de Havilland discovered that she'd given birth to another girl, their upset was total and complete.
It's sad in a way but I guess neither of them cared too much... I mean these sisters were tremendously successful women.
They may not be actively feuding but only in the last four years, for a celebration for the centennial birth of Bette Davis, there was an issue between the de Havilland sisters. Joan reserved to attend on learning that Olivia wouldn't make the trip. Olivia then changed her mind and upon learning this, Joan backed out.
I was astounded by this interview and I stand in awe of both sisters as they are still alive....Fontaine gives a great interview.
What a charming and intelligent interviewer, whose name is not shown.
Wow they're just alike
Her body language, manner of speaking is very much like Olivia :)
She seems tense
Joan Fontaine and Bette Davis are my two favorite actresses,i have stacks of dvds of them both and watch them over and over again.i wish they had done a movie together, Bette and Olivia were great together,but would have loved to have seen Joan and Bette together.
Hi reidb18,
I'm so sad to hear that Joan is becoming more frail. Please give her my love. She's one of my favorite actresses. Please let her know she has a lot of fans still. Thank you.
Have a great day!!!!
She was simply great in the Emperor Waltz with Bing Crosby.
Joan Fontaine had the ability, intellectual capacity and shrewdness to have a career in medicine, science, business, law, politics, or another prominent position. She sold herself short by going into the theater.
They were not an American family, nor were they American stars, twittering away about feelings and how everything and everyone was simply marvellous. They were upper class English living abroad in Japan - surely that society also influenced their behaviour and manners - and California. They were of a time where they spoke politely but firmly. Notice how she corrects the interviewer, her mother did not tell her she’d seen her movies, it was not that her mother didn’t see them. She’s very precise with language and meaning. Her mother was a RADA trained actress herself, she propelled both her daughters to international stardom, serious roles and major accolades, I’m sure she was made of steel and at least a little jealous because she was really before movies and also living in an alien culture in Japan.
The mother was much more invested in Olivia than she ever was with Joan's career. Lilian had the children competing aggressively against one another at an early age, fostering a strong dislike for one another between them. Studio heads began noticing Joan as she shuttled de Havilland back and forth to the studio everyday for work. At the demand of their mother, Joan adopted a stage name, reluctantly. Joan had her stepfather as her manager for a time. George Fontaine was an astute businessman who helped Joan negotiate her early contracts and arranged her finances in a way that allowed her to enjoy an opulent lifestyle until the end. George Fontaine was camp Joan, while Lilian Ruse de Havilland Fontaine was firmly in Olivia's corner.
Throwing old school SHADE 😝
After all those years, Joan Fontaine begins to look like her sister, Olivia de Havilland.
De Havilland (Fontaine's) behavior is not an anomaly for the family. It is said her sister, Olivia severed ties with their mother for 15 years at one point. They all are simply independent natured.
I love Olivia in The Heiress, though I prefer Joan. They both have a disingenuous eyes and smile while talking.
Good comment. I noticed that too.
Her expression. Doesn't match tone in her voice.
I agree, very affected.
On the nose
I don’t trust a word Joan says. Something about her....
I don't trust Joan, she is a Scorpio woman, we should stay away from people like her.
OMG the top comments are PRICELESS.Needed a good laugh!
If I was Joan Fontaine I'd find it hard not to feel superior to that interviewer. She's a star of the Golden Years, it will never come again. The difference in age, experience, sophistication, education, beauty and wit.
This interview is almost 35 years old, so this feud has been going on longer than most of us have been alive. Olivia, Joan...both of you, GET OVER IT!