The Intense Rivalries of Hollywood's Golden Age

The history of Hollywood is replete with stories of intense rivalries among its most celebrated actresses. This essay explores two of the most notable feuds: the sibling rivalry between Olivia De Havilland and Joan Fontaine, and the legendary rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. These conflicts were rooted in personal animosity and professional competition, often leading to legendary incidents and memorable performances.

The Sibling Rivalry: Olivia De Havilland and Joan Fontaine

At the heart of one of the most infamous rivalries in Hollywood history lie the siblings Olivia De Havilland and Joan Fontaine. Their feud was not just a battle over acting roles, but also a deeper conflict stemming from their familial dynamics. Born to the same parents, Olivia and Joan were initially treated differently due to their mother's preference for Olivia. This inequality caused resentment from an early age, which only grew into a full-blown rivalry during their acting careers.

The intensity of their animosity escalated in the 1970s when their mother passed away, leaving unresolved anger between the sisters. Despite the challenges they faced, this rivalry continued to fuel their careers. The sisters were known to be in constant competition for roles and critical acclaim. In 1946, IOC ruled that Joan Fontaine had wrongfully taken home an Oscar from her sister Olivia De Havilland, which was a pivotal moment in their contentious relationship. Eventually, they found a way to work together in the film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962), a movie that capitalized on their deep animosity. The film's success and numerous on-set incidents that brought their rivalry even more to the fore, further cemented their place in Hollywood lore.

The Classic Rivalry: Bette Davis and Joan Crawford

Another legendary rivalry was between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Known as 'The Two Queens of Hollywood', these star actresses were both rivals and industry titans. Bette Davis dominated the Warner Bros studio, while Joan Crawford reigned supreme at MGM. Their mutual desire to outdo each other led to a fierce competition for the best roles, films, and critical acclaim.

The rivalry was particularly heated after Bette Davis won two Oscars in the 1930s, which deeply frustrated Joan Crawford. In retaliation, Crawford consistently aimed for Oscar wins, which she finally achieved with her win for Best Actress in 1946 for her role in “Mildred Pierce.” This victory irked Davis, who later in her career ended up in the role of Bette Davis’ nemesis in “Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte” (1964), a decision which further exasperated Crawford.

Their personal and professional rivalry culminated in their collaborative yet conflicting roles in “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962). This film is celebrated for its raw and intense on-set dynamics, which mirrored the real-life enmity between the actresses. Crawford was married to the president of Pepsi Cola, while Davis had a history with Coca Cola, which led to Bette Davis having a vending machine installed with Coca-Cola in her dressing room toilenames out the rivalry.

The film was a critical and commercial success, but unfortunately, their collaboration remained one-off. Rumors abounded about the on-set tension, with Davis allegedly getting ahold of Crawford’s sections and ensuring her lines were delivered poorly for dramatic effect. These stories added to the mystique and appeal of the film and the two actresses.

Even post-career, the rivalry between Davis and Crawford continued. Upon hearing of Crawford's death, Bette Davis made a controversial comment about her rival, reflecting the intense emotional conflict that defined their relationship.

These rivalries of Olivia De Havilland and Joan Fontaine, and Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, are more than just stories of bitter competition. They are a testament to the complex nature of the cutthroat world of Hollywood in the Golden Age, where even personal relationships could be used as tools to gain an upper hand. Their feuds and collaborations continue to fascinate fans today, offering a glimpse into the human drama behind the glamour of Hollywood.