Out of forty-nine films she made, here are some of my other favorites:
The Adventures of Robin Hood – Maid Marian to Errol Flynn’s Robin of Locksley
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Hermia
Hush…Hush Sweet Charlotte – Miriam
They Died With Their Boots On – Libby Custer, wife of George Armstrong Custer. This was the 8th and last movie she made with Errol Flynn. They were a great team in all their collaborative projects.
Actors owe de Havilland quite a debt. In the heyday of classic Hollywood, the film studios held great power over actors in the motion picture industry. While under contract, an actor could be suspended for refusing to appear in a film assigned to her/him, and Warner Brothers punished de Havilland several times in this manner. When her seven-year contract with Warner Brothers finally expired and the studio slapped an additional six months onto the contract because of the times she had been suspended, de Havilland fought back by suing them. She won in court and also won the appeal. This was a huge deal at the time, serving to bring the power of the studios more in line with accepted labor code.
De Havilland and her sister Joan Fontaine were the only sister duo to both win leading lady Oscars. It’s sad that sibling rivalry and perceived slights caused them to be estranged for long periods of time in their lives. However, these things happenh in families. At least they had times when they made up and got along. Fontaine also lived a long life, passing away in 2013.
I hope you enjoyed this Vintage Friday. Olivia de Havilland is a treasure and perhaps our last remaining star from old time, classic Hollywood. What is your favorite movie of hers?
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
Gone with the Wind, it goes without saying. In my opinion this movie is a landmark in Hollywood’s history. Olivia had a good appearance in it.She’s the last surviving female superstar of Hollywood’s Golden Age, it seems.
I also remember her sister, from Rebecca movie. Yes, what a pity Havilland-Fontaine spat became the most notorious family feud in Hollywood’s history. But as you say, it often happens in families.
Such a fabulous movie. I read where she wanted to play Melanie, whereas every other actress was after the Scarlett role. She was drawn to the womanliness and mature caring of Melanie.
I liked her in anything with Errol Flynn. I thought they had amazing onscreen chemistry, and she was just an amazing actress. Like you said…one of the last great stars of old Hollywood.
They were a great pairing, and he really appreciated her talents.
I liked her in all the above. If i had to pick I would pick Robin Hood.
Oh, I adore their Robin Hood. I actually like most of the Robin Hood movies, and even the old Richard Greene tv show.