For over seventy-five years, the perceived rivalry between sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine captivated the tabloids. Born just fifteen months apart, they shared a career, competed for Oscars, and even had romantic entanglements with some of the same men. In a 1942 LIFE profile titled “Sister Act,” the magazine noted their intense competition: “There is no danger that sisterly affection, breaking suddenly upon them, will dampen their rivalry and the girls’ careers.”

Photographer Bob Landry captured their dynamic in seven photographs out of the hundred he took for the LIFE story, emphasizing their seemingly separate paths despite the article’s focus on their relationship.

At the 1942 Academy Awards, Olivia and Joan were the first siblings to vie for Best Actress, with Olivia nominated for Hold Back the Dawn and Joan for Suspicion. Olivia, known for her role in Gone With the Wind, portrayed “pretty and charming, naïve” characters, while Joan was recognized for her “moody, intuitive, and emotional” roles. The tension was palpable when Joan won the Oscar, but Olivia graciously celebrated with her.

Their rivalry began in childhood, with Joan feeling overshadowed by her older sister’s success and popularity. Joan quipped, “If I die first, she’ll undoubtedly be livid because I beat her to it!” referring to her early Oscar win and marriage to Brian Aherne, whom Olivia had been involved with previously.

Although rarely discussed publicly, their alleged feud surfaced in various incidents, including a cutting remark Joan made about Olivia’s first husband. Joan also felt rebuffed by Olivia when she tried to congratulate her on winning her first Oscar.

Despite the Hollywood legend of their feud, Joan insisted they never quarreled and had no hard feelings. Their drive and ambition fueled their success, but it may have also created a rift between them. As Joan once said, “We are not passive people in any way.