In order to distinguish herself from her sister, Olivia de Havilland, who was already an established actress, Fontaine used the names Joan Burfield and Joan St John in her first few film appearances.

Picture teams Joan Fontaine and Louis Jourdan as co-stars and they prove to be a solid combination. Both turn in splendid performances in difficult parts that could easily have been overplayed.

She also had a tempestuous relationship with her sister, fellow Oscar-winning actress Joan Fontaine. At the time of her death, De Havilland was the oldest living performer to have won an Oscar.