Predictably, the two women have an ongoing argument over what is best for the growing daughter (Jane Bryan). The girl doesn't know the secret of her parentage and is caught between the two warring factions.

All This, and Heaven Too (1940), based on a best-selling novel by Rachel Field, is set in 19th century France. Davis stars as Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, a governess for nobleman Duc de Praslin (Charles Boyer), his wife Duchesse de Praslin (Barbara O'Neil), and their children. Watching how Henriette relates to his children and offers aid when one of them falls ill because of his wife causes Duc de Praslin to fall in love with her.

Henriette has a warm and sunny personality in stark contrast to Duchesse de Praslin's cold, emotionless exterior. Seemingly jealous, Duchesse de Praslin fires Henriette and refuses to give her a letter of recommendation. Henriette is unable to find work. Duchesse de Praslin's jealousy ultimately leads to tragedy.

Davis is surprisingly subdued as the governess and Charles Boyer as Duc, a man suppressing his feeling for another woman. However, Barbara O'Neil almost steals the film with her portrayal of the jealous, neurotic wife.

The All This, and Heaven Too DVD contains a fascinating commentary by film historian Daniel Bubbeo. He gives the story behind the production and relays several anecdotes about the era.

The Great Lie (1941) finds aviator Peter Van Allen (George Brent) impulsively marrying piano star Sandra Kovak (Mary Astor). When he finds out the marriage isn't official because of a paperwork snafu, he decides he doesn't really want to be married to her and live her type of life. Instead, he decides to marry his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Maggie Patterson (Davis).

In an effort to win Peter back, Sandra tells Maggie she is pregnant with Peter's baby. Meanwhile, Peter is lost on a flying mission and presumed dead. Maggie offers to raise Sandra's baby so she can keep a piece of Peter with her. Neither woman expects Peter to reappear.

The storyline of The Big Lie is a little bit out there, but it's fun to watch Davis and Astor match wits to see who can tear up more scenery. I'm also a fan of Hattie McDaniel, so it's nice to see her playing the housemother of Maggie's farm. For anyone who thought McDaniel's only significant role was in Gone with the Wind, she was a sadly undervalued talent.

In This Is Our Life (1942) was directed by the legendary John Huston. Bette Davis and Olivia De Havilland play sisters fighting to find their place in life and the right men to share it with.

Both sisters' lives are going along swimmingly until Stanley (Davis) decides she would rather be married to her sister Roy's (de Havilland) husband than her fiancé, Craig Fleming (George Brent). Roy's husband, Peter Kingsmill (Dennis Morgan) runs off with Stanley.