Here's a breakdown:
* Public rivalry: They were often pitted against each other by the press and public, fueling a sense of competition. Both were strong, independent women at the top of their game, leading to inevitable comparisons and perceived rivalry.
* Professional respect: Despite the competition, both actresses acknowledged each other's talent and professionalism. They respected each other's work and had moments of mutual admiration.
* Personal interactions: They had limited personal interaction, though they did work together on the play "The Star-Wagon" in 1937. While accounts differ, some suggest a sense of mutual respect and even friendship during the play, while others suggest tensions and rivalry.
* Later years: In their later years, their relationship softened. They both acknowledged the other's impact on the industry, and some accounts mention a more amicable tone in their interactions.
Ultimately, their relationship was a mixture of professional respect, public rivalry, and limited personal interaction. While not exactly friends, they weren't outright enemies either. It was a complex dynamic, typical of the competitive world of Hollywood during their time.