À chacun son destin

After having only seen Olivia de Havilland in 2 films (Gone With the Wind and In This Our Life) I could tell she was a very natural actress, gifted at convincing you she is who she plays onscreen. I became interested in her and purchased To Each His Own on a recent holiday to America. I didn't know what to expect except I knew she won the 1946 Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance of Jody Norris in this wonderful film. Olivia puts a lot of actresses to shame with her understated, technical and extremely moving portrayal of a small-town girl forced to give up the son she bore out-of-wedlock to the county's richest family. Jody sells the family business once her father dies and goes to New York to roll in the high life and become a successful business woman. 20 years later she sees her son once again, and he learns the truth. A masterful performance by Olivia de Havilland and fine supporting performances, particularly by Mary Anderson as Jody's son's adopted mother and Robert Culver as Jody's friend Lord Deshem. A fine film that will have you in giggles and tears. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

I found this web site so I could find this movie! This story was so captivating and Olivia's performance was so endearing that I was glued to the television at 2am and didn't care! For those of you who love the tales of tragic love denied and then bestowed - this is one of the best kept secrets of classic movies.

First, let me say I'm in awe of the previous reviewers and their spot-on knowledge of this film and Olivia de Havilland's body of work. Bravo, and thank you for pointing me towards this "hidden" treasure.

So allow me to confirm that this "small" 1946 movie is still riveting fare in 2010. The subject matter is just as relevant today and will speak to women for generations to come. In that regard, its forever timeless.

Filmed in b&w, and happily so, though 7 years newer than "The Wizard of Oz"... I'm still waiting for them to colorize the rest of that bloated Saturday matinée flick. *s* Tune in next time when I attack "Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca" and "Citizen Kane."

This film dealt with a delicate subject in a frank and realistic manner. I'm particularly impressed by the way this movie was story-boarded. It flowed brilliantly. If shot today, it would be shoved in my face, every stinkin' detail, nothing left to the imagination... plenty of yelling, smashing dishes and cussing.

Equally impressive is Ms. de Havilland's Oscar-winning performance. I couldn't take my eyes off her. When the movie took her back 20 years younger, my mouth dropped.

But it was much more than the make-up. It was Olivia.

Happy ending or sad? not telling. I'll reveal this, though. This 55 year old man doesn't typically cry at weddings or funerals, but by the closing credits, both cheeks were wet. But then maybe its because she reminds me of my mother, 1933-1981.

Search out this gem.

The title of the movie was misleading,but as a huge fan of Ms. de Havilland, I watched this movie. It was a very tender story of the enduring and endearing love a mother had for her child.

It brought to mind the contrast of today's societal views of unwed mothers(as it were).

The story made me even more grateful to have 3 wonderful sons.

I would love watch this movie with my mom and my five sister,on the day before mothers' day. What a good way to have your 'tears jerked'! What a celebration of motherhood!

I will be happy when it is released on DVD. Hopefully very soon.

This is a beautifully acted and realized "soap" kind of mother love films, which done in 1946, has the ability to still bring down the toughest EVIL MEANIE to his or her knees. De Havilland is deserving of the Academy Award she won for her range and her excellence as a screen actress. She may not have come from the Method school of training or RADA but her varied performances which can quite literally be called a brilliant melange of characters in THE HEIRESS to SNAKE PIT in which she is as good as it gets in female roles. Charlie Brackett wrote a tight screenplay for what could have gone on for hours and the art direction and music all work along with one of those great supporting group of character actors of the day. All told, it is De Havilland's controlled and believable performance that make this a film a must see for the most hardened critic. Grown men will not admit to liking this film because it more than likely will bring a tear of two.....it is that good.