path40a Posted July 24, 2003 Share Posted July 24, 2003 I'm not real familiar with the story behind the great search for the perfect Scarlett O'Hara by David O. Selznick for Gone With The Wind, though I have read a little on imdb.com about some of the actresses that were first considered. I'm wondering if anyone more informed on the subject could comment as to whether Merle Oberon was considered for the part. It seems she was very much like Vivian Leigh, though a couple of years older, and certainly proved herself capable of just such a role earlier that same year in Wuthering Heights. Was she unavailable because of her role as Heathcliff's Cathy or did Selznick just want someone "less exposed"? After all, Ms. Leigh was hardly a film "virgin" herself having done nine films previously;-) Anyone know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansi4 Posted July 24, 2003 Share Posted July 24, 2003 Yes she was and just about every other actress in Hollywood. Paulette Gaddard came the closest to getting the part before Miss Leigh appeared on the scene. Mongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alix1929 Posted July 25, 2003 Share Posted July 25, 2003 Years ago on TNT, there was a documentary called "The Making of GWTW." It showed footage of many actors & actresses screen tests for parts in GWTW. I found it very interesting to see other actresses doing a "fiddle-dee-dee" scene. In one of Goddard's tests, you can hear George Cukor's voice giving her direction as she modeled a southern bell wig and dress. I thought it was fun to look at the B&W screen tests and wonder...hmm. I wonder whether Selznick enjoyed the search, or if it caused him an ulcer (looking for that perfect woman). Maybe a little of both. Just for the record, I'd have chosen Vivien Leigh over Paulette Goddard. (probably hindsight!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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