MANILA, Philippines--The film version of Margaret Mitchell?s well-loved novel, ?Gone with the Wind,? was 1939-1940?s most successful production. Early on, the studio had already decided that only the dashing Clark Gable could play Rhett Butler.

But, the search for the fiery Scarlett O?Hara wasn?t so easy. Many of Hollywood?s biggest actresses?Tallulah Bankhead, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Paulette Goddard?had signified interest in the coveted role, which eventually landed on Vivien Leigh?s lap. Among the young hopefuls who vied for the role was beautiful former model, Susan Hayward.

Small roles

After a number of small roles, Hayward was finally tapped to appear opposite Gary Cooper in ?Beau Geste.? She became a certified A-lister in the early ?50s when she portrayed Jane Froman in ?With A Song In My Heart.?

In her succeeding projects, the versatile actress demonstrated that she could portray any character assigned to her. Other than Cooper, she also acted opposite Clark Gable, John Wayne and Gregory Peck.

By the mid-?50s, she had already established herself as a fine dramatic actress?especially when she starred in the Cannes-winning ?I?ll Cry Tomorrow,? which likewise allowed her to display her impressive contralto.

Hayward may not have won an Oscar for her performance in the movie, but it helped enhance her stature in Hollywood. The following year, she finally won an Oscar for ?I Want to Live??after five nominations!