 Olivier had been attempting to broaden his film career . He was not well known in the United States despite his success in Britain , and earlier attempts to introduce him to American audiences had failed . Offered the role of Heathcliff in Samuel Goldwyn 's production of Wuthering Heights ( 1939 ) , he travelled to Hollywood , leaving Leigh in London . Goldwyn and the film 's director , William Wyler , offered Leigh the secondary role of Isabella ; but she refused , preferring the role of Cathy , which went to Merle Oberon . 
