During the search to find an actress to play Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind , Bennett was tested and impressed producer David O. Selznick . She was briefly considered to be a front runner for this part but Selznick eventually turned his attention to Paulette Goddard , who was then rejected in favor of Vivien Leigh . During the search for an actress to play Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind , Bennett was given a screen test and impressed producer David O. Selznick to such an extent , she was one of the final four actresses along with Jean Arthur , Vivien Leigh and Paulette Goddard .