Merle was second choice to play Judith Traherne after Greta Garbo, when David O Selznick and MGM owned the rights to the material. Merle declined because of a contract dispute.
The exotic star was originally in line to play the sheltered heiress who falls in love with a monk who is hiding his past. Producer David O. Selznick paid off Oberon.
Turned down the great and poignant role of the aging, vain beauty "Fanny Skeffington," for which she was first choice.
Originally intended as a project for Merle (with a trained dancer taking her place when required).
Did you know that Merle Oberon was not the only choice for these movies?
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