He refused the offer he could not refuse...

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Marlon Brando repeatedly turned down his Oscar-winning role as Don Vito Corleone in the 'Godfather' because he did not want to ''glorify the Mafia'', according to a close friend.

When his assistant, Alice Marchak, tried to get him to read Mario Puzo's novel he threw the book at her, saying ''For the last time, I won't glorify the Mafia''.

It was only after Brando had time to digest the story that he had a change of heart, said Budd Schulberg, a long-time friend.

Director Francis Ford Coppola was almost fired over decision to use Brando.



www.dailytelegraph.co.uk