It has been claimed that Marlon Brando repeatedly turned down his role in The Godfather before he eventually accepted the part.

Budd Schulberg, a friend of the On The Waterfront icon, told Vanity Fair that he objected to the suggestion he appear in the film, saying "For the last time, I won't glorify the Mafia."

Brando went on to win an Oscar for his performance as Don Corleone in the adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel, though he sent a native American woman to accept the award in his stead to raise awareness about her people's problems.

Brando died at the age of 80 last year.