Marlon Brando unwanted by the studio

Marlon Brando’s performance as crime boss Vito Corleone is one of the reasons why 'The Godfather' is so acclaimed.

However, the screen icon wasn't initially wanted for the role by Paramount Pictures.

In fact, the studio’s head Charles Bluhdorn told director Francis Ford Coppla that the actor would “never appear in a Paramount” film, and instead pointed to Laurence Olivier as a candidate for Vito.

Coppola though was able to convince the studio to give Brando a screen test, who arrived wearing full make up for the part.

Executives were so impressed by his look, they gave quickly offered him the role.