In the beginning

Dear Mr. Brando,

I wrote a book called THE GODFATHER which has had some success and I think you’re the only actor who can play the part Godfather with that quiet force and irony the part requires. I’d love you to read the book and like it well enough to use whatever power you can to get the role. I’m writing Paramount to the same effect for whatever good that will do. I know this was presumptuous of me but the best I can do by the book is try. I really think you’d be tremendous. Needless to say I’ve been an admirer of your art.

Mario Puzo