Originally posted by AppleOnYa:
Though I can't imagine the film without Brando, I do think it would've been just as successful...let's remember that Vito is not even seen in roughly two thirds of the film!!
I think FFC had once mentioned he'd also wanted Laurence Olivier for the part...I've always thought that was an EXCELLENT choice and wondered what he would've done with it.
We'll never know....
Apple I agree it would have been successful, but I really don't think it would have stood the test of time like it has without Brando. While it is true that his screen presence wasn't all that long, having him in the opening scene set the pace for the rest of the film. I compare it to a degree with Jack Nickolson's appearance in "A Few Good Men" as Colonel Jessup. Granted the film was loaded with stars, Cruise and Moore, but Nickolsons performance was icing on the cake. His court room testimony rivaled that of Humphrey Bogart in "The Caine Mutiny"
Olivier as Don Corleone? As great an actor as he was, I just can't picture him. Of course to be honest, when it was announced that Brando got the tittle role, I said "you got to be kidding". Shows my aptitude for casting
