 According to a Playboy interview with director  Francis Ford Coppola (qv), Frank Sinatra (qv), despite his  reported distaste for the novel and opposition to the film, had  discussions with Coppola about playing the role of Don Vito Corleone  himself and at one point actually offered his services. Coppola,  however, was adamant in his conviction that Marlon Brando (qv)  take the role instead. This would be the third time Brando performed  in a part sought by Sinatra, after playing Terry Malloy in  _On the Waterfront (1954)_ (qv) and Sky Masterson in  _Guys and Dolls (1955)_ (qv).