 Dustin Hoffman (qv) was already set to play a role in  Mel Brooks (I) (qv) _Producers, The (1968)_ (qv) when the  opportunity to audition for "The Graduate" came up. Deferentially,  Hoffman asked Brooks permission to audition for the part in the  other film. Through his wife, Anne Bancroft (I) (qv), (already  cast) Brooks was familiar with the story of "The Graduate". He  allowed Hoffman to audition, blithely confident hed be found  unsuitable for role of Mrs. Robinsons lover.