In 1955 he got an offer he couldn't refuse: the publication of his first novel, "The Dark Arena"
The film is based on Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather, a well-
received .... After screen testing several other actors, Coppola eventually got his 
wish... [DOC] [TLE] The Godfather by Mario Puzo - Reviews & Summaries - Books [PAR] I also liked that the book included the story of Vito Corleone's life and how he 
became the .....