In an article for Variety, writer William Goldman reveals that Richard Widmark aksed for the opportunity to read for the role of the Nazi Dr. Szell in the classic 1976 thriller Marathon Man, which was based on Goldman's novel. Goldman and director John Schlesinger were in London working on the screenplay when they received an out-of-the-blue request from Widmark, who was in town, to stop by and try his hand reading for the part. At the time, Widmark was aware that Laurence Olivier had accepted the role, but his frail health cast doubt on whether he would be able to perform. Widmark said his goal was to see if he would be an acceptable back-up for Olivier in case "Larry" wasn't able to do the film. As all movie fans know, Olivier did indeed rally and do the movie - and received a Supporting Actor nomination for one of the best portrayals of a villain ever put on film. However, Goldman says in his article that Widmark was superb in his reading and brought back memories of his first great role as the villain Tommy Udo in Kiss of Death. To read the fascinating tale click here