The making of "The Godfather"

When "The Godfather" opened in March 1972, director Francis Ford Coppola's drama about a mob family forever changed how we look at gangster films. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Coppola, and with stars Robert Duvall, James Caan and Talia Shire, about the making of a classic that, 50 years later, movie lovers still cannot refuse.
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.
Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" KZbin channel: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook: bit.ly/3sRgLPG
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@EM-ve9bh]

This movie never gets old, no matter how many times I've seen it.

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

Brucia La Terra aka Speak Softly Love

[@litedawg]

I honestly couldn’t even give you a number on how many times I have watched it. I would say over 500.

[@00bankz24]

Greatest movie ever made

[@babagandu]

It's the best natural cure for insomnia

[@lacm64]

It’s a timeless classic.

[@glnnchrstphr9717]

Movies just don't get any better than this. Period.

[@hagaibinsealtiel3745]

AMEN AND AMEN !

[@victorkong82]

What about Ernest Goes to Camp?

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Best movie ever

[@joshnizzle]

Does so godfather 2 lol

[@TransparencyandMerit]

@Victor Kong Let’s not forget Dolemite

[@willmore2254]

It's a movie you can't refuse

[@ekop1778]

NICE WORK LOU-- AL LETTERI!

[@grayson89754tombean]

Nicely said.

[@RebelThoughts82]

This movie is a total masterpiece. Memorable lines and memorable acting from a fantastic cast!

[@jenibfb]

So agree with u!

[@jws1272]

One of the greatest movies of all time. So glad to have seen it multiple times on the big screen.

[@simonp7095]

U know the bit sunny is beating up the husband and the husband turns into someone else like a middle aged stunt man that's the only bit that spoils it

[@vika0194]

It was pretty good. The second one was pretty boring.

[@carz1644]

Facts

[@sigmann66]

Hard to believe he was only 29 when he directed this. The movie has so much tasteful depths, rhythm and style.

[@SushiBandit28]

The subtle and underrated magic of the wedding scene cannot be explained well enough. It's one of the few scenes in cinema for me where I felt transported to a different world - everything about it was nailed brilliantly.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Why do folks use the word underrated on KZbin so darn much they're isn't nothing in this movie that was underrated

[@SushiBandit28]

@@anthonytaylor7928 true, yet somehow still applies

[@humboldtharry4248]

It was incredibly atmospheric I think because so many little details were added. The family and guest interactions were natural and the camera movements flowed allowing you to feel like you are really there. Add a perfect score and the natural sound of an outdoor event and it is a triumph in my eyes.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I felt the same exact way! You articulated “that special experience & feeling for me, perfectly!” How I loved that wedding scene, too!

[@jcabram9002]

I remember watching Marlon Brando’s performance in the Godfather for the first time and it was the most mesmerizing movie experience I ever had. His acting should be gold standard for all actors.

[@martinnijs8317]

Really????? i find it overacting all the way and he mumbles in every movie he did. The most overrated , lazy actor of his time.

[@michaeldemarco2415]

@@martinnijs8317 you are nuts

[@spaniardsrmoors6817]

@@martinnijs8317 But he was a wonderful human being in his personal life 🤣

[@muratkaraali5704]

@@martinnijs8317 I never liked it

[@jogman262]

@martin nijs Good actor but was lazy about memorizing his lines. They had yellow sticky notes posted around the scene out of camera view were he could see his lines on them.

[@georgesealy4706]

If I happen to be surfing TV shows and come upon 'The Godfather,' I begin watching it. It's like a magnet. I have to purposely ignore it. Every scene, every line is classic.

[@chrisfinch8637]

Turner Classic Movies, would be the channel to watch.

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

I hear ya on that scenario. I HATE watching it on TV on a cable channel because of the ads. It chops up the flow so bad that I eventually get so frustrated that I turn the TV off or I change the channel. I own a DVD copy so it isn't that I can't solve that dilemma, but when I'm channel surfing and I see The Godfather... I'm on it.

[@litedawg]

Same ! If The Godfather is on I watch at least a few minutes of it every damn time.

[@natedoggg2002]

Me too!

[@jefolson6989]

Me too! And I own it on every format, but if its on , I have to watch.

[@brucekuehn4031]

In any movie, there are a million ways that it can go wrong. Most movies miss by at least a dozen. This was as close to perfection as we are likely to see in a long time.

[@tomsampson8084]

That is the truth. Truly great movies just seem to happen against all odds.

[@brucekuehn4031]

@@tomsampson8084 But not by accident. It takes a lot of very talented people.

[@jws1272]

If you'd like to see how The Godfather almost went wrong.........seek ye out a limited series on Paramount Plus, entitled "The Offer". It's based on Albert S. Ruddy's experience, trying to get The Godfather made...............It's a GREAT piece of historical drama.

[@jungleboy1]

not in a long time. i think ever, period.

[@TeresaLevy]

Hard to imagine films likeh thisb. But looking back w😮e see there We should not do this kind of comparisons. They are all Master pieces. Citizen Kane, obviously

[@Malcolmdeeb]

Incredible that George Lucas once said, “We’re going broke.” Cut to 40 years later and George sells his company for $4 billion … then amazingly donates much of the money.

[@edmundooliver7584]

even more incredible Linda Ronstadt was his girlfriend.

[@edsnotgod]

Lucas spent $2,000,000 on his hairdo since then

[@sclogse1]

@@edsnotgod No. 200 million.

[@cactusjack2264]

Cut to only 5 years after Godfather in 1977 George Lucas creates another timeless classic named Star Wars.

[@Malcolmdeeb]

@@cactusjack2264 4 years later, Spielberg created Jaws, which was considered the first blockbuster film.

[@chrisaguilera1564]

The way Coppola describes the chaotic filming of the Godfather reminds me of the way Steven Spielberg described his experience with Jaws. Both films were landmarks in their careers. Diamonds in the rough.

[@c.augustedupin8860]

Godfather is a classic. But i can't say that about jaws or steven "the hack" speilberg .

[@johnwright2911]

Haha, ok.

[@rext8949]

George Lucas was driven to tears during the filming of "Star Wars" in England - the crew thought that he was making a children's movie.

[@dillinger445]

i still think he made a childrens movie

[@lindamattioli7943]

Masterpiece

[@dennismorris7573]

Francis Ford Coppola a true cinematic genius.

[@Nighthawk-8050]

"An honest man like you have enemies than they would become my enemies. And then they would fear you" When i first heard that line DAM it blew me away. Your right Coppola is definitely a genius

[@Linzo24]

I remember when my dad brought this home from the video store (not blockbuster) - and seeing the FOUR VHS tapes - and thinking to myself oh man, this is going to be awfully long. I was 12. But within moments of the movie starting, I was hooked and the 2 hrs and 57 minutes went by in a blink. I watched it again the next day; and the day after that. Love this film SO much

[@texasred2702]

Long as it is, it doesn't feel long. Not one second of boredom in the entire thing. It's one of those movies if I sit down and watch a few minutes I'm going to end up watching the whole thing.

[@gregoryfujita8265]

The film still stands as an American Classic...I'm soo proud I have a family member that's part of that film...my uncle S. Neil Fujita designed the iconic letter design title and hand puppet artwork for the 1969 book...and later used for the film...Paramount wanted to change it with a different typeset..but Coppola was insistent to use the book artwork for the poster.....One of my high school English teachers was a classmate of Coppola's at UCLA Film School....

[@Mssipequeen]

WOW! that's so cool !!

[@thekeith-donovanexperience]

That’s neat

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

I hope The Godfather goes air to TCM next year in 31 Days of Oscar next year

[@joestocking]

Always loved that artwork! So cool to be related.

[@tracydavis8982]

@@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401, me too! Ironically, Ben Mankiewicz, the host of Turner Classic Movies(TCM), did invite the Director, of "The Godfather," Francis Ford Coppola, to the studio last fall (2021), to show a couple of his Movies, from his EARLY career.🤗 They showed the (1963) film "Dementia 13," of which Mr. Coppola, WROTE the "screen play," when he was just (24) Years old. Then they showed the (1968) film, "Finnegan's Rainbow," that Mr. Coppola DIRECTED, that starred the GREAT, Fred Astaire! Both of these films, were TERRIFIC!👍 But, I was surprised that "The Godfather" was not shown!🤔 But, I would LOVE to see "The Godfather," on TCM this year (2022), especially since this is the 50TH Anniversary, that this Movie first premiered back in (1972).🙏

[@jws1272]

RIP James Caan. This was just FOUR MONTHS AGO. James still is in somewhat good spirits. Talia still looks fantastic. She has a major role in TWO of my fave movie series...........you know what the other is.............."ADRIAAAAAAN!!!!"

[@tristanrolands4868]

I still watch The Godfather once a week on a Tuesday night.

[@rext8949]

On medical grounds or did someone make you an offer you couldn't refuse?

[@Nighthawk-8050]

I could never get tired of watching the GODFATHER. Best movie i ever seen the cast was spot on even the cat at the beginning was excellent.

[@WPM_in_ATL]

I read somewhere that the cat was a stray, or a neighborhood feline. But you are right, Arnold, even the cat was at the top of his/her game.

[@basilmarasco1975]

300 cats auditioned for that brief part ...

[@babagandu]

Best sleep aid !!

[@BryanCostner]

@@WPM_in_ATL Yes that cat was a stray that Coppola found it in the Paramount parking lot, when the cameras were rolling, the cat went everywhere and jumped on to Brando's arm. Coppola liked it so much that they managed to do that scene in one take, unbelievable

[@jenibfb]

Love the cat!! So cute!

[@ericaharel4386]

Hands down, the best movie ever made. It is flawless! We should kiss Cuppola's hand for giving us this treasure.

[@tea98988]

In this age of animations and computer generated special effects, I’m going to sound like the old lady I am to say; They just can’t make movies like this anymore. The first time I saw the God Father, I was a very young girl and could barely understood English. The second time, I was a young woman. I look forward to watch the restored version next! This is a Masterpiece.

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

"This is a Masterpiece"... good words.

[@chezy415]

RIP James Caan. To a classic that lives forever

[@kokonana4086]

I lost count of how many times that I watch this movie. What a movie, what an arts!

[@jojopuppyfish]

5:06 CBS really should have credited Walter Murch. He's still alive....they should have interviewed him. He created the sound design for that scene.

[@joe6096]

He’s still alive….. they hit him with. 5 shots and he’s still alive!!!! Oh sorry, but you had to know SOMEONE would reference that line in a thread like this :-)

[@annsmith7207]

The Godfather: In the lexicon of American film it is unsurpassed. The lesson this morning listening to Francis Ford Coppola is don’t quit or get fired … just persevere… no matter what. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ernestotavo1538]

Everything you need to learn about life is in that movie. A masterpiece....

[@markraas78]

i just recently found out talia shire was jason schwartzman’s mother and now today just found out she’s also the sister of francis ford coppola and she’s a huge part of two of the biggest movie franchises ever 🤯

[@overcomerbtbojesus]

She’s also nicholas cage’s aunt

[@dorklymorkly3290]

>schwartzman eewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[@artlover1477]

I know it's me being very selfish; but I hate seeing my heros like Caan, Duvall and Coppolla getting older and frail. I wish they could all live forever🥲

[@4seeableTV]

That's understandable. But look at it this way. They ARE still with us. So many people are taken many decades earlier.

[@chetanyasharma2502]

That in turn means you are also getting older

[@raya1849]

Brando, Cazale, Morgana King, Rich Castellano, Abe Vigoda, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, all contributed to this masterpiece. RIP to all of them who we already lost were part of this historic film.

[@shua42780]

What's that say about us? I was a 10 when godfather 3 came out....I mean have you seen the Irishman? Pesci and deniro look old af

[@cindyinnew]

I feel the same way. Jimmy Caan was a hottie. Was a regular at Hef’s Playboy mansion. All are legendary

[@johnkeith2450]

I met Mr. Coppola once. Incredible intelligence shown through.

[@IAMBENNYBLANCO.]

I never get tired of watching TGF and part 2..... timeless classics.

[@mrkeno1000]

Godfather III not so much

[@angelawhite3058]

My favorite movie of all time! My favorite scene is when Michael sees Apollonia for the first time! I'm such a romantic!

[@fabiandimaspratama]

It's heartwarming that even until today, James Caan and Thalia Shire still have that chemistry with each others. All the actors seemingly have chemistry until the end of The Godfather 3, they become family for real.

[@angelthman1659]

Best film ever made.

[@romstar]

Confession:I’ve never seen The Godfather☹️😩or Star Wars, or Jaws... 🥺I was too young at the time but haven’t got around to watching all of these iconic films until recently. I’m just now watching Lawrence of Arabia 😱almost finished!!😜👌🙏❤️

[@Quasimodo1957]

Add 'Giant', 'Dr. Zhivago and Gone with the Wind to your list. You won't regret it.

[@romstar]

I’ve seen Giant and GWTW-coming around to Doctor Zhivago soon!🙏❤️👍 Still hasn’t seen E.T either😫🥺

[@daniellozano8057]

I'm there with ya! I never saw Gremlins until two years ago. I'll be 39 this summer. 😂

[@gregoryfujita8265]

Make it a pledge to watch all 3 this week..star wars will be the fastest 2 hr movie you'll ever see...jaws is suspenseful and fun..the godfather is 2hr 45 min long..enjoy it..it deserved best picture

[@romstar]

@@gregoryfujita8265 aww 😊 thanks 🙏-That’s a great way to view them🙏❤️👍

[@chrisfinch8637]

“The Godfather” really is one of the most classic movies of the 70s, and of all time. My favorite quotes: 1. “I’m gonna make him an offer he can refuse.” 2. "A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults." 3. “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” 4. “Never hate your enemies- it affects your judgement.” 5. “You talkin’ to me?” Well, save 5. for “Taxi Driver”. 😉

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

"I'm Moe Greene!!"

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

@@MisfitsFiendClub138 "I made my bones when you were dating cheerleaders!"

[@lewstone5430]

“All over your nice Ivy League suit!”

[@edmund6392]

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

[@edmund6392]

Tom, can you get me off the hook? For old times’ sake?

[@luishumbertovega3900]

The fact that Bob Fosse and not Francis Ford Coppola was awarded tje Best Director Oscar resonates the same way Citizen Kane was not recognized as 1941's Best Picture.

[@sirreadsalot786]

I was 13 the first time I saw the movie. I was underage and almost turned away. I still remember the experience like it was yesterday.

[@joshualebowitz]

This was a truly excellent segment.

[@toddsalkowski448]

Yes. Such great insight and incredible behind the scenes stories. I would have watched a 40 minute segment.

[@goodowner5000]

@@toddsalkowski448 Francis Ford Coppola's Audio Commentaries on all three films DVD Special Features are quite fascinating and entertaining, as those things go.

[@italianlifestyle7911]

Wow.. it's been 50 years! How time flies...

[@Paul_Wetor]

I just read the fascinating book "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" about the making of the movie. Man oh man, what difficulties there were. Big name directors turned it down. The studio didn't like the actors, or it being a period drama (more expense), the music (too sparse). Similar mob movies had failed. When it was done, Coppola feared a flop so he immediately took another job. Instead it was a massive hit that saved Paramount Studios from going under and became an instant classic.

[@eargasm1072]

Ironically, George Lucas, longtime collaborator & buddies w/Coppola, also went though a similar experience with his biggest "u know what it is" box office success. They both lost plenty of sleep during their productions lol

[@Paul_Wetor]

Yes, I seen/read about that too. Being a director is not for the faint of heart.

[@yrinawoo9660]

“We are the creatures of feelings “ … Oh… my God!!! Indeed such Amazing words point out what human made!!! 🥺🥺🥺🤭🤭🤭😑😬😬😬

[@dougdoug9268]

THE NUMBER ONE MOTION PICTURE MOVIE OF ALL TIME THE WORLD AGREED THE GOAT

[@jimhirsch4482]

Give me a CITIZEN KANE / GODFATHER II double feature any day of the week!!

[@agarrick3854]

The soundtrack is fabulous as well!!

[@HAL_9000__]

4:51 Jimmy Caan. He died about four months after this interview. May he rest in peace. Just finished watching the mini-series "The Offer" on Paramount Plus. Its about the making of The Godfather, and the unbelievable challenges Coppola went through in trying to shoot this classic film. While not completely accurate and a little over the top, it is a WONDERFUL look at what it took to make this film. Damned good TV!

[@sbarrow06]

It was a good series, I just can't believe that the actual mob was involved in the making of the film and was just as problematic as anything else during that time. And I thought the making of Jaws was the worst, turns out The Godfather gets to billing for most nightmarish production ever. Yet they both became successful groundbreaking films for the 70s and still continue to hold up to this day!!!

[@Karlavaegen]

Almost starting to like the series more than the movies.

[@stevenrogers8939]

I will never forget the first time I watched this movie in 1982, I was 8. My father was on the couch explaining it to me. Rip dad

[@HAL_9000__]

I first saw it when I was about 9 many years before you. Dont remember much, but I do know I laughed when Moe Green is shot in the eye through his glasses 🙄

[@harukrentz435]

That reminds me of myself explaining the godfather and other classic movies to my college buddy back in 2010. Lol

[@stevenrogers8939]

@@HAL_9000__ 😂😂😂

[@stevenrogers8939]

@@harukrentz435 😃

[@paulsauer3724]

It’s a shame that Marlon Brando distanced himself from the film for many years after it’s release. In 1997 for the 25th anniversary screening, Brando refused to show up unless paramount paid him 3 million dollars. The studio naturally told him to get lost and Brando of course didn’t come to the screening. Robert Duvall criticized him in the papers for doing that. Another hero of The Godfather who doesn’t any attention at all for its success is Producer Al Ruddy who got the ball rolling and managed to get Paramount to green light the film. He is also the one who managed to keep the mafia at bay when they tried to shut the picture down and manage to keep them happy by instead of using the word mafia, they would be called the family. He is the real unsung hero of this film. I can’t figure out why he wasn’t interviewed for this story.

[@AndyJay1985]

Have you been watching The Offer on Paramount Plus? While not the most accurate it's cool to see the issues that were went through to make this.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Well he's getting attention now with the offer on paramount plus

[@alphonsomorales1975]

He is getting paid his dues now because like the others are saying Paramount has a really great show called the offer and it does focus heavily on Al Ruddy

[@thebeasters]

Marlo didn't need the money and he's done plenty of films, that's his prerogative they said no

[@Tessou]

Brando was unhappy as he took a deal with Paramount to get an instant payday to pay his taxes… in exchange for his percentage of gross profits in perpetuity for the film. He took $100,000 to give up well over $10M he would have made if he kept his points.

[@sherylloconte788]

In the town Savoca in Sicily is where they filmed the Italian scenes it was my grandfather’s birthplace. If you have the possibility to visit they have a large bronze statue honoring Coppola. The bar and the church remain exactly the same even after all these years.

[@mangiamo74]

Did not know this. Thanks for sharing.

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

No matter how many times you see The Godfather, 1or 2 . It's always like your seeing it for the very first time .

[@petermartinijr.1012]

I agree. Literally, no one has ever seen a movie more times than I have seen the Godfather, and each time I watch it it is like the first time. If I watched this movie every day for the rest of my life, it would still never get old.

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

To me, 1 & 2 are perfect movies.

[@johnrigs6540]

Sad to think that this Masterpiece broke every box office record when it came out…. but if it came out today it would likely go straight to streaming! Shows how different movie tastes are today,that’s for sure! Remains one of the greatest Movies ever made - perfect on every level. Fun fact - just to show the Oscars were silly even back then - Coppola did NOT win best Director. Neither Pacino Caan or Duvall won best supporting actor. It didn’t even win best MUSIC lol!

[@edsnotgod]

It would have token minority sidekicks wisecracking, endless MMA and copius CGI enhanced action scenes

[@BAGS00_24]

music is interesting because the soundtrack was nominated bit tten removed after the academy found out the score was a somewhat copy of another work from Nino Rotta from a different movie, so they decided to remove it from the nominees, I think that decision caused controversy even back then.

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

Coppola loss to Bob Fosse in Cabaret

[@johnrigs6540]

@@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401 Yea I know - absolutely ridiculous even back then! He directs what many feel is the greatest movie of all time - and doesn’t get an Academy award for it lol! Luckily he got one for 2 though. And incredibly- Al Pacino as Michael Corleone doesn’t get one either. He lost to Joel Grey in Cabaret! Now - Cabaret is a fine film… But it’s just not even in the same universe as The Godfather.

[@a-train3503]

@@johnrigs6540 The editing cost him, the scene where Sonny throws a punch and clearly hits air, you don't win an Oscar with mistakes like that, nit picky? yes but they should've edited that scene better

[@samkitty5894]

FFC was 29 year old when he made this masterpiece. Amazing...Compare it to the crap Hollywood makes today.

[@kneeman66]

So going to miss James Caan

[@alexanderdelacruz9249]

Love Coppola…… so full of wisdom and such a great filmmaker ❤

[@mortalclown3812]

It was touching to hear him speak of human nature, still vulnerable. Makes you wish you knew him.

[@SarahRenz59]

I was in 7th grade when The Godfather was released. My Italian-American dad took me and my cousin (his sister's daughter) to see it; he hadn't read the book and thought it would be a warm tale of an Italian-American family!??! He was mortified about exposing us to the sex and violence. When we came home, my mom asked, "How was the movie?" My dad said, "Oooohhh, I shouldn't have taken the girls to see that." As for my cousin, she loved the film and thought my dad was Best! Uncle! Ever! I still watch it whenever it's on TV, but The Godfather Part II resonates with me more; the flashbacks of young Vito Corleone make me think of my grandfather who sailed alone to this country when he was 16.

[@cindyinnew]

We are the same age. I also saw in when I was in 7th grade

[@delta_1234vd]

The dialogue between the late actor John Cazale and Al Pacino in the movie where John is sitting on that armchair is something they should teach at the acting schools. You can feel the tension just by watching them.

[@lovinglife419]

I remember watching this for the first time as a fourth grader, with my dad. Even at that age, I knew it was beautiful.

[@bk9852]

Fast forward to July 2022 Rest easy James Caan

[@amandanies3174]

I just watched this movie for the first time a few weeks ago. And I'm 31 years old. It took me so long to finally watch it, and I wish I watched it sooner. Such a masterpiece.

[@jenibfb]

Haha. Better late than never

[@PerceptiveAudio]

Just watched it for the first time tonight at 40 years old. Cinematic masterpiece

[@EagleRockers]

I remember seeing this 50 years ago when I was 20 years old. It has stayed with me as one of the greatest movies ever made. My mother even went to see it and she never went to the movies.

[@lindseycarribean5113]

One of the best soundtrack too.

[@loriespino]

Greatest acting of all time. From Cuba 🇨🇺 with love.

[@thewoodmoose]

One of the greatest casts with greatest chemistry ever.👌🏻

[@germandimplez]

They failed to mention that Paramount Plus has a new series “The Offering”. It’s about the making of The Godfather. Previews look good. ❤️

[@cosmo9390]

It's called "The Offer".

[@TheImaginator972]

I'm so excited to watched that series.

[@stereo-type1510]

I think what makes this movie great in my opinion is that you would think a mafia movie would be violent and would need violence to keep you engaged but what draws you in to the Godfather is that the story is so captivating and the performances are just stellar...It's just a unique piece of art..

[@normasubia6807]

Love James Caan R.I.P.🙏🏻

[@Yolanda_Ortiz]

My favorite movie. I can watch it over and over again

[@DrTimWhatleyDDS]

James Caan was a legend. His playing Sonny was brilliant, as was his portrayal of Walter, Buddy’s dad.

[@DonVideoGuy007]

04:51 - this just might be the last time that James Caan; who died a few days ago, appeared before a videocamera during an interview... RIP James Caan.

[@istiyaksiddiquee]

Thank you, Mr. Coppola, for this beautiful masterpiece!

[@lisamcdonald1820]

I read the book a few years before the movie was released and just loved it. What surprised me after I saw the movie [in my top 5] and reread the book, that the old axium of the book is better than the movie was not true. They compliment each other. I understood more of the movie when I reread it and when I did reread it I could picture the scenes in the movie as I read them and this increased my enjoyment of the book.

[@kennethrussell1158]

Lisa I'm still getting over the fact that the studio actually considered Robert Redford for the role of Michael.

[@admirpireci6005]

In fifty years people haven’t been able to make a better film.

[@HAL_9000__]

"Schindler's List" comes close, but is still nowhere near as iconic as The Godfather.

[@rr7firefly]

"The Godfather" won Best Picture, Best Actor (Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay. You can be sure that no movie in the 2022 bunch will come close to this epic achievement. Coppola was right when he said that his movie would become the standard to judge other films by.

[@hagaibinsealtiel3745]

AMEN AND AMEN !

[@hagaibinsealtiel3745]

.

[@toddsalkowski448]

To think studio execs were breathing down his neck and threatening to fire him. Thank goodness he persevered!

[@rr7firefly]

@@toddsalkowski448 The "suits" (studio executives and accountants) are guys with ice in their veins. They lack decency and possess little in the way of knowing what talent is or having respect for the creative community. It's about proven formulas, the prospect of making a fortune. Never about advancing film as an art form. If you ever have seen a wonderful movie, look at it as having defied the odds against it. Let's not forget the old casting couch.

[@victorblock3421]

It's now all about "Diverrrrrsity and Incluuuuuusion".

[@jimw.4161]

Simply put: One of the greatest films ever made - by one of the greatest directors in film history. A movie for all time that will forever be studied, analyzed, and discussed in film schools worldwide - but not duplicated. There is only one Sistine Chapel.... There is only one Mona Lisa... There is only one Pieta... How lucky we are to have two Godfathers!

[@dancolvin5939]

Just 2. Exactly.

[@merlinmediagroup]

It's a great film but you overstate the significance (as many do) of Hollywood/American cinema within international film schools. When I was at film school there was more talk about the likes of Tarkovsky and Kieślowski than Coppola. There is a world outside of American and English-language cinema.

[@jimw.4161]

@@merlinmediagroup Nathan, You're exactly right..... There is a lot of TALK at film schools. That's the problem. Tarkovsky and Kieslowski never actually MADE films as great as The Godfather. Talk and theory are cheap, but extremely difficult to implement... ask Plato... or Karl Marx.

[@williamwilson6499]

When the Trilogy DVD set came out it was a good deal...two good movies and a coaster for your drink.

[@4seeableTV]

While his casting of Talia had no ill effect on the films, the casting of his daughter helped ruin the third.

[@argonhelix8394]

The Godfather Trilogy.... Phenomenal.Hands down.

[@shackdaddy7106]

The one thing I would’ve liked to of seen when they paid tribute to The Godfather on the Oscars the other night. It would’ve been great to see Robert Duvall, James Caan and Talia Shire on stage.

[@cindyinnew]

And why was Sean Puffy Combs given the privilege of introducing this film? I like me some Puffy/P Diddy, but it wreaked of political correctness instead of genuineness

[@lloydsmith522]

My favorite all.time movie the movie that solidified Francis Ford Coppola legacy as a director never get tired of watching it

[@lulufavs4519]

Coppola and Puzo created a masterpiece. Coppola is such a visionary.

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

I've always considered Coppola to be one of the most intelligent film directors in history. His discussion here certainly affirms that early belief on my part. Similar to Spielberg, he has aged well enough to where his wisdom just flows out without any sense of it being forced. He has always been an excellent user of the technology available to him, so after watching this... it looks like I'll be hunting down my own copy of the 50th Anniversary Edition. Viewing this film has always affected me deeply, and I can't wait to see it with a little more light brought to the darker scenes. It might be as good as seeing it the first time in a theater. Not. ;--)

[@raghavanand5554]

There's something I just can't explain, it's the magic of the movie that I never get tired of watching over hundred times or watch the making videos or any videos remotely connected to the locations where the movie was shot. Truly one of the master pieces of American cinema and probably one of its best productions ever. Every single character has literally lived the role and there's something in it for every generation to learn from it. 100 years on, I wish this magic never dies!

[@manuelrazona]

'We are creatures of feelings'.. whoah!! Great Francis Coppola!! Mr. Coppola used to live here, in Buenos Aires, Argentina!!😀 Thank you so much for this!!😀 Best regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina!!🇦🇷🇺🇸😀😀

[@pamelamays4186]

Between The Godfather and The Rocky franchise, Talia Shire worked steadily in Hollywood for over a decade.

[@SumTingWong1482]

Which is perplexing because she’s one of the worst and most annoying actresses in film history.

[@josephhuether1184]

I re-read the book recently. It was an excellent example of “popular fiction” with plenty of obligatory “sex and violence”. What is remarkable about the movie is that by distilling it down to a saga about family and almost toxic adherence a certain type of “honor”, Puzo and Coppola created a far greater work of art that invites multi-dimensional interpretations. I thing Pacino’s performance as Michael is truly remarkable. He exudes a tragic loneliness that is only ameliorated in those few scenes with his father. Vito receives the warmth, love and respect as the patriarch and “founder”. Michael dutifully decides to finally be “with him” in that pivotal scene at the hospital and follow-up killing of Sollozzo but he is never the same. He eventually becomes more feared than loved. He loses his family. Pacino goes from innocent to menacing. Although I have never heard this said, I have at times felt that Michael was a metaphor for the generation of American men who came home victorious but deeply transformed during WW2. It was a generation that was modern and transformational for the country but whose sometimes overbearing affect and judgment led to a reactive rebellion by the next generation…the generation of Coppola and Lucas. By the early 1970s there WAS a palpable sense of loneliness in the generation of the “man in the grey flannel suit”…the “organization man”.

[@mangiamo74]

Intriguing comment - especially about Michael's WW2 service as metaphor for an entire generation of veterans.

[@cinemaarteeemocao-manuelca7880]

Um filme magnifico.provavelmente o filme cinematografico mais emblematico realizado desde 1970.Marlon Brando tem uma atuacao excepcional como vito corleone .talvez a maior atuacao de um ator de cinema nos anos 1970.mas Al Pacino ,Robert Duvall,James Caan ,Diane Keaton, Talia Shire e outros grandes atores se destacam .Copolla realizou uma obra -prima que gerou e influenciou outros grandes filmes.Um filme que representa o melhor do cinema de arte .uma obra sensivel,complexa, emocionante e de grande teor artistico.um filme impar.atwmporal

[@edmund6392]

One of the best scene in this great movie is the scene between Tom Hagen and Frank Pentangeli in prison. Classic!

[@edmund6392]

“They went home and sat in a hot bath and opened their veins, and bled to death. Sometimes they gave a little party before they did it." "Don't worry about anything, Frankie Five Angels." "Thanks Tom. Thanks.

[@petermartinijr.1012]

Wrong movie. Frank Pentangeli was in Godfather 2, not 1

[@bbaraider]

I will never tire of watching this movie franchise. The best Mob movies IMO.

[@hashimmahamerul8857]

My Grandpa brought this on DVD when i was young. Didn't understand at first until 5 years i started to know why this movie was the best.

[@yvonneplant9434]

One of the last films shot in Technicolor.

[@fleetadmiralperry5739]

It has been my favorite movie since I was 15 years old I love it I could watch it every day I sit down and watch all three Godfather movies on Thanksgiving Day every Thanksgiving! that’s how much it means to me that is how much I love this film there was never anything greater than The Godfather

[@patcomerford5596]

I remember, in my teenage years, reading the book, under bedcovers, in 1970, before passing it on to my friends. I had to wait another few years to reach the legal age to see the film!

[@cindyinnew]

The Godfather, The Exorcist and Helter Skelter were all read by me while sneaking my mom’s copies!

[@drewhawk711]

I was 11 when the movie came out, and honest to god, I got in the theatre with a note from my mother! 😂 I had already read the book (with my parents' knowledge), so they must have figured I was old enough to see the movie.

[@cindyinnew]

@@drewhawk711 priceless! That’s an awesome memory 😂❤️. I was 11 too! My mom took my bestie and me to see it in Atlanta. When Michael marries the Italian beauty and she disrobes on their honeymoon, my friend and I started snickering. My mom said, “you two are the silliest girls …I swear, i can’t take y’all anywhere.”

[@patcomerford5596]

@@cindyinnew LOL. these books were not allowed in our home.😞

[@cristinabuffington9659]

Time just flew with this one. It still holds after all these years

[@RUmom08]

By far, the best movie ever. A pure masterpiece.

[@joannepiatte4026]

I totally agree.

[@deejiminez2630]

Waited in line for who knows how long. At the end a standing ovation. I watch it again and again and still wow'd.

[@brianholihan5497]

I don't watch many movies, but I'm a huge fan of Coppola's. Scenes from GFII were in my mind when I was in Naples, Italy. Scenes from Apocalypse Now were in my head when I was in villages in Southeast Asia. His scenes are so sensual and emotionally gripping that they stay with you for decades. Respect

[@gvrpresentsbearwilliams]

God Rest your Soul James Caan... And Thank all of you for staying true to your vision and creating this timeless crime family franchise.

[@johnhaughey8346]

as many times as I have seen it, and I recommend seeing it larger than life in the theatre on a big screen, I always see something that I never noticed before and that is the test of a great film

[@alantoler8266]

This is the GREATEST Movie Ever period

[@firozesameer5677]

Fredrick Ford Coppola’s masterpiece for all times 👍 Cheers from Colombo, Sri Lanka

[@suzanne4504]

All you have to hear is the music and so many scenes come to mind. Love this movie.

[@jogman262]

That opening music piece set the stage for the entire movie,. Beautiful but haunting at the same time.

[@suzanne4504]

@@jogman262 You're spot on! I love Godfather 1 and 2 . The third one was just okay.

[@jogman262]

@ Suzanne The third one had some moments, like Michael confessing to having Fredo killed, which I think is the most powerful scene in the trilogy. I wish Duvall had come back to play Tom Hagen, I think it would have been a better movie.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

This film is a classic & I have lost count of the many times I have watched this extraordinary movie! It is just as amazing now as it was, when this movie was first released! Loved the director & every single actor & actress appearing in this movie! Can’t picture anyone but Marlon Brando playing The Godfather! The actors/actresses picked for their characters was pure genius! Ever actor was iconic in their roles & will never be forgotten…..”E-V-E-R!”♥️💜♥️💜♥️💜♥️💜♥️💜♥️

[@soloa24]

Rest in peace James Caan.

[@bdflatlander]

They truly don’t make magnificent movies like The Godfather and Godfather Part 2 any more. Both are timeless masterpieces that I have watched many times and never get tired of them.

[@jrsm1970]

A Classic. A masterpiece