The Godfather

The sweet, sweet revenge and Sonny's beautiful ass.

It was also the time, I think. People were fascinated by the mob, especially the NY mafia.

It was an immigrant/American dream story people loved at the time. Our Thing triumphed over poverty in Italy and discrimination in America. The fact that it was all illegal, well, that's just another flavor of the Immigrant Makes It in America myth. I liked reading about Jewish and Irish immigrants equally. I don't recall either of those groups getting such a great movie, though. And then there's the food! Mamma mia!

It was a popular book and there was much talk about the film during production due to the fact that Brando was returning to the screen in a major role it also received very good reviews and a number of Oscars as well.

Why is Diane Keaton saying they didn’t want Al Pacino for The Godfather without an explanation?

Pacino was an unknown and the studio heads didn’t want to hang the movie on someone who didn’t have box office success.

I think the second movie is superior to the first.

Isn't it a bit soon for yet another 'Godfather' discussion? It's been - what? two weeks?

It was the 70s, OP.

EVERYONE loved Al Pacino, and the rest of the cast, who were without any question or hesitation, EXCELLENT actors.

The book had been a huge success, as well. I remember being in NYC as a kid when it first came out, and it was being sold at every retailer. Even Duane Reade had it at every checkout line displayed on racks, where the checkout lines were formed.

The 1970s were great, regarding literature and film.

This is one of my favorite films, ever. I might watch it again this weekend, in between finishing up organizing my closet and decorating my bedroom, and my first floor living area.

It's amazing that Puzo went on to write the story and screenplay for Richard Donner's Superman, still the best and most heartfelt superhero movie.

R9, I had no idea that Puzo had written that screenplay, as well. And I agree with you. That’s my favorite rendition of Superman.

OP, are you soneone's aunt who has a fetish for starting threads?

Because your thread opener is a real sign of it.

You said nothing interesting, insightful, informed or in any way attractive to anyone but other dullards or snipes like me.

[quote]Al Pacino had just one starring film role to his credit playing a heroine addict in The Panic In Needle Park.

O, Madonn'

The studio wanted Burt Reynolds or Ryan O Neal for Michael Corleone.

It was Coppola who thankfully fought for Pacino. The other two would have been dreadful.

Gosh, can you imagine either of those playing Michael Corleone?

I sure can’t.

The studios want money over quality.

That being said, it's amazing how Burt Reynolds is largely forgotten today, considering how huge of a star he was back in the day. (He's tied with Bing Cosby for having the most years of being the number one box office draw).

The first full-page ad for a movie I'd ever seen was for the Godfather. I remember my uncle commenting on it. So heavy and novel marketing. The novel had been hugely successful. Then there was the combination of high-quality film-making with a tawdry subject, a crime family. The cinematography was fabulous. Pacino and Keaton were both good looking. Great score.