An organized crime dynasty's aging patriarch transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.

Writers:

Mario Puzo (screenplay by), Francis Ford Coppola (screenplay by) | 1 more credit »
Popularity
60 ( 5)
Top Rated Movies #2 | Won 3 Oscars. Another 26 wins & 30 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marlon Brando ... Don Vito Corleone
Al Pacino ... Michael Corleone
James Caan ... Sonny Corleone
Richard S. Castellano ... Clemenza (as Richard Castellano)
Robert Duvall ... Tom Hagen
Sterling Hayden ... Capt. McCluskey
John Marley ... Jack Woltz
Richard Conte ... Barzini
Al Lettieri ... Sollozzo
Diane Keaton ... Kay Adams
Abe Vigoda ... Tessio
Talia Shire ... Connie
Gianni Russo ... Carlo
John Cazale ... Fredo
Rudy Bond ... Cuneo
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Storyline

The Godfather "Don" Vito Corleone is the head of the Corleone mafia family in New York. He is at the event of his daughter's wedding. Michael, Vito's youngest son and a decorated WW II Marine is also present at the wedding. Michael seems to be uninterested in being a part of the family business. Vito is a powerful man, and is kind to all those who give him respect but is ruthless against those who do not. But when a powerful and treacherous rival wants to sell drugs and needs the Don's influence for the same, Vito refuses to do it. What follows is a clash between Vito's fading old values and the new ways which may cause Michael to do the thing he was most reluctant in doing and wage a mob war against all the other mafia families which could tear the Corleone family apart. Written by srijanarora-152-448595

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

An offer you can't refuse.

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Certificate:

18A | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Don's wife, Carmela "Mama" Corleone, is seen singing at the wedding. Morgana King, who played Carmela, was a gifted jazz singer, and portraying Carmela was actually her film debut, as well as her acting debut. See more »

Goofs

The typefaces shown in the headlines of the various New York City newspapers depicted are almost all incorrect for the newspapers shown. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Bonasera: I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom but I taught her never to dishonor her family. She found a "boy friend," not an Italian. She went to the movies with him. She stayed out late. I didn't protest. Two months ago he took her for a drive, with another boy friend. They made her drink whiskey and then they tried to take advantage of her. She resisted. She kept her honor. So they beat her. Like an animal...
[...]
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Crazy Credits

The 1968 Paramount logo doesn't appear on screen until the end. See more »

Alternate Versions

The new Coppola restoration features the new Paramount logo, tinted in the iconic Godfather golden hue. See more »


Soundtracks

Solid Potato Salad
(uncredited)
Written by Don Raye and Gene de Paul
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User Reviews

 
A Masterpiece
6 August 2006 | by The-Other-MonkeySee all my reviews

This must rank as the best film (along with part 2)of all time.An ensemble performance that has no weak spot.

Particularly, John Cazale ( Fredo) and Richard Castellano ( Clemenza) give wonderfully understated performances. You just have to believe that Castellano WAS Clemenza, he brings a real touch to his role.

John Cazale brings the troubled Fredo to life, and you can see the weak Fredo desperately trying to live up to the family reputation but knowing that he can never be what his father wants.

The story of one man's reluctance to be drawn into the murky family business,and his gradual change through circumstance, paints a vivid picture of this violent period of US history.

Do not miss this film!


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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook | Official site | See more »

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Italian | Latin

Release Date:

24 March 1972 (Canada) See more »

Also Known As:

Le parrain See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$302,393, 19 March 1972

Gross USA:

$134,966,411

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$246,120,986
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Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

DTS (re-release)| Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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