Tribeca Talks: THE GODFATHER and GODFATHER II

It is no secret that The Godfather Trilogy is one of my all-time favorite movies. Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert De Niro were among my first movie-star crushes. I learned about abortion and domestic violence from Diane Keaton and Talia Shire. Of all the things I learned and was entertained by with The Godfather is that this film was exactly what director Francis Ford Coppola describes it “the biggest home movie of all time”.

To close out the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, founder Robert De Niro hosted a panel of the legendary film’s cast moderated by director Taylor Hackford. Of course, those obviously not present are no longer with us – Marlon Brando and John Cazale.

Here are some facts you’d be interested to know that I never knew before:

-The horse head in the bed with the Hollywood producer was not a prop, but a REAL horse head that had been kept on ice for a few days. In Mario Puzo’s book, the horse is discovered after the producer get out of bed. In the film, the horse is actually at the foot of the bed under the sheets. I know, right??!!

-Al Pacino was NOT the first choice for Michael Corleone. Paramount Pictures wanted Ryan O’Neal or Robert Redford. However, Coppola had always invisioned Pacino and ultimately got his way.

-Pacino wanted to audition for Sonny and James Caan wanted to audition for Michael.

-Sophia Coppola is the little baby in the christening during the massacre scene in The Godfather and 19 years later stars as Michael Corleone’s daughter in The Godfather Part III.

-Brando was a big practical joker and flashed the crew on set.

-Talia Shire is Francis Ford Coppola’ sister and gave him the idea for the abortion scene for The Godfather II

-Robert De Niro booked the part of Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II based on his audition for Sonny in The Godfather

-The Godfather is the only film to win Best Actor for the same role – Vito Corleone (Played by Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro)

-Coppola’s Dad Carmine composed the film and won an Oscar

-Both Coppola and Pacino feared getting fired and Pacino actually was for a minute. Could you imagine this film without him????