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Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather

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Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

By: Mark Seal
Narrated by: Phil Thron
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This “wickedly pacey page-turner” (Total Film) unfurls the behind-the-scenes story of the making of The Godfather, fifty years after the classic film’s original release.

The story of how The Godfather was made is as dramatic, operatic, and entertaining as the film itself. Over the years, many versions of various aspects of the movie’s fiery creation have been told—sometimes conflicting, but always compelling. Mark Seal sifts through the evidence, has extensive new conversations with director Francis Ford Coppola and several heretofore silent sources, and complements them with colorful interviews with key players including actors Al Pacino, James Caan, Talia Shire, and others to write “the definitive look at the making of an American classic” (Library Journal, starred review).

On top of the usual complications of filmmaking, the creators of The Godfather had to contend with the real-life members of its subject matter: the Mob. During production of the movie, location permits were inexplicably revoked, author Mario Puzo got into a public brawl with an irate Frank Sinatra, producer Al Ruddy’s car was found riddled with bullets, men with “connections” vied to be in the cast, and some were given film roles.

As Seal notes, this is the tale of a “movie that revolutionized filmmaking, saved Paramount Pictures, minted a new generation of movie stars, made its struggling author Mario Puzo rich and famous, and sparked a war between two of the mightiest powers in America: the sharks of Hollywood and the highest echelons of the Mob.”

“For fans of books about moviemaking, this is a definite must-read” (Booklist).
Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV History & Criticism Celebrity Entertainment Mafia
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I listened ro this right after having watched the Paramount series “The Offer”. As always, the book is even better. Anyone who loves “The Godfather” and the world of classic movies would love it, I believe.

Simply stunning

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A blow by blow account of the making of GF1.
Was it going to be a turkey? Was it going to be one of the best movies ever made? Was Coppola going to wind up insane?
The scale of the GF1 project was overwhelming from the start, it was never going to be an easy shoot. But add the in-fighting, the over-runs, the studio negativity etc, and it becomes an almost impossible feat.
But they pulled it off big-time, against all odds. And this book documents this journey in great detail.
I found this book exciting and fascinating from start to finish, a story well told and well researched, really good narration.
2/3rds through this book I was inspired to watch the movie again, probably for the 6th ot 7th time.
It came up fresh, definitely enhanced by this book.
Watch the Coppola restoration version if you are inspired to watch it. So beautiful.
A brilliant movie, one brilliant book.

Perfect.

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A fascinating insight into the world of filmmaking a truly mesmerising look at the many behind closed doors deals, concessions plots and subplots and that's just behind the scenes that went on to deliver such a great cinematic masterpiece as The godfather.

this audiobook makes you a offer you can't refuse!!

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A very worthy book about the greatest film ever made.
Great performance and the book is so well researched.

Very well researched

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What an epic story, even more so than the Godfather trilogy itself! A must for any film fan.

The Narrator was excellent, fun, engaging.

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