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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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About this listen

 NATIONAL BESTSELLER

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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If you like the Godfather ..you’ll love this insight into the making of perhaps one of the best films ever made 👌🏼

Bada-bing

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Just loved every second of this fascinating, meticulously researched account of a perfect film. BADA-BOOM!

A Book You Shouldn't Refuse

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For anyone like me who places the Godfather (and no doubt GF2) at the very top of their all time best films lists, this is a fascinating journey into how the film came about (and almost didn’t). Learn how everyone played their part - the writer, director, producers, film studio, the actors and even the mob. Perfectly narrated. Enlightening and enjoyable.

The story behind the greatest of films

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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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