Oscar-winning producer Al Ruddy’s never before revealed experiences of making the iconic 1972 film The Godfather that Francis Ford Coppola directed and adapted with Mario Puzo.
The peaks and the valleys. Find the essential episodes — and the ones to skip.
As the production contends with the challenges of filming in Sicily, Ruddy leaves early to help get Evans back on track. Post-production disputes with Lapidus threaten Coppola’s vision for the edit and Bettye starts to think about her next move.
Dissatisfied with the footage, Barry Lapidus orchestrates a potential coup as Ruddy initiates a bold plan to save both Coppola's and Pacino’s jobs. Crime boss Carlo Gambino questions Colombo’s leadership as he holds another large Italian-American Civil Rights League rally.
“The Godfather” is released to rave reviews and box office records. Drama unfolds at the 45th Academy Awards.
With Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo penning the script, Al Ruddy and Bettye McCartt confront an ever-growing list of opposition to “The Godfather” including Frank Sinatra, LA Gangster Mickey Cohen, and the Colombo led Italian-American Civil Rights League. Meanwhile, Robert Evans and Gulf & Western’s Barry Lapidus lock horns over the creative direction of Paramount Pictures.
Each point is an episode, plotted in order. Colored bands mark season boundaries. Look for the rise, the plateau, or the decline.
High votes + high rating = beloved classic. High votes + low rating = notorious stinker. Low votes + high rating = hidden gem.
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