☆★☆★☆★☆★
Ebert’s original reservations about Brando and later four-star reassessment are discussed without inventing an unspoken contemporary score.
In the discussion (2)
- The hosts report that Ebert’s original review criticized aspects of Brando’s performance.
- They report that Ebert later revised his view and awarded four stars.
Lancaster, Brando, Scott, Beatty, Nicholson, O’Neal, Redford, Hoffman, Sheen, Caan, De Niro, and Stallone figure in casting history.
In the discussion (14)
- Burt Lancaster and Laurence Olivier were considered for Vito Corleone.
- Marlon Brando’s contested casting and screen test are recounted.
- George C. Scott is discussed as a possible Vito.
- Mia Farrow auditioned for Kay.
- Warren Beatty was considered for Michael and around directing.
- Jack Nicholson was considered for Michael.
- Ryan O’Neal was Robert Evans’s preferred Michael.
- Robert Redford was considered for Michael.
- Dustin Hoffman auditioned.
- Martin Sheen auditioned.
- James Caan tested for Michael and Tom before moving to Sonny.
- Carmine Caridi was originally slated for Sonny.
- Robert De Niro left the Paulie role for The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight.
- Sylvester Stallone unsuccessfully auditioned for Paulie and Carlo.
The research section covers Sofia Coppola, Sinatra, Pacino, Caan, Brando, cars, deleted deaths, salaries, and real figures.
In the discussion (10)
- Sofia Coppola played the baby in the christening.
- The Sinatra–Puzo confrontation story is recounted.
- Pacino really had his jaw wired during part of the shoot.
- A cast mooning tradition and Moon Champion belt are recounted.
- James Caan confronted Robert Evans after seeing his cut-down role at the premiere.
- Brando’s slap of Al Martino was reportedly improvised.
- Apollonia’s car is identified as a 1946 Alfa Romeo.
- Fabrizio’s death was cut from the first film, then filmed and cut again for Part II.
- Moe Greene is linked to Bugsy Siegel.
- Pacino, Caan, Keaton, and Duvall’s salaries are compared.
Michael’s movements, Vito’s security, Kay, McCluskey, the restaurant gun, Sicily, Carlo, and informants generate separate nitpicks.
In the discussion (8)
- Michael’s job and day-to-day movements after returning from the war are questioned.
- Vito’s security when he is shot is questioned.
- Kay’s quick return to Michael is questioned again.
- McCluskey eating during the tense dinner is questioned.
- The car frisk and bathroom-gun plan are questioned.
- Michael hiding in Sicily while holding a public wedding is questioned.
- The delay before Carlo is killed is questioned.
- The family’s informant coverage is questioned.
Locations, tollbooth logistics, Carlo, Tessio, and the ranking of the Godfather films drive the questions.
In the discussion (5)
- Where exactly are the Corleone compound, Kay’s home, and the travel routes?
- How was Sonny’s tollbooth assassination planned and controlled?
- What did Carlo expect to gain by betraying the family?
- Why did Tessio rather than Clemenza arrange the betrayal?
- Which of the first two Godfather films is greater?
Roger Ebert's review