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)

Approx. transcript time · 01:08:24Read transcript

The research section covers Sofia Coppola, Sinatra, Pacino, Caan, Brando, cars, deleted deaths, salaries, and real figures.

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 01:24:14Read transcript

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)

Approx. transcript time · 01:34:45Read transcript

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)

Approx. transcript time · 01:48:28Read transcript