Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather

By: Mark Seal

Narrated by: Phil Thron

Length: 15 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

This “wickedly pacey page-turner” (Total Film) unfurls the behind-the-scenes story of the making of The Godfather, 50 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).

©2021 Mark Seal. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Great telling of a great story

If you’re into behind the scenes doc-books, you can’t do much better than this. Incredible detail told I’m a whistful, thorough way. I couldn’t put it down. Great fun to read after just reading The Godfather as well!

The ONE book for every Godfather fan

Well researched, well told story of the making of the Godfather. I learned so much about the history of the film, Mario Puzo’s life as a writer, his inspirations, the casting process, the actors, the role of the Mafia, the conflict between Coppola and the studio, etc. It seems so improbable that the film was ever made. What a truly fantastic dive into the backstory of this legendary movie. Enjoy!

Brilliant

Nothing else to say. If you love The Godfather (or the insanity of filmmaking) this is the book for you.

Amazing audiobook

Whether you're a Godfather fan or just enjoy nonfiction, this is a work you won't want to stop listening to. Fascinating and compelling, and read by a great narrator that lets the story be the star. Excellent!

Riveting Multi-faceted Story

There have been so many books written by and about the principal creators of this amazing movie. Why do we need yet another? This book assembles all those viewpoints into one coherent whole — from the very inception in Mario Puzo’s head to the critical and popular acclaim it will continue to receive for a long time.

Some reviews have critiqued the male narrator’s way of generating female voices. True, it’s a little mincing. But as a woman, I didn’t mind because it didn’t interfere with the meaning and the narrator conveyed the ideas and actions of the book very well overall.

Incredible!!!

Having been only the second generation of an Italian family born in the United States on the West Coast, this story is so true and authentic. I loved every bit of it and brought me back to my childhood. Absolutely loved, loved, love every word.

Excellent!

I nearly returned this book during the first two chapters. Had a difficult time engaging with the contents as it was not as expected,

However, by chapter 3, I was hooked. The book is well narrated, and very detailed. Every fan of the movie should listen to fully appreciate the challenges, as well as strategies and politics employed to create the Godfather movie.

Amazing

This is so very well done. Great story and narration. Outstanding job by these folks.

WOW!

One of the best books that I’ve listened to on audible. If you ever really wanted to know everything you wanted to know about the Godfather you must listen to this book.

A Rollercoaster Ride

We never know what the rest of the story is. This book covers every aspect. From the author's life in New Jersey to the power plays in Hollywood.
I remember seeing The Godfather in my youth.
I'm thinking it's time to see it again. I'll be looking at the scenes described in the book.
Don't forger the canolli. I won't.
Excellent book.