(1972)

Submitted by Curt aka The Grand Poopbah

POOPER:
Michael (Al Pacino) becomes the new Don. While he is at the church becoming Godfather to the baby, his men are eliminating all possible competition, making him Godfather of the “Family.”


LONG VERSION: (Submitted by Dan)
The movie follows the Corleone family, a powerful New York City Mafia clan, led by the aging Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). The film opens at the wedding of Vito’s daughter, Connie (Talia Shire), where numerous favors are requested, including one from singer Johnny Fontane (Al Martino) to secure a movie role. The plot thickens when a rival drug dealer, Virgil Sollozzo, seeks Vito’s protection to start drug trafficking in New York. When Vito declines, an assassination attempt leaves him gravely wounded, leading his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), who initially wants no part in the family business, to step up. Michael orchestrates the killing of Sollozzo and a corrupt police captain, forcing him into exile in Sicily. Upon his return, after his brother Sonny (James Caan) is killed, Michael takes over the family business as his father retires. He then sets out to legitimize the family’s operations while simultaneously eliminating rivals, culminating in a series of assassinations on the day of his nephew’s baptism.

The film concludes with Michael fully embracing his role as the head of the Corleone family. After his father’s death, Michael orders the murder of the heads of the other New York families, his brother-in-law Carlo (Gianni Russo) for his part in Sonny’s death, and the treacherous family member Moe Greene (Alex Rocco). In the closing scene, Michael’s wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), confronts him about Carlo’s murder, which he denies. However, as she watches, Michael is addressed as “Don Corleone” and the door is shut in her face, symbolizing her exclusion from his life of crime.

Academy Awards Won:
Best Picture
Best Actor (Marlon Brando)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola)
Academy Awards Nominated For:
Best Director (Francis Ford Coppola)
Best Supporting Actor (James Caan, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino)
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Original Dramatic Score (Nino Rota)
Best Sound