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The Godfather

The Godfather

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.

Official Website
Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
The Godfather
Also Known As
Mario Puzo's The Godfather
Format
Movie
Release Year
1972
Current Status
Released
Country of Origin
United States
Creator
Mario Puzo (Novel), Francis Ford Coppola (Film)
Original Work
Movie
Genre
crime, drama, mafia, classic, masterpiece

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape The Godfather.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
The story spans ten years from 1945 to 1955 and chronicles the Corleone crime family under patriarch Vito Corleone, focusing on the transformation of his youngest son, Michael, from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Post-War America (1945-1955). A world of shadow societies, unwritten codes of honor, and the intersection of crime, politics, and business.


New York City, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Sicily
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
'Don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family.'
Power & Corruption: The cost of absolute power on the human soul.
The American Dream: The perverse distortion of the immigrant success story.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing The Godfather's global influence.
1969
Mario Puzo's novel is published
1972
The film is released, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time (at the time)
1974
The Godfather Part II is released, becoming the first sequel to win Best Picture
1990
The Godfather Part III concludes the saga

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from The Godfather.
Vito Corleone
“I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.”
The wise and powerful patriarch of the Corleone crime family.View Profile
Michael Corleone
“Don't ask me about my business, Kay.”
Vito's youngest son, a war hero who reluctantly becomes the new Don.View Profile
Sonny Corleone
“You touch my sister again, I'll kill ya.”
The eldest son, known for his fiery temper and fierce loyalty.View Profile
Tom Hagen
“Mr. Corleone never asks a second favor once he's refused the first.”
The family lawyer and adopted son, acting as the voice of reason.View Profile
Kay Adams
“Is it true? Michael?”
Michael's girlfriend and later wife, representing the outside world.View Profile
Fredo Corleone
Explore all The Godfather characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'an offer he can't refuse'?▼
It is the film's most famous line, implying a request made with the threat of death or violence if declined.
Who plays Vito Corleone?▼
Marlon Brando portrayed the Don, delivering an iconic performance that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Why did Michael Corleone join the mafia?▼
Initially wanting no part of it, Michael is drawn in to protect his father after an assassination attempt, eventually taking charge to save the family.
Is The Godfather based on a true story?▼
It is based on Mario Puzo's fictional novel, though it draws inspiration from real-life mobsters and the Five Families of New York.
What is the horse head scene?▼
A Hollywood producer refuses a request from the Corleones, only to wake up finding the severed head of his prize racehorse in his bed.
How many Godfather movies are there?▼
There is a trilogy: Part I (1972), Part II (1974), and Part III (1990, recently recut as 'The Death of Michael Corleone').
Who is Tom Hagen?▼
The Corleone family's 'Consigliere' (counselor) and adopted son, played by Robert Duvall.
What happened to Sonny Corleone?▼
The hot-headed eldest son was ambushed and brutally gunned down at a toll booth by rival families.
What does the orange signify?▼
Oranges are a visual motif in the trilogy, often appearing in scenes just before a character dies or a tragedy occurs.
Did Al Pacino win an Oscar for this movie?▼
He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but did not win; he boycotted the ceremony because he felt his role was a leading one.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Visit Official Site
Social Media
Facebook: @TheGodfather
Characters Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/the-godfather/characters
Works Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/the-godfather/works
Collectibles Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/the-godfather/collectibles
Experiences Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/the-godfather/experiences

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