The Godfather (1972) — Francis Ford Coppola's Legendary Crime Drama
An unforgettable masterpiece of American cinema, The Godfather follows the powerful Corleone crime family through a turbulent period of succession, betrayal and violence. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and adapted from Mario Puzo's bestselling novel, this Academy Award-winning epic explores family loyalty, ambition and the moral cost of power.
Detailed Story Synopsis
In postwar New York, Don Vito Corleone commands respect and fear as the patriarch of a powerful Italian-American organized-crime family. At his daughter Connie's wedding, friends and associates seek favors from the Don while his youngest son, Michael, a decorated war veteran, tries to keep his distance from the family's criminal world.
When a rival faction pushes Vito to enter the narcotics business, his refusal ignites a brutal conflict among New York's crime families. As violence threatens the Corleones, Michael is drawn into the struggle despite his earlier desire for an ordinary life. With his brothers Sonny and Fredo, adopted brother and adviser Tom Hagen, and the family's loyal associates all facing mounting pressure, Michael must make choices that transform him forever.
Combining intimate family drama with gripping suspense, The Godfather charts the transfer of power from one generation to the next and introduces one of cinema's most complex protagonists.
Cast & Characters
- Marlon Brando — Don Vito Corleone
- Al Pacino — Michael Corleone
- James Caan — Santino “Sonny” Corleone
- Robert Duvall — Tom Hagen
- Diane Keaton — Kay Adams
- John Cazale — Fredo Corleone
- Talia Shire — Connie Corleone
- Richard S. Castellano — Peter Clemenza
- Abe Vigoda — Salvatore Tessio
- Gianni Russo — Carlo Rizzi
- Sterling Hayden — Captain McCluskey
- Al Lettieri — Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo
- Richard Conte — Don Emilio Barzini
- Lenny Montana — Luca Brasi
- John Marley — Jack Woltz
- Morgana King — Carmela Corleone
- Simonetta Stefanelli — Apollonia Vitelli
- Alex Rocco — Moe Greene
Film Information
Release Year: 1972
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Screenplay: Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Crime / Drama
Rating: R
Runtime: Approximately 175 minutes
Original Language: English, with Italian and Sicilian dialogue
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay
Collection Details
Format: DVD Collection
Condition: Used
This listing is a Godfather DVD collection, not a standalone Special Edition. In addition to The Godfather (1972), the saga continues with The Godfather Part II (1974), which contrasts Michael Corleone's tightening grip on power with young Vito Corleone's rise in New York, and The Godfather Part III (1990), in which an aging Michael seeks legitimacy and redemption while a new generation confronts the family's criminal legacy. Verify the exact included films and disc count against the collection packaging.