People who have already watched the 1972 crime thriller, The Godfather are curious to learn if it is based on a true story. Before getting into further discussion, let’s have a look at it.
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather has been taken from the novel of the same name, written by Mario Puzo. Most business families follow their traditional approach to pass on their responsibilities to the next generation. Similarly, Don Vito Corleone, the head of a mafia family, hands over his empire to one of his sons, Michael. Well, things aren’t as easy as it seems in the very beginning. Don’s decision about the handover makes his loved ones fall into dangerous trouble.
Because of its suspenseful and intriguing acts, The Godfather made it to several accolades. Some are the Golden Globe Awards, Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, National Board Of Review Awards, and many more.
Well, Yes! A bit, maybe. These are the real-life yobs and incidents that have inspired both the novel and the film, The Godfather. It has been badly influenced by these. If you want to know some of the real events behind this, you are exactly at the right place.
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True Stories Behind The Godfather
The leading character, Don Vito Corleone, was portrayed by the actor Marlon Brando. Talking about its influence, it got the same from the real-life mobsters Frank Costello and Joe Profaci. Don Vito used his strategies and diplomatic skills to influence other businessmen. Why? He wanted to keep his position strong and intact, as always. Also, he used to keep his illegal business circle pretty much intimate.
Have you not watched the disastrous shooting at the restaurant? That was one of the nastiest and most dangerous events that took place back in 1931. The real-life mobster, Lucky Luciano, illegally took the position and power from his boss, Masseria. He asked him out on lunch at an Italian restaurant in Coney Island.
The former took him to the men’s room and shot the gun not just once but more than 20 times, eventually causing his death. Michael did the same with Virgil and a corrupt cop. He murdered both of them with gunshots after a toilet break. Well, killing a police officer is at the top of the crime, and thus, he had to fly to Sicily.
Even Michael’s travel to Italy was inspired by the real-life mobster Vito Genovese. The latter did the same to get himself away from all the consequences of his criminal deeds. Similarly, Lucky Luciano did the same thing and fell in love with a woman there. Despite having a huge age gap between the two, they stayed together until their death.
The Godfather is not exactly based on a single true story. But, this crime thriller has highly been influenced by some of the real-life mobsters and some events on what they did. However, several works were done on those events so that people would fail to recognize them immediately.
In case you haven’t yet watched this mysterious thriller, you can still watch it. Where? If you are in Canada and United States, Vudu, iTunes, and Amazon are the right options.
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