« The Godfather » was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia!

« The Godfather » was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia! An article in the newspaper « Le Monde » tells the perilous undertaking that was the production of Francis Ford Coppola’s film « The Godfather. » From the beginning of filming,...

« The Godfather » was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia!

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« The Godfather » was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia! An article in the newspaper « Le Monde » tells the perilous undertaking that was the production of Francis Ford Coppola’s film « The Godfather. » From the beginning of filming, the New York Mafia took a keen interest in the production, with one of the major crime families even getting involved in the shooting.

The Godfather: A high-pressure production!

The film « The Godfather » is based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel. The tabloid journalist unveils a book about the New York Mafia, but unlike other books on the same subject, it portrays the family life of the major crime families. It also highlights a code of honor that will ultimately disappear over time. « The Godfather » film was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia.

Albert S. Rudy is the young producer overseeing the filming of what would become a groundbreaking film in American cinema. After a few days of shooting, the FBI contacts him to let him know that he is being followed by individuals. The message is clear: the local mafia wants no film.

Incidents multiply. While scouting for filming locations, most of the residents in Little Italy, New York, refuse to cooperate with the crew, who also face strikes from technicians and the production team. The powerful League of Defense of Italo-American Civil Rights’ business cards are plastered on every shop. The locals imply to the producer that they do not want an « anti-Italian-American » film. That’s why « The Godfather » was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia.

Joseph Colombo Sr.

The meeting with the Godfather of the New York Mafia!

At that time, five families shared the crime pie in New York, engaging in activities such as prostitution, gambling, labor unions, and construction companies. Their influence extended all the way to Florida. Joseph Colombo Sr was one of the most powerful dons. Instead of hiding in a hole, he founded the League of Defense of Italo-American Civil Rights. He believed that the government’s relentless fight against the Italian Mafia was actually an attempt to suppress the emancipation of the Italian community. He was open about it and well-known. The film crew would meet him. « The Godfather » film was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia.

Joseph Colombo Sr was initially hesitant about any form of arrangement. However, after reading the film’s script, he took a step forward. He requested that any references to « Mafia » and « Cosa Nostra » be removed from the film’s script. The producers complied. He also requested to manage some supporting roles in the film’s cast. In reality, the wedding scene at the beginning of the first installment of the trilogy was filmed with the League of Defense of Italo-American Civil Rights. They were the extras in the film. Colombo Sr became one of the film’s producers.

Then, other New York families became interested in the project, and the production became entangled in a genuine Mafia imbroglio. The complete story is available on Le Monde‘s website.

L’article « The Godfather » was made in collaboration with the New York Mafia! @ Rapmattaz.