The Godfather
1972 film by Francis Ford Coppola · Released March 15, 1972
The Godfather is a 1972 American epic gangster film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte and Diane Keaton. It is the first installment in The Godfather trilogy, which chronicles the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando) and the transformation of his youngest son, Michael Corleone (Pacino), from reluctant family outsider to ruthless Mafia boss. Paramount Pictures obtained the rights to the novel for $80,000, before it gained popularity.
Cast ages at release (March 15, 1972)
- Marlon Brando, as Vito Corleone: 47
- Al Pacino, as Michael Corleone: 31
- James Caan, as Sonny Corleone: 31
- Richard S. Castellano, as Peter Clemenza: 38
- Robert Duvall, as Tom Hagen: 41
- Sterling Hayden, as Captain McCluskey: 55
- John Cazale, as Fredo Corleone: 36
- Diane Keaton, as Kay Adams Corleone: 26
- Talia Shire, as Connie Corleone: 25
- Abe Vigoda, as Salvatore Tessio: 51
- Al Lettieri, as Virgil Sollozzo: 44
- Gianni Russo, as Carlo Rizzi: 28
- Corrado Gaipa, as Don Tommasino: 47
- Al Martino, as Johnny Fontane: 44
- John Marley, as Jack Woltz: 64
- Johnny Martino, as Paulie Gatto: 34
- Lenny Montana, as Luca Brasi: 46
- Richard Conte, as Emilio Barzini: 61
- Alex Rocco, as Moe Greene: 36
- Julie Gregg, as Sandra Corleone: 35
- Simonetta Stefanelli, as Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone: 17
- Saro Urzì, as Signor Vitelli: 59
- Angelo Infanti, as Fabrizio: 33
- Franco Citti, as Calò: 36
- Joe Spinell, as Willi Cicci: 35
- Morgana King, as Carmela Corleone: 41
- Richard Bright, as Al Neri: 34
- Rudy Bond, as Carmine Cuneo: 59
- Vito Scotti, as Nazorine: 54
- Carmine Coppola, as Piano Player: 61