The Godfather | how Mario Puzo made up the mafia

Illiterate

The Offer is out, about the making of the Godfather film. But how did Mario Puzo craft the original story? Was the mob actually involved? And what forgotten book was his true inspiration? Let’s find out!

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Extras:

• trailer, The Offer (TV show 2022)
• book, Mario Puzo’s autobiography (1972)
• poster art, The Brotherhood (1968)
• article, Frank Sinatra and the mob
• article, Peter Bart’s account of the production
• article, the only NYT reporter on the film set (1971)
• book, The Fortunate Pilgrim (1965)

Other similar episodes to check out…The Irishman, Motherless Brooklyn, Nightmare Alley, Pachinko, Candyman, Shaft, Steven Spielberg, Bad Education, Mindhunter