The acting is superb with Brando taking the prize in his portrayal of Don Corleone, the Godfather. His raspy voice that suggested reason while disguising intrigue was one of the many keys to the effective tone of the movie. There were scenes of violence, to be sure. However, it was the quiet, calculated moves that created a greater sense of evil. It was the implication of quiet yet ruthless planning that made the horse’s head all the scarier. Sonny (played very well by James Cann) did not understand the subtleties of evil whereas Michael (played even better by Al Pacino) did.

The music was haunting, the costume were well-done, the cinematography was excellent, the writing outstanding but it was the directing that carries the movie. I’m not sure whatever happened to Francis Ford Coppola. I realize that he had other achievements, not the least of which was the sequel of “Godfather II”. However, this man displayed a talent seldom seen. Maybe it was just the right mind and vision for the right project but it sure seemed that we would be seeing a lot more from this man.

Everybody has at least one scene from “The Godfather” that has stayed with them more than others. For many it is the horse’s head, for others it’s “the offer he can’t refuse”, while for others it may be something as subtle as the slowly closing door at the end of the movie. Each of those images appeals to us on a different level. “The Godfather” has worked its’ way into our culture and why not? It is a movie that appeals to most every movie goer from age 14 on up. It is one of those movies that you can enjoy over and over again. Each time you can appreciate even more examples of the artist at work.

Cast

• Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone – the boss (the “Don”) of the Corleone family, Formerly known as Vito Andolini. He is the father of Sonny, Fredo, Michael and Connie and adoptive father to Tom Hagen. Husband of Carmella Corleone. A native Sicilian.
• Al Pacino as Michael Corleone – the Don’s and Carmella’s youngest son, recently returned from military service following the end of World War II. The only college-educated member of the family, he initially wants nothing to do with the Corleone family business. His evolution from doe-eyed outsider to ruthless boss is the key plotline of the film.
• James Caan as Santino “Sonny” Corleone – Vito’s and Carmella’s hot-headed eldest son; he is being groomed to succeed his father as head of the Corleone family. He is the family’s underboss.
• Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen – an informally adopted son of Vito and Carmella Corleone, he is also the family lawyer and the new consigliere (counselor). He is not Sicilian, but German-Irish.
• Diane Keaton as Kay Adams – Michael’s girlfriend and, ultimately, his wife and mother to his children.
• John Cazale as Fredo Corleone – the middle son of Vito and Carmella Corleone. Fredo is not very bright and appears to be the weakest of the Corleone brothers.
• Talia Shire as Constanzia “Connie” Corleone – Vito’s and Carmella’s youngest child and only daughter. She marries Carlo Rizzi.
• Richard S. Castellano as Peter “Pete” Clemenza – a caporegime for the Corleone family.
• Abe Vigoda as Salvatore “Sal” Tessio – a caporegime for the Corleone Family.
• Al Lettieri as Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo – a heroin dealer associated with the Tattaglia family.
• Gianni Russo as Carlo Rizzi – Connie’s husband. Becomes an associate of the Corleone family, and ultimately betrays Sonny to the Barzini family.
• Sterling Hayden as Captain Mark McCluskey – a corrupt police captain on Sollozzo’s payroll.
• Lenny Montana as Luca Brasi – an enforcer utilized by Vito Corleone.
• Richard Conte as Emilio Barzini– Don of the Barzini family.
• Al Martino as Johnny Fontane – a world-famous popular singer and godson of Vito.