The Godfather

Two people are standing outdoors near a vintage car, with one person wearing a bright red coat and hat while holding hands with another person in a dark vest and white shirt.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando).


When family patriarch Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son Michael, a WWII Marine veteran uninterested in joining the family business, reluctantly steps in to take care of the would-be killers, launching a campaign of bloody revenge. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.


Featuring unforgettable performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan and a memorable score by Nito Rota, The Godfather is an epic chronicle of a multigenerational mafia family and remains one of the most influential films of all time, celebrated for its deep character development, intricate narrative, and exploration of universal themes of family, loyalty, power, and legacy.


Our Cornell Cinema screening is presented in memory of the late great Diane Keaton, who sadly passed away in October at the age of 79. The Godfather Part II also screens on Saturday, February 28, at 8pm.


Part of our "Worth a Watch" and "Restorations & Rediscoveries" series. Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Swank Motion Pictures.

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