Cast and Crew: Francis Ford Coppola (Director); Mario Puzo (Novel and Screenplay); Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, Al Lettieri, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda, Alex Rocco

What It’s About: Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the beloved, just, judicious head of a Mafia crime family.  He believes that his children’s future are secure; that Sonny (James Caan) will lead, adopted son Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) will counsel, Fredo (John Cazale) will be taken care of, youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) will be successful outside of the family “business” and daughter Connie (Talia Shire) will be happily married to Carlo Rizzi (Gianni Russo).  Corleone is completely, and tragically wrong. 

Why Watch it Today?: Star Marlon Brando was born today in 1924.  Don Corleone was one of Brando’s best, and most memorable roles, and one that returned him to mainstream Hollywood success.  The Godfather is also one of the best and most influential crime movies, bringing a heretofore unseen scope and drama to the genre, re-imagining it as grand tragedy.

Where to Get It:  Public libraries, iTunes, Netflix (Rental only) or Amazon