The Godfather turns 50

50 Years ago this sensational novel was turned into a film that made Hollywood history.

Did You Know:
Paramount producers disliked all of author Mario Puzo’s and director Francis Ford Coppola’s casting ideas.

Instead of Marlon Brando for "Vito Corleone", they looked at:
Orson Welles
Ernest Borgnine
Charles Bronson
Burt Lancaster

Instead of Al Pacino as "Michael Corleone", they wanted:
Dustin Hoffman
Robert Redford
Ryan O'Neal
Warren Beatty
Jack Nicholson
Martin Sheen
Frank Langella

Instead of Diane Keaton for "Kay Adams", they tried out:
Blythe Danne
 Michelle Phillips
Karen Black
Tuesday Weld

After $400,000 spent on screen tests, Paramount ended up going with Coppola’s & Puzo’s original choices ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(Info from Leave the Gun, Take The Cannoli by Mark Seal)