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  • Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

  • The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather
  • By: Mark Seal
  • Narrated by: Phil Thron
  • Length: 15 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

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Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli cover art

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

By: Mark Seal
Narrated by: Phil Thron
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Publisher's Summary

This “wickedly pacey page-turner” (Total Film) unfurls the behind-the-scenes story of the making of The Godfather, 50 years after the classic film’s original release.

The story of how The Godfather was made is as dramatic, operatic, and entertaining as the film itself. Over the years, many versions of various aspects of the movie’s fiery creation have been told - sometimes conflicting, but always compelling. Mark Seal sifts through the evidence, has extensive new conversations with director Francis Ford Coppola and several heretofore silent sources, and complements them with colorful interviews with key players including actors Al Pacino, James Caan, Talia Shire, and others to write “the definitive look at the making of an American classic” (Library Journal, starred review).

On top of the usual complications of filmmaking, the creators of The Godfather had to contend with the real-life members of its subject matter: the Mob. During production of the movie, location permits were inexplicably revoked, author Mario Puzo got into a public brawl with an irate Frank Sinatra, producer Al Ruddy’s car was found riddled with bullets, men with “connections” vied to be in the cast, and some were given film roles.

As Seal notes, this is the tale of a “movie that revolutionized filmmaking, saved Paramount Pictures, minted a new generation of movie stars, made its struggling author Mario Puzo rich and famous, and sparked a war between two of the mightiest powers in America: the sharks of Hollywood and the highest echelons of the Mob.”

“For fans of books about moviemaking, this is a definite must-read” (Booklist).

©2021 Mark Seal. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

What listeners say about Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Epic!

Truly rivetting stuff. If you're interested in the film or film making generally or even just enjoy a historic drama, this will keep you listening. It doesn't hurt that the narrator does accurate voice work for the main players.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A digital page turner

Almost as epic as the movie and characters it covers.
From Puzo to Coppola to Brando to Evans… fabulous.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining audio book.

Excellent flow and once you get a roll on with the book you just can't stop listening. Amazing structure and story content i really enjoyed this. Suitable companion for anyone who enjoyed the film or is interested in a key aspect of film history.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Referencing Gianni Russo??

Great Book, until the author references Louis (yes, that's his real name, Russo!!! Anyone who believes a single syllable utter from his mouth really needs to rethink their decisions in life. The amount of rubbish that he spews out should be recognised by the Guinness Brothers.
This should have been epic; however, due to reliance on this button, it becomes mediocre at best. 3 out of 5!!!

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