Synopsis: The behind-the-scenes story of the effort to help visionary director Francis Ford Coppola bring Mario Puzo’s landmark New York City epic The Godfather to life, as the producer battles everything from skeptical studio bosses to actual mobsters. (Courtesy Paramount+, 2023)
The Cast:
Miles Teller as Albert S. Ruddy
Matthew Goode as Robert Evans
Juno Temple as Bettye McCartt
Dan Fogler as Francis Ford Coppola
Patrick Gallo as Mario Puzo
Burn Gorman as Charles Bluhdorn
Colin Hanks as Barry Lapidus
Giovanni Ribisi as Joe Colombo
Justin Chambers as Marlon Brando
Anthony Ippolito as Al Pacino
Meredith Garretson as Ali MacGraw
Frank John Hughes as Frank Sinatra
Anthony Skordi as Carlo Gambino
Josh Zuckerman as Peter Bart
Production Credits:
The Episodes:
Season One Episode Guide (Paramount+)
1-01 A Seat At The Table--04/28/2023
After ditching his job at the Rand Corporation for a shot in Hollywood, Al Ruddy wins the job to produce Mario Puzo's bestselling novel, "The Godfather" for Paramount Pictures. Joe Colombo, a rising crime boss in the New York City Mafia, has a darker fate in mind for the picture.
Written by: Michael Tolkin
Directed by: Dexter Fletcher
1-02 Warning Shots--04/28/2023
With Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo penning the script, Al Ruddy and Bettye McCartt confront an ever-growing list of opposition to "The Godfather" including Frank Sinatra, LA Gangster Mickey Cohen, and the Colombo led Italian-American Civil Rights League. Meanwhile, Robert Evans and Gulf & Western's Barry Lapidus lock horns over the creative direction of Paramount.
Story by: Michael Tolkin & Leslie Greif
Teleplay by: Nikki Toscano, Michael Tolkin, Leslie Greif and Kevin J. Hynes
Directed by: Dexter Fletcher
1-03 Fade In--04/28/2023
Pressure mounts for the scripts' delivery after Ruddy is forced to sit down with Joe Colombo and Evans finds himself navigating hot waters with Gulf & Western's CEO Charlie Bluhdorn. Meanwhile, Bluhdorn takes an interest in Bettye.
Written by: Mona Mira, Michael Tolkin, Leslie Greif and Russell Rothberg.
Directed by: Adam Arkin
1-04 The Right Shade Of Yellow--05/05/2023
With Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in contention for leading roles in "The Godfather," Ruddy is caught in the line of fire between Evans and Coppola and must pick a side. After gaining Joe Colombo's support, Ruddy gets an uncomfortable glimpse of his new friend's loyalty. The rising stakes surrounding "The Godfather" continues to strain Ruddy's relationship with Francoise.
Story by: Michael Tolkin, Leslie Greif
Teleplay by: Nikki Toscano, Michael Tolkin, Leslie Greif
Directed by: Adam Arkin
1-05 Kiss The Ring--05/12/2023
Ruddy and Bettye combat logistical nightmares with principal photography quickly approaching. As the Mob continues to ingrain itself in the making of the film, tensions rise between Colombo and notorious hot head Crazy Joe Gallo.
Story by: Michael Tolkin, Leslie Greif
Teleplay by: Michael Tolkin
Directed by: Collin Bucksey
1-06 A Stand Up Guy--05/19/2023
Ruddy deals with the fallout from the disastrous press conference while Evans creates a plan to save Paramount. Bettye takes action as the first day of filming is compromised due to collisions with Gulf & Western, Paramount, and the Mafia.
Written by: Nikki Toscano
Directed by: Collin Bucksey
1-07 Mr. Producer--05/26/2023
Dissatisfied with the footage, Barry Lapidus orchestrates a potential coup as Ruddy initiates a bold plan to save both Coppola and Pacino's jobs. Crime boss Carlo Gambino questions Colombo's leadership as he holds another large Italian-American Civil Rights League rally.
Written by: Kevin J. Hynes
Directed by: Gwyneth Horder-Payton
1-08 Crossing That Line--06/02/2023
In the bloody aftermath of the Italian-American Civil Rights League rally, Gallo threatens “The Godfather’s” production budget as Ruddy struggles to protect the funding for Sicily. Evans continues to spiral after the breakup of his marriage with Ali MacGraw, allowing Barry Lapidus to capitalize.
Written by: Russell Rothberg
Directed by: Gwyneth Horder-Payton
1-09 It’s Who We Are--06/09/2023
As the production contends with the challenges of filming in Sicily, Ruddy leaves early to help get Evans back on track. Post-production disputes with Lapidus threaten Coppola’s vision for the edit and Bettye starts to think about her next move.
Written by: Nikki Toscano and Mona Mira
Directed by: Gwyneth Horder-Payton
1-10: Brains And Balls--06/16/2023
"The Godfather" is released to rave reviews and box office records. Drama unfolds at the 45th Academy Awards. Al Ruddy looks to the future and his next project.
Written by: Nikki Toscano, Michael Tolkin and Russell Rothberg
Directed by: Adam Arkin
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