The Annotated Godfather: The Complete Screenplay with Commentary on Every Scene, Interviews, and Little-Known Facts [Paperback]

Jenny M. Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2009

For the millions of Godfather–obsessed—the first fully authorized, annotated, and lavishly illustrated edition of the complete screenplay, now available in paperback.

The ever-popular Godfather is widely considered to be the greatest movie ever made—is there anybody unable to quote at least one line?—and now for the first time, the highly praised annotated version of the complete screenplay is available in paperback. Every scene, practically every shot, is highlighted with fascinating facts about technical aspects, set design, and shooting locations; insider stories from the set, including arguments, accidents, and practical jokes; profiles of the actors and how they were cast; goofs and gaffes; plus interviews with studio execs, cast and crew, director Francis Ford Coppola, and much more.

Compiled by Jenny M. Jones, The Annotated Godfather is fully authorized by Paramount Pictures and includes more than 250 full-color photographs. This illustrated insider's look is a must-have companion to arguably the best movie of all time.

"It's like seeing the movie all over again, but with Francis Ford Coppola sitting next to you on the couch." —Daniel Okrant, Fortune magazine

"Jones offers a streamlined version of the backstory, highlighting the difficulties that swirled around the production. The beauty of The Annotated Godfather is that it puts all this in context…. It's a delicate dance, but she pulls it off, allowing us to see it fresh after all these years." —David Ulin, The Los Angeles Times

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A streamlined version of the back story, highlighting the difficulties that swirled around the production...The beauty of "The Annotated Godfather" is that it puts all this in context, while making sure we never lose sight of the most important element: the film... Jones takes us inside the process to see the odd mix of serendipity and inspiration that resides at the center of any great work of art." -- David Ulin "Los Angeles Times"

About the Author

Jenny M. Jones has worked at the Northwest Film Center in Portland, Oregon, and the Oak Street Cinema in Minneapolis. She currently works in the Film/Video Department of the Walker Art Center. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and daughter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers; Reprint edition (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579128114
• ISBN-13: 978-1579128111
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Godfather fans, December 3, 2009

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Ms. G - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Annotated Godfather: The Complete Screenplay with Commentary on Every Scene, Interviews, and Little-Known Facts (Paperback)

This book is perfect for Godfather fans - you can recite every line and read about all the inside info - a must for a fan.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book, November 1, 2009

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David Pruette "Rancors Love to Read" (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Annotated Godfather: The Complete Screenplay with Commentary on Every Scene, Interviews, and Little-Known Facts (Paperback)

The Annotated Godfather by Jenny M. Jones is a great book for movie buffs and particularly for fans of The Godfather. The book gives the complete screenplay with commentary on the scenes, interviews, and little-known facts. All of it is extremely interesting and, unless you are already a serious student of the film, you will learn many things that you did not know before. The book is laid out with sidebars on each page next to the script. The sidebars give you all the scoop - profiles of the actors, decisions made by Francis Ford Coppola, technical details, production squabbles, still shots from the film, and much more.

One suggestion. Watch the film again and then read this book. Everything will seem fresh.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, May 13, 2011

By 

Allen Smalling "Constant Reader," (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Annotated Godfather: The Complete Screenplay with Commentary on Every Scene, Interviews, and Little-Known Facts (Paperback)

THE ANNOTATED GODFATHER is a wonderful book to own, read, have and hold, being essentially the shooting script of Paramount's (1971, first) GODFATHER movie along with lots of stills, cast and production notes, bloopers, some recall of the heavy studio infighting that occurred during all phases of production, and even a bibliography, timetable of production and list of the most quotable screen quotes. Although this version is paperback, it is close to classic "coffee-table" size and for its length (260 pp.) and with its smart graphics and clever interplay of color and B&W stills, a definite bargain at this price.

In terms of production, probably the biggest surprise to me was what a mess this classic pic was to put together; included in the book are the many small scenes and expository sequences that were left out of the release print that were scrupled over and thought highly necessary at the time. Bloopers and blunders abound, too, including some that are well known (Sonny's huge noiseless final punch to Carlo when he beats him up) to some that I'll just have to look for, and enjoy. (In no way does this knowledge compromise my high opinion of the film.) Along with the engrossing story and behind-the-scenes revelations, Godfather devotees will enjoy having a reference book lest they sink into the kind of mistake Chrissie made in the "Sopranos": referring to 'Lewis' Brazi, not 'Luca,' the character's real name. For those who aren't fans yet, they should surely see DVD's of the first two releases ("One" and Two, but not necessarily the TV chronological run-through or Three). Then getting or giving THE ANNOTATED GODFATHER is almost bound to please!
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