The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather, a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's best-selling 1969 book of the same name, was co-written by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo. The first installment of The Godfather trilogy is The Godfather. From 1945 through 1955, the film follows the Corleone family, focusing on Vito Corleone's youngest son, Michael Corleone (Pacino), as he matures from a reluctant family outsider to a deadly mafia boss.

The Godfather had its worldwide premiere on March 14, 1972, at the Loew's State Theatre, and was widely released in the United States on March 24, 1972. It earned between $246 and $287 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of 1972 and, for a time, the highest-grossing film ever filmed. The film gained overwhelming acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike, with particular praise for Brando and Pacino's performances. The Godfather is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential films of all time, particularly in the gangster genre.

Detailed Information:

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano

Release dates: March 14, 1972 (Loew's State Theatre)/March 24, 1972 (United States)
Running time: 177 minutes