Yesterday, 49 years ago [24 March 1972], “The Godfather” made all of us an offer we could not refuse.

Released on March 24, 49 years ago, this classic mob movie based on Mario Puzo’s novel: The Godfather and directed by Francis Ford Coppola was the highest-grossing film of 1972.

I have lost count of many times I have read the novel and the many times I have watched the movie.

The book is very good and the movie is remarkable.

Marlon Brando wanted to make Don Corleone look like a bulldog, so he stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool for the audition. For the actual filming, he wore a mouthpiece made by a dentist.

Some of my 10 favourite quotes from the movie:

1. “Never tell anybody outside the family what you are thinking.”
2. “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
3. “Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.”
4. “You father did business with Hyman Roth, he respected Hyman Roth… but he never trusted Hyman Roth.”
5. “Do you know how naive you sound, Michael? Presidents and senators don’t have men killed… Oh. Who’s being naive, Kay?”
6. “I trust these men with my life, Senator. To ask them to leave would be an insult.”
7. “Mr. Corleone never asks a second favour once he is refused the first, understood?”
8. “We’re not taking a picture without Michael.”
9. “Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me.”
10. “My father taught me many things here – he taught me in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
11. Bonus: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

Yes Godfather part 3 is not the same as 1 and 2, but I think it equally good in its own unique way 🙂

The Godfather soundtrack is as classic as the movie.