Dialogue

Vocabulary

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Lesson Transcript

Top 10 American Movies - The Godfather
"The Godfather" was an epic 1972 story about the rise of a mafia crime family, the Corleone family, and specifically about the rise of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), who takes over from his aging father, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando).
The movie begins at the wedding of Vito's daughter. The Don is in his office carrying on business, as it is customary for the bride's father to grant favors to those who pay homage. One, Johnny Fontaine, an actor, asked the Godfather about a movie role. The Don told him he would get the role. Fontaine said, "It's too late; they start shooting next week." The Godfather tells him not to worry because "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse," one of the most memorable lines in movie history. After the studio head refuses to give Fontaine the role, he wakes up with the severed head of his racehorse in his bed. He relents, and Fontaine is cast. This scene illustrates the Godfather's power and ruthlessness.
Later, the Godfather meets with the Turk, who asks the Don to protect the Tattaglia family heroin business. The Don does not approve of the drug business and turns down the proposal. Afterward, the Turk orders a hit on the Don, who is shot nine times but does not die.
After the assassination attempt, Michael Corleone becomes involved in the family business. He thwarts a second assassination attempt on his father and eventually kills the Turk and his corrupt captain. After Michael kills the Turk, he seeks refuge in Sicily.
When Michael returns home a year later, his older brother has been killed. His third brother is considered too weak to run the family. When his father retires, Michael takes control. As the movie progresses, Vito dies peacefully. Michael avenges Sonny's murder and brutally carries out the family business.

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