A new "easy to read" book that explains "the method" (past & present) and the "how to" of acting, writing, directing and teaching. For the first time a book that talks about: What went on Behind the Scenes during the shooting of the original GODFATHER film. Talks about Richard S. Castellano's real life "Family Connections" and the visit his "Uncle Paul" made to the GODFATHER set during filming. Discusses the unique relationship that developed between Francis Coppola and Richard Castellano. (Read the letters written by Francis to Richard.) Shares the Origin of the "real" MAFIA and the "Code of Behaviour" that traveled to America. Offers a Character Comparison of the original "Don Corleone" with a reputed Crime Boss who died in prison. Further reveals the Art of Sicilian Storytelling with a sample introduction to a new original Screenplay, THE BOYS'LL HANDLE IT." Book Cover Art and Design by Lisette Rotman

This “wickedly pacey page-turner” (Total Film) unfurls the behind-the-scenes story of the making of The Godfather, fifty years after the classic film’s original release. The story of how The Godfather was made is as dramatic, operatic, and entertaining as the film itself. Over the years, many versions of various aspects of the movie’s fiery creation have been told—sometimes conflicting, but always compelling. Mark Seal sifts through the evidence, has extensive new conversations with director Francis Ford Coppola and several heretofore silent sources, and complements them with colorful interviews with key players including actors Al Pacino, James Caan, Talia Shire, and others to write “the definitive look at the making of an American classic” (Library Journal, starred review). On top of the usual complications of filmmaking, the creators of The Godfather had to contend with the real-life members of its subject matter: the Mob. During production of the movie, location permits were inexplicably revoked, author Mario Puzo got into a public brawl with an irate Frank Sinatra, producer Al Ruddy’s car was found riddled with bullets, men with “connections” vied to be in the cast, and some were given film roles. As Seal notes, this is the tale of a “movie that revolutionized filmmaking, saved Paramount Pictures, minted a new generation of movie stars, made its struggling author Mario Puzo rich and famous, and sparked a war between two of the mightiest powers in America: the sharks of Hollywood and the highest echelons of the Mob.” “For fans of books about moviemaking, this is a definite must-read” (Booklist).

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Godfather, this authorized, annotated and illustrated edition of the complete, unedited screenplay includes all the little-known facts, behind-the-scenes intrigue, and first-person reflections from cast and crew members on the making of this landmark film. From its ingenious cinematic innovations and memorable, oft-quoted script to its iconic cast, including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, The Godfather is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. And yet, the history of its making is so colorful, so chaotic, that one cannot help but marvel at the seemingly insurmountable odds it overcame to become a true cinematic masterpiece, and a film that continues to captivate its audience decades after its release. In this authorized, annotated, and illustrated edition of the complete screenplay, nearly every scene is examined and dissected, including: Fascinating commentary on technical details about the filming and shooting locations Tales from the set, including arguments, accidents, anecdotes and practical jokes Profiles of the actors and stories of how they were cast Deleted scenes that never made the final cut, and the goofs and gaffes that did And much more! Interviews with former Paramount executives, cast and crew members, and director Francis Ford Coppola, round out the commentary and shed new light on everything you thought you knew about this most influential film. With more than 200 photographs, this a truly unique, collectable keepsake for every Godfather fan.

In January 2010, the author had a continuing vision of a medieval square he'd neither seen nor visited before in BANSKA BYSTRICA, SLOVAKIA. Later that year, events unfolded whereby the author and two friends embarked on a 4,000 mile journey across Europe. This vision would later see him staying for over four years in Banska Bystrica to paint an enormous (6 metres wide by 4 metres high) painting, showing over 500 children from around the world, which will bring peace to the conflict between Palestine and Israel. The painting is called 'Children Are the Future' and encoded within it is a message for peace between Palestine and Israel. The prophecy he had received twenty years before, that the world was getting ever closer to a theatre of crisis, makes him believe that a Divine Intervention is taking place, using him as a vehicle to bring peace and to give the message of the meaning and purpose of life. This is part of the journey that has led to the present day of November 1st, 2016.