Key Takeaways:
– Film icon Frank Sinatra unsuccessfully tried to dissuade actor Al Martino from joining the cast of The Godfather.
– Sinatra believed the character of Johnny Fontaine was modeled after him.
– Despite threats, Martino remained resolute and joined the film’s cast.
– Sinatra also had a notable argument with Mario Puzo, the author and screenwriter of The Godfather.
– Despite Sinatra’s objections, The Godfather went on to achieve massive success.
Famed singer and actor Frank Sinatra had a notable fallout with Mario Puzo, the author of The Godfather, over the characterization of Johnny Fontaine, a character Sinatra believed mirrored his likeness. Despite his objections and threats, the legendary film registered massive success upon its release.
Sinatra Attempts to Dissuade Al Martino
Al Martino, who played Johnny Fontaine, allegedly faced Sinatra’s threats against taking up his role in the film. Martino, however, undeterred by the ominous warnings, remained resolute and subsequently contributed to the film’s success. Reportedly, Sinatra warned Martino about potentially being barred from performing in Las Vegas if he chose to participate in the film. In reply, Martino stated in an interview with Mark Seal, author of Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: “I’m the last guy you could threaten.”
The Dispute with Puzo and Production
It was not just Martino who faced Sinatra’s wrath. Sinatra allegedly had a confrontation with Puzo at a Hollywood eatery, during which he apparently told the author, “Choke. Go ahead and choke.” This altercation became a part of the narrative of the making of The Godfather, as depicted in the Paramount+ series, The Offer.
Puzo’s assurance to the Paramount legal team about the scene’s insignificance did little to abate Sinatra’s grievances. In his essay, The Making of the Godfather, Puzo detailed the encounter with Sinatra where the latter allegedly shouted at him. According to Puzo, Sinatra’s threats felt odd, comparing it to “Einstein pulling a knife on Al Capone.”
Grit and Success of The Godfather
Despite Sinatra’s objections and alleged attempts to interfere with the production, The Godfather became a behemoth success in Hollywood. It not only outperformed other releases to become the highest-grossing film at the time, but it also bagged several Oscars. The awards included Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando’s iconic portrayal of Vito Corleone, and Best Adapted Screenplay for the work of Puzo and the film’s director, Francis Ford Coppola.
Coppola’s interaction with Sinatra, in contrast to the others, ended on a positive note. Coppola stated to USA Today that he offered Sinatra to be a part of the production.
Final Thoughts
The history of cinema shows us that behind-the-scenes stories can often be as engrossing as the on-screen narrative. The dispute between Frank Sinatra and the creators of The Godfather, stemming from the characterization of Johnny Fontaine, provides an intriguing subplot in the saga of one of Hollywood’s most successful films. Despite Sinatra’s attempts to dissuade Al Martino and his fallout with Mario Puzo, The Godfather’s success was unstoppable, winning critical acclaim and several accolades. Today, the film is available for streaming on Paramount+.
