Francis Ford Coppola reveals the unexpected reason The Godfather became a classic
Francis Ford Coppola has revealed the unexpected reason he believes The Godfather became one of the most successful films of all time – and it has nothing to do with mobsters, violence, or even Marlon Brando.
The 85-year-old director, whose 1972 gangster epic won three Academy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, credits something far more domestic for its success: children.
Coppola shared his theory in an interview with chef Ruth Rogers on the latest episode of her podcast, Ruthie's Table 4, in which they discussed food, family, and filmmaking.
'Although I must say that the reason I'm convinced that The Godfather was successful was because it was the first gangster film that had a lot of kids running around in the scenes,' Coppola said. 'Gangster pictures didn't have kids. But of course, at an Italian wedding, there are kids sliding around everywhere.'
Starring Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall, The Godfather was an instant classic, earning 11 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando's iconic performance as Don Vito Corleone.
While its gripping storytelling, brutal violence, and powerhouse performances have been credited for its enduring legacy, Coppola believes that its grounding in authentic Italian-American culture helped set it apart from earlier Mafia films.
Food, he suggests, also played a key role.
In the conversation, which took place at her acclaimed River Café restaurant in London, Rogers recalled how The Godfather was the first time she saw the kind of Italian cuisine she grew up with depicted on screen, noting: 'When we went out to an Italian restaurant we would have veal parmesan, we would have the meatballs and spaghetti – the food of The Godfather.'
Coppola agreed, sharing how he made sure even the film's smallest details were authentic, right down to the cooking instructions.
'I wrote it the way I knew how to do it,' he said, referring to a now-famous scene in which Clemenza teaches Michael Corleone how to make tomato sauce. 'And I said, 'Well, first you brown the sausage.' Did he say to fry it? Mario Puzo (The Godfathe r author) said, 'Gangsters don't say brown. Gangsters say fry, so we changed it to fry.''
Even the recipe itself was deliberate. 'The secret of a good meat sauce is a little bit of sugar,' he explained. 'You add like, you know, a half a tablespoon of sugar to a meat sauce. So, the recipes were authentic, but we tried to give them gangster type of vocabulary.'
Coppola, who released his long-gestating passion project Megalopolis in 2024, has long spoken about the challenges of bringing The Godfather to life.
In a December 2024 interview with The Washington Post, he revealed how he made a series of bold demands that he assumed would deter Paramount from greenlighting the movie – including insisting on calling the sequel The Godfather Part II, a decision that would forever change the way franchises were titled.
'They said it was nuts,' Coppola recalled. 'So, I'm the jerk that started numbers on movies. I'm embarrassed, and I apologise to everyone.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
an hour ago
- Time Out
The world's best bars are popping up across NYC this week—here's where you can find them
Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB) is coming back to New York this week. Held on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 at Industry City, the seventh annual trade show invites thousands of bar and beverage professionals across the world for exhibitions, private tastings and programming that centers spirits and storytelling. And with such international talent flying in New York, naturally, the bar community is celebrating in style. To coincide with the festivities, some of New York's best bars have invited top talent from London, Paris, Tokyo and then some behind their respective bars all week long. From block parties to intimate nights with international bars, here are a few takeovers to check out this week. Monday, June 9 Sip & Guzzle is inviting six of the most acclaimed cocktail bars in the country for a one-night-only bar experience. Starting at 4pm, the bi-level bar will host Washington D.C's Service Bar (number 23 North America's 50 Best Bars) and Allegory (number 45) for the first two hours, followed by Chicago's Best Intentions (number 25) and Kumiko (number 10) and San Francisco's Trick Dog (number 71) and True Laurel (number 17). The event is free, no reservations are needed. Time Out Market New York: Italicus Terrace Takeover Starting on June 9, Italicus is taking over the rooftop at Time Out Market New York for its Italicus Terrace Takeover. For one week, the Italian liqueur is painting the rooftop blue, bringing in its branded merch and shaking up classic cocktails made for sipping in the sun. Expect refreshing frozen cocktails, such as the frosé, passion fruit margaritas and even a chilled espresso martini made with Italicus bergamot liqueur and coffee liqueur, vodka and cold brew. Oh, and did we mention the boozy snow cones? The pop-up goes from now until June 15, no reservations are needed. Romeo's: Bacardi Block Party Romeo's is kicking off BCB with a block party. Sponsored by Bacardi, the party will take over St. Marks with water guns and kiddie pools guaranteed to cool you off. As for whetting your whistle, the LES bar will welcome San Diego's Swan Bar at 6pm, while Arizona's Killer Whale Sex Club will tend bar at 8pm. Several of Mexico's most celebrated bars are coming to Fidi. Sponsored by Casa Dragones, the event will host top talent including San Miguel's Bekeb (number 49 on North America's 50 Best Bars), Mexico City's Rayo, Playa del Carmen's Zapote (number 74) and Oaxaca's Selva (number 29). It is all going down at The Bedford Stone Street from 8pm until midnight. Space is limited, RSVP to concierge@ Tuesday, June 10 iichiko Shochu x Katana Kitten After Party Katana Kitten is handing over the keys to some of the world's top talent. The evening starts with a takeover from Tokyo's Quarter Room from 6 to 8pm. The rest of the evening brings out the best of London, as Seed Library will take to the bar from 8-10pm and Side Hustle will close out the evening from 10pm to midnight. The event is first-come, first-serve. Dante x American Bar from The Savoy Dante is celebrating its 110th anniversary with its Legends Series, in collaboration with Mastercard. For this rendition, the West Village bar will invite American Bar from The Savoy, the longest surviving cocktail bar in London. The event will explore The Savoy's rich legacy throughout the evening, paired with specialty cocktails, British-inspired cuisine and live jazz music. Reserved for Mastercard cardholders, the ticketed experience takes place on June 10, 11 and 12 and cost $150 per person. Learn more here. Wednesday, June 11 The Cabinet Mezcal Bar: Teramana Takeover Teremana Tequila and Cocktail Kingdom are bringing the soul of Mexico to NYC. Five top Mexican bartenders will take over The Cabinet Mezcal Bar, shaking up their own signature cocktail with Teramana, inspired by their bar's menu and their cultural roots. Top talent includes Daniel Ortega from Mexico City's Bijou Drinkery Room (number 34 on North America's 50 Best Bars); Frida Lucia from Tijuana's Aruba Day Drinking (number 22); the founder of the Shakers Room & Awards, Josh Monaghan; and Niel Flores from New York's very own Superbueno (number 2) and Employees Only (number 18). Alongside cocktails, guests can groove to a DJ set of cumbia and Mexican soul music and chow down on tamales. The event runs from 6 to 10pm. No reservations are needed, walk-ins are welcome. The Dead Rabbit: Slow Drinks For the past few months, author of 'Slow Drinks' and ethnobotanist Danny Childs and Chris Stanley of The Dead Rabbit (number 33 on North America's 50 Best Bars) have spent time foraging across the region for wild herbs, fruits, roots and botanicals that speak to the Mid-Atlantic landscape. On Wednesday, June 11, the pair will return to the Financial District bar, sharing the spoils of their hunt with a cocktail menu that incorporates each ingredient via fermented numbers and tinctures. The event runs from 6 to 10pm. Tickets are free, but you must reserve a spot.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
The world's best bars are popping up across NYC this week—here's where to find them
Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB) is coming back to New York this week. Held on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 at Industry City, the seventh annual trade show invites thousands of bar and beverage professionals across the world for exhibitions, private tastings and programming that centers spirits and storytelling. And with such international talent flying in New York, naturally, the bar community is celebrating in style. To coincide with the festivities, some of New York's best bars have invited top talent from London, Paris, Tokyo and then some behind their respective bars all week long. From block parties to intimate nights with international bars, here are a few takeovers to check out this week. Monday, June 9 Sip & Guzzle is inviting six of the most acclaimed cocktail bars in the country for a one-night-only bar experience. Starting at 4pm, the bi-level bar will host Washington D.C's Service Bar (number 23 North America's 50 Best Bars) and Allegory (number 45) for the first two hours, followed by Chicago's Best Intentions (number 25) and Kumiko (number 10) and San Francisco's Trick Dog (number 71) and True Laurel (number 17). The event is free, no reservations are needed. Time Out Market New York: Italicus Terrace Takeover Starting on June 9, Italicus is taking over the rooftop at Time Out Market New York for its Italicus Terrace Takeover. For one week, the Italian liqueur is painting the rooftop blue, bringing in its branded merch and shaking up classic cocktails made for sipping in the sun. Expect refreshing frozen cocktails, such as the frosé, passion fruit margaritas and even a chilled espresso martini made with Italicus bergamot liqueur and coffee liqueur, vodka and cold brew. Oh, and did we mention the boozy snow cones? The pop-up goes from now until June 15, no reservations are needed. Romeo's: Bacardi Block Party Romeo's is kicking off BCB with a block party. Sponsored by Bacardi, the party will take over St. Marks with water guns and kiddie pools guaranteed to cool you off. As for whetting your whistle, the LES bar will welcome San Diego's Swan Bar at 6pm, while Arizona's Killer Whale Sex Club will tend bar at 8pm. Several of Mexico's most celebrated bars are coming to Fidi. Sponsored by Casa Dragones, the event will host top talent including San Miguel's Bekeb (number 49 on North America's 50 Best Bars), Mexico City's Rayo, Playa del Carmen's Zapote (number 74) and Oaxaca's Selva (number 29). It is all going down at The Bedford Stone Street from 8pm until midnight. Space is limited, RSVP to concierge@ Tuesday, June 10 iichiko Shochu x Katana Kitten After Party Katana Kitten is handing over the keys to some of the world's top talent. The evening starts with a takeover from Tokyo's Quarter Room from 6 to 8pm. The rest of the evening brings out the best of London, as Seed Library will take to the bar from 8-10pm and Side Hustle will close out the evening from 10pm to midnight. The event is first-come, first-serve. Dante x American Bar from The Savoy Dante is celebrating its 110th anniversary with its Legends Series, in collaboration with Mastercard. For this rendition, the West Village bar will invite American Bar from The Savoy, the longest surviving cocktail bar in London. The event will explore The Savoy's rich legacy throughout the evening, paired with specialty cocktails, British-inspired cuisine and live jazz music. Reserved for Mastercard cardholders, the ticketed experience takes place on June 10, 11 and 12 and cost $150 per person. Learn more here. Wednesday, June 11 The Cabinet Mezcal Bar: Teramana Takeover Teremana Tequila and Cocktail Kingdom are bringing the soul of Mexico to NYC. Five top Mexican bartenders will take over The Cabinet Mezcal Bar, shaking up their own signature cocktail with Teramana, inspired by their bar's menu and their cultural roots. Top talent includes Daniel Ortega from Mexico City's Bijou Drinkery Room (number 34 on North America's 50 Best Bars); Frida Lucia from Tijuana's Aruba Day Drinking (number 22); the founder of the Shakers Room & Awards, Josh Monaghan; and Niel Flores from New York's very own Superbueno (number 2) and Employees Only (number 18). Alongside cocktails, guests can groove to a DJ set of cumbia and Mexican soul music and chow down on tamales. The event runs from 6 to 10pm. No reservations are needed, walk-ins are welcome. The Dead Rabbit: Slow Drinks For the past few months, author of 'Slow Drinks' and ethnobotanist Danny Childs and Chris Stanley of The Dead Rabbit (number 33 on North America's 50 Best Bars) have spent time foraging across the region for wild herbs, fruits, roots and botanicals that speak to the Mid-Atlantic landscape. On Wednesday, June 11, the pair will return to the Financial District bar, sharing the spoils of their hunt with a cocktail menu that incorporates each ingredient via fermented numbers and tinctures. The event runs from 6 to 10pm. Tickets are free, but you must reserve a spot. Bar Snack x The Cambridge House
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Kieran Culkin faces fierce fury over his bizarre response to being cast in Hunger Games prequel
Along with his iconic role as Roman Roy in the hit series Succession (and his appearance as the lesser-known McAllister brother in Home Alone), Kieran Culkin is also known for his dry humor. For years now in various interviews and speeches, he's made countless 'jokes' about not caring about his job or not knowing what he's doing. He's sarcastically discussed his own award nominations, told fans who have called him their favorite actor that they should 'aim higher,' and claimed the Oscar awards was just a bargaining chip to get his wife to agree to have more children. And most recently, he's made a pretty shocking statement about his upcoming portrayal of Caesar Flickerman in the Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Culkin, 42, who was confirmed to appear in the series last month, was signing autographs for fans outside of his Broadway play, Glengarry Glen Ross, when he made the comment. A fan, recording Culkin, told him, 'You're going to an amazing Caesar Flickerman.' 'I don't think so,' Culkin responded as the supporter continued, 'I'm so excited.' Culkin then said, 'Lower those expectations please... please do... I have no idea what I'm going to do with that.' Most recently, he's made a pretty shocking statement about his upcoming portrayal of Caesar Flickerman (seen in the original franchise) in the Hunger Games prequel Culkin is an Oscar-winning actor, and yet his nonchalant attitude about his accomplishments is starting to rub fans the wrong way - especially when it comes to a franchise as beloved as The Hunger Games. Fans took to social media to share their disapproval over Culkin's comments after the video went viral on X, formerly Twitter. 'This "I don't take anything seriously" act of his has worn out its welcome' one X user shared. 'This whole bit of his where he doesn't give a f**k or care about his job is tired and annoying,' another agreed. 'I thought winning one of the most undeserved Oscars ever might make him less annoying, but it didn't,' said someone else. 'The pretending not to care thing is getting old because [people of color] would get slaughtered for this and there's better actors out there that probs couldn't even get an audition for this,' a different person pointed out. 'I cannot not think of all the actresses who are witch hunted daily for making jokes not even close to this… a woman publicly saying she is not prepared for a role? Cannot even imagine,' a fifth tweet read. has reached out to Culkin for comment. Fans expressed anger at Culkin's constant sarcasm, pointing out the double standards in the industry that allow him to get away with it 'Can you imagine the reactions if Rachel Zegler had said that?' asked another user, undoubtedly referencing the backlash Zegler received when she shared her opinions about the original Snow White movie being 'dated.' The upcoming Hunger Games film is set to be released on November 20, 2026, and explores the world of Panem about 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story. As of right now, the franchise includes five books and six movies, the most recent release being The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie which was released in 2023. And with Sunrise on the Reaping being not too far away, fans are encouraging Culkin to get it together. 'Lower expectations... this is the f**king hunger games... not your little Saturday Night Live monologue..... READ THE BOOKS AND GET THE F**K TO WORK,' another user said.
