The creators of The Godfather faced not only the classic difficulties that come with filming a movie but also experienced moments that could be part of a script. They battled against the Mafia itself. The permits for the locations they had secured were inexplicably revoked, the producer Al Rancic’s car was shot up one night, and Mafia members attempted to participate with minor roles or as extras to gain... control.

These were the first signs that some did not want the movie to be made, among them Frank Sinatra, who had a fierce argument with the writer Mario Puzo. The conflicts were not limited to external factors, as Francis Ford Coppola had to fight for the actors, for his crew, and even for the music.

The story of the making of The Godfather is as dramatic, operatic, and entertaining as the film itself. Over the years, many accounts have been told, and the versions are sometimes conflicting, but always fascinating. Mark Seal read every book and research that had been done, interviewed director Francis Ford Coppola, actors Al Pacino, James Caan, Talia Shire, and a series of people who closely experienced all aspects of its creation. This book aims to write "the definitive story of the film that changed cinema."