Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

Synopsis

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 for irresistible insights into how the movie whose success some initially doubted roared to glory.

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 classic 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." ​

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli is the lively and complete story of how a masterpiece was made, perfect for anyone who loves the movies.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Last of the Real Great Ones

The book opens with the funeral of mob boss Paul "Paulie" Vario, attended by his associates and enforcers. His loyal bodyguard, Henry Hill, lost his mentor that day and reflects on Vario's life of crime and his unwavering loyalty.

Chapter 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Henry introduces his crew: Jimmy "the Gent" Burke, a psychopathic mobster with a reputation for violence; Tommy DeSimone, a reckless and sadistic enforcer; and Angelo Sepe, a loyal but dim-witted associate. He describes their relationships and the hierarchy within the crew.

Chapter 3: The Lufthansa Job

The crew plans and executes the infamous Lufthansa heist, stealing $6 million in cash and jewelry from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at Kennedy Airport. Henry's account highlights the intricate planning, the thrill of the robbery, and the eventual fallout.

Chapter 4: Two Boys for the Price of One

After the heist, the crew realizes that two innocent bystanders witnessed their escape. To avoid any loose ends, Jimmy orders the murders of William "Billy Batts" Bentvena and Michael "Spider" Gianco. Henry delves into the gruesome details of the killings.

Chapter 5: The Man Who Couldn't Shoot Straight

Tommy's incompetence and violent outbursts become increasingly problematic for the crew. Henry recounts Tommy's failed attempt to kill a drug dealer, which leads to an escalation of tensions within the group.

Chapter 6: The Pillow Job

In a fit of rage, Jimmy orders the murder of Tommy, fearing his liability. He lures Tommy to a mob social club and has him suffocated with a pillow. Henry witnesses the brutal killing and grapples with the consequences.

Chapter 7: The Holy Spirit and the Toll Call

As the consequences of their crimes mount, Jimmy becomes paranoid and suspicious. He begins to suspect that Henry is an informant and uses a lie detector test to try to expose him. Henry's life hangs in the balance.

Chapter 8: The Yankee Doodle Deal

In a desperate attempt to avoid prosecution, Henry agrees to become a government informant. He details his experiences in the witness protection program, the trials that followed the Lufthansa heist, and the consequences of his betrayal.

Chapter 9: The Wiseman Excursion

After the fall of the crew, Henry and his family move to a remote location in Kentucky under the witness protection program. However, they struggle to adapt to their new life and eventually return to New York, albeit a changed city.

Chapter 10: Only the Dead Know Brooklyn

Henry reflects on his life, the choices he made, and the tragic consequences. He concludes that his pursuit of power and money led him down a path of violence and betrayal, and ultimately destroyed his life.