The Godfather script

This original third-draft script from the shooting of The Godfather contains handwritten notes by special effects coordinator Sass Bedig. The script is dated March 1, 1971.

Bedig, 1913-2000, was known for creating violent, bloody scenes in movies. According to an article in Geek magazine, Bedig was proudest of the chilling scene in The Godfather when Al Pacino blows away an unsuspecting Sterling Hayden in a New York restaurant. He also often worked with director Sam Peckinpah.

Based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel, The Godfather is a 1972 award-winning moved directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie and novel renewed the American public’s love of the Mob story. The movie won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The movie starred Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, Al Pacino as Michael Corlreone, James Caan as Sonny Corleone, Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, Diane Keaton as Kay Adams-Corleone and Talia Shire as Connie Corleone.

These items are part of the Museum’s rotating collection not currently on display.