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Classic New York Movies: The Corleone Commute

There are those who would not consider "The Godfather" a classic New York movie because many of its scenes, including all the ones we WON'T be spoiling, take place outside of New York City. Still, where would the Godfather himself (Marlon Brando) be without the city in which he does business?

One of the Don's favorite stomping grounds is Little Italy, in particular the Mietz Building (128 Mott Street) which helps to hide some of his less-savory activities. Son Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) holds a significant meeting at Louis' Italian American Restaurant in the Bronx--an actual restaurant at the time of filming. It's now a yarn store.

Of course business isn't the only reason a Corleone will come to the city. Mama Corleone (Morganna King) does her Christmas shopping at the old Best & Co. on Fifth Avenue, and Michael meets his non-famiglia girlfriend (Diane Keaton) at the St. Regis Hotel for a little romp.

Even Jersey-centric scenes like the wedding which opens the film and a funeral near the end were shot on Staten Island and in Queens respectively. Guess the Port Authority office which doles out film permits made them an offer they couldn't refuse. (Sorry; we held off as long as we could!)

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· Classic New York Movies coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: IMDb]