Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli

Episode: Saving the Studio

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Summary by: [Your Name]

Introduction

"Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli," hosted by iHeartPodcasts, delves deep into the tumultuous journey behind one of Hollywood's greatest masterpieces, "The Godfather." This episode, titled "Saving the Studio," unpacks the intricate web of challenges, personalities, and pivotal decisions that nearly derailed the making of the iconic film. Drawing from Mark Seal's extensive research and a wealth of archival interviews, the episode offers listeners an unparalleled glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama that shaped cinema history.

The Genesis of a Legend

The episode opens with Mark Seal, author of the book "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli," and Nathan King, deputy editor of AIR MAIL, setting the stage for a narrative that intertwines the rise of Francis Ford Coppola, the casting battles, and the relentless opposition from both studio executives and real-life mafia figures.

Mark Seal states at [02:18] that the podcast aims to chronicle "the story of the men and women responsible for the greatest film of all time and those who tried to stand in its way."

Robert Evans: The Architect of Paramount's Revival

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Robert Evans, a legendary producer whose influence was pivotal in resurrecting Paramount Pictures during a period of decline. Evans reflects on his dedication:

"I devoted my entire four years to this. There was a lot of fights and everything."
— Robert Evans ([05:04])

Evans discusses how he financed Mario Puzo's novel, "The Godfather," and his determination to see the film come to fruition despite numerous obstacles. He remarks:

"It's stranger than fiction."
— Robert Evans ([07:12])

Charlie Bludorn: The Maverick Studio Owner

Charlie Bludorn, known as "Hurricane Charlie," emerges as a central figure whose audacious business ventures brought him to Paramount in 1966. Despite lacking experience in the movie industry, Bludorn's relentless pursuit to revive the struggling studio set the stage for the eventual success of "The Godfather."

At [11:58], Paige Desorbo narrates Bludorn's early life and his foray into various business sectors, highlighting his unparalleled work ethic and visionary mindset.

The Collision of Visionaries

The meeting between Robert Evans and Charlie Bludorn is portrayed as a serendipitous alliance that would eventually save Paramount. Bludorn shares:

"I took the job because Bob was a friend of mine and he was in a bit over his head and said, you know, can't you work with me? You know, the blind will lead the blind."
— Charlie Bludorn ([25:18])

This partnership led to the greenlighting of key projects, including "Love Story," which, while a hit, was deemed insufficient to rescue the studio entirely. The real turning point came with the acquisition of Mario Puzo's novel.

Acquiring "The Godfather": A Twist of Fate

The acquisition story of "The Godfather" is recounted with varying perspectives. Robert Evans narrates his encounter with Mario Puzo:

"35 pages isn't very much. And I didn't know him as an author really, even though he was legitimate author. Well, I'll tell you what, give me 10 GS for it as an option against, let's say, $75,000."
— Robert Evans ([28:01])

However, Charlie Bludorn counters this account, stating that Puzo had a more extensive treatment:

"That's nonsense. There were 60 pages. They came in. This big pile of stuff came into me and I read it."
— Charlie Bludorn ([28:43])

Despite discrepancies, the crucial outcome remains: Paramount secured the rights to the novel, setting the stage for its transformation into the legendary film.

Overcoming Opposition and Challenges

The journey to produce "The Godfather" was fraught with opposition from both studio executives and real-life mafia figures intent on undermining the project. Robert Evans shares the intensity of these challenges:

"The truth be the Godfather made by mistake."
— Robert Evans ([08:31])

The episode further explores how Coppola navigated these obstacles, from revoked location permits to violent intimidation tactics aimed at disrupting production.

Casting Battles and Production Wars

One of the most gripping segments details the intense casting battles, notably the fallout between Mario Puzo and Frank Sinatra, and the eventual securing of James Caan and Robert Duvall for pivotal roles. The tension reaches a peak when:

"As long as I'm president of Paramount, there's No way that Marlon Brando will play this role."
— Charlie Bludorn ([02:29])

This declaration underscores the internal power struggles that could have easily derailed the film.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, insights from Mark Seal and Nathan King provide a cohesive narrative that ties together the personal anecdotes of those involved with the broader historical context. Paige Desorbo reflects on her personal connection to the film, highlighting its profound impact on her life:

"When I first saw the movie, I was 19 years old. ... by the time the movie was over, I felt suddenly a sense of purpose, of wanting to do something in the arts."
— Paige Desorbo ([08:46])

Conclusion

"Saving the Studio" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the making of "The Godfather," weaving together personal stories, historical events, and the indomitable spirit of those who refused to let the project succumb to external pressures. The episode not only celebrates the film's enduring legacy but also serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity required to create cinematic history.

Listeners gain a newfound appreciation for the complexities behind the scenes, enriched by firsthand accounts and expert analyses. As Mark Seal aptly puts it:

"The stories they tell are sometimes hard to believe and will let you be the judge of what's fact and what's not. But what we can promise is that this show will take you through everything we know about the film."
— Mark Seal ([04:09])

Notable Quotes

• "It's stranger than fiction." — Robert Evans ([07:12])
• "The truth be the Godfather made by mistake." — Robert Evans ([08:31])
• "As long as I'm president of Paramount, there's No way that Marlon Brando will play this role." — Charlie Bludorn ([02:29])
• "When I first saw the movie, I was 19 years old. ... I felt suddenly a sense of purpose, of wanting to do something in the arts." — Paige Desorbo ([08:46])

Final Thoughts

"Saving the Studio" is a masterful retelling of a pivotal moment in film history, blending meticulous research with captivating storytelling. Whether you're a cinephile, a history enthusiast, or simply intrigued by tales of perseverance, this episode offers valuable insights and a compelling narrative that underscores the magic and mayhem behind one of cinema's greatest triumphs.

Produced by:
Mark Seal, Nathan King, Dylan Fagan, Graydon Carter, and the team at Airmail and iHeartMedia.

Special Thanks: Bridget Arseneault and everyone at CDM Studios.

For a comprehensive list of sources and acknowledgments, refer to Mark Seal's book, "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli," published by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster.