[VIDEO] Earlier today former mobster Michael Franzese reviews the Paramount Plus mini-series The Offer. Franzese describes a dual storyline regarding NYC mob boss Joe Colombo and the Italian Civil Rights League and the making of the classic film The Godfather.
I've seen the first four episodes of this ten episode series and it has me riveted. There is some drama and there is some comedy. The stories are compelling even if some dramatic license was used.
For example reading up, it's unlikely that Al Ruddy - this series is based on his story about the making of The Godfather - and Paramount Pictures CEO Robert Evans had a falling out because Ruddy went around Evans. Though it makes for a dramatic story a producers dealings with studio executives and their corporate overlords.
Other drama included some of Ruddy's personal life, the casting of the main characters for the movie from Vito Corleone to Michael Corleone. Of course using the house used for the wedding at the beginning of the movie, in this series' universe Joe Colombo intimidated - the guy lost control of his bladder he was so scared - a homeowner after he backed out of allowing his home to be used in the movie.
As far as the Italian Civil Rights League they were against the film believing that it depicted Italian Americans in a horrible light. Instead the Colombo led organization had a change of heart and no longer opposed the film however Ruddy and crew still had to contend with NYC politicians who still didn't want this film made.
I would recommend watching this series and especially if you're a fan of one of the greatest movies ever made. And I just saw the movie for the first time, usually I just have difficulty watching this movie. It moves a bit too slow, however, the film works for the most part. And consider the real life behind the scenes moves to get this major motion picture produced.
