Godfather

The Godfather THE GODFATHER _____________ Screenplay by MARIO PUZO and FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA THIRD DRAFTPARAMOUNT PICTURES 1 Gulf and Western Plaza March 29, 1971New York, New York 10019 INT DAY: DON'S OFFICE (SUMMER 1945) The PARAMOUNT Logo is presented austerely over a black background.There is a moment's hesitation, and then the simple words in white lettering: THE GODFATHER While this remains, we hear: "I believe in America." Suddenly we are watching in CLOSE VIEW, AMERIGO BONASERA, a man of sixty, dressed in a black suit, on the verge of great emotion. BONASERA America has made my fortune. As he speaks, THE VIEW imperceptibly begins to loosen. BONASERA I raised my daughter in the American fashion; I gave her freedom, but taught her never to dishonor her family.She found a boy friend, not an Italian.She went to the movies with him, stayed out late. Two months ago he took her for a drive, with another boy friend. They made her drink whiskey and then they tried to take advantage of her.She resisted; she kept her honor.So they beat her like an animal.When I went to the hospital her nose was broken, her jaw was shattered and held together by wire, and she could not even weep because of the pain. He can barely speak; he is weeping now. BONASERA I went to the Police like a good American.These two boys were arrested and brought to trial.The judge sentenced them to three years in prison, and suspended the sentence.Suspended sentence! They went free that very day.