Picture the late winter of 1971 when ABS Contracting, one of Russell Bufalino’s cutting rooms in northeast Pennsylvania, received an unexpected and astonishing phone call. William “Big Billy” D’Elia picked up the receiver, only to be greeted by a voice claiming to be Marlon Brando, seeking to speak with Mr. Bufalino. Billy’s initial assumption of a prank call quickly faded as Russell’s piercing stare impelled him to pass the phone to his boss. To his astonishment, it was indeed Marlon Brando on the other end, initiating a conversation with Russell. Brando had been cast to portray Vito Corleone in the upcoming film “The Godfather,” slated to commence filming in New York.
Despite initial reservations from Paramount executives, who harbored doubts about Brando’s suitability for the role based on his recent streak of unsuccessful movies, director Francis Ford Coppola was convinced that Brando possessed the ideal qualities to break away from the stereotypical mobster portrayals of the time. Brando’s fading popularity didn’t deter Coppola, who admired his meticulous preparation and his unique vision for bringing Vito Corleone to life. Seeking genuine inspiration and genuine insight into the persona of a mob boss, Brando turned to the real-world counterpart—Russell Bufalino.
Russell, who had already played a pivotal role in resolving conflicts that threatened the film’s production, piqued Brando’s curiosity. Based on Mario Puzo’s bestselling 1968 book, which had sold almost 10 million copies, “The Godfather” faced numerous obstacles during its pre-production phase, particularly from the newly formed Italian American Civil Rights League. Led by Joe Colombo, the league aimed to combat discrimination against Italian Americans but had ulterior motives, resorting to violence as a means to an end.
As tensions escalated, the league aimed its sights on the film, demanding changes and resorting to intimidating tactics. Al Ruddy, one of the film’s producers, eventually brokered a deal with the league, involving the removal of the word “Mafia” from the screenplay, a monetary contribution, discontinuation of a “Godfather” board game, and the arrangement of a premiere in New York. Paramount executives expressed surprise and disapproval, but the agreement succeeded in defusing tensions, ensuring the production’s continuation.
Meanwhile, real-life mobsters lingered around the set, even managing to secure minor acting roles. Lenny Montana, a bodyguard associated with the Colombo crime family, made an ill-fated decision to pilfer a camera lens from the set, only to face immediate reprimand from Russell Bufalino. Montana’s imposing presence eventually led to his casting as Luca Brasi, Vito Corleone’s loyal bodyguard. In a similar vein, singer Al Martino, backed by Russell, fervently pursued the role of Johnny Fontane, but director Francis Ford Coppola opted for another actor.
Throughout the film’s production, Russell Bufalino played a substantial role behind the scenes. He generously shared his insights, mannerisms, and knowledge with Marlon Brando, enabling him to embody the character of Vito Corleone authentically. However, an underlying tension brewed between Russell and Brando, occasionally stemming from the latter’s display of arrogance. One unforgettable incident unfolded when Brando, under the influence, impulsively bared his posterior to the cast and crew, only to realize that many of the extras present had connections to the Bufalino Family. Filled with apprehension, he swiftly apologized, fearing any unintentional disrespect towards Russell Bufalino.
With peace finally established on the set, “The Godfather” resumed filming without major disruptions. Russell Bufalino, engrossed in his other ventures, left an indelible mark on the production. The genuine involvement of real-life mobsters lent an unparalleled authenticity to the film, solidifying its status as an enduring masterpiece.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2023/07/08/the-real-mafia-was-incredibly-involved-in-the-godfather/ [New York Post]
