The sequel to THE GODFATHER tells the story of both a young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), newly arrived in America, and his son Michael (Al Pacino) 40 years later, running the family empire. On the streets of Hell's Kitchen in 1917 New York City, Vito is initiated into the ways of the local Cosa Nostra by his friend Clemenza (Bruno Kirby). After killing the local mafioso in a towel-wrapped gun, Vito becomes the new man to be respected and feared. Meanwhile, a dour Michael Corleone negotiates with business partner Hyman Roth (legendary Method-acting teacher Lee Strasberg in his first film role) in Cuba and testifies in front of a Washington Senate committee. Robert Duvall (Tom Hagen), Diane Keaton (Kay Corleone), Talia Shire (Connie Corleone), and John Cazale (Fredo Corleone), reprising their roles from THE GODFATHER, are outstanding as the people forced to watch the new godfather's moral destruction. De Niro, speaking in Italian, captures the mannerisms of Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone from the first film brilliantly. THE GODFATHER PART II is one of the only major sequels ever made that might just surpass the original.

Francis Ford Coppola's compelling sequel lives up to--and even eclipses--the brilliance of THE GODFATHER, contrasting the life of Corleone father and son. In parallel story lines the movie traces the problems of a matured Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in 1958 and that of young immigrant Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1917's Hell's Kitchen. Vito is introduced to a life of crime by two-bit hood Clemenza (Bruno Kirby) while Michael survives an attempt on his life, familial betrayals, and Senate hearings...but at a cost. De Niro, speaking almost completely in Italian, is charismatic as the young Don, a Robin Hood-type figure.

The film premiered on December 12, 1974.

THE GODFATHER PART II is number 32 on the American Film Institute's list of America's 100 Greatest Movies.

THE GODFATHER PART II was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1993.

Francis Ford Coppola's mentor, Roger Corman, makes a brief appearance in the film at the head table at Michael Corleone's Senate hearings.

Troy Donahue has a bit part as Connie's boyfriend, a character named Merle Johnson, Donahue's real name.

"If history has taught us anything, it's that you can kill anyone."--Michael Corleone

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."--Michael Corleone

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital - English

Al Pacino: Oscar winning actor, THE GODFATHER, SCENT OF A WOMAN
Robert De Niro: Oscar Winning Actor/Director/Producer
Robert Duvall: American Actor/Director
Talia Shire: American Actress, ROCKY (1976)
Diane Keaton: American actress/director, LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR
Lee Strasberg: American Actor/Stage Director
John Cazale: American Actor
Michael V. Gazzo: American Character Actor
G.D. Spradlin: American Film/TV Actor, GODFATHER 2, WILL PENNY
Bruno Kirby: American Film and Television Actor
Richard Bright: American Character Actor
Dominic Chianese: American Supporting Actor
Troy Donahue: American Actor/Singer

Francis Ford Coppola: American Director, THE GODFATHER SAGA

Francis Ford Coppola: American Director, THE GODFATHER SAGA

Gray Frederickson: PRODUCER/EXECUTIVE
Fred Roos: Producer

Francis Ford Coppola: American Director, THE GODFATHER SAGA
Mario Puzo: Oscar-winning novelist, screenwriter, THE GODFATHER

Nino Rota: Composer, AMARCORD, THE GODFATHER

George Robert Nelson: Set Decorator

Peter Zinner: Oscar winning American Editor/Director, THE DEER HUNTER
Barry Malkin: Editor
Richard Marks: Editor

"The musical score plays an even greater role in THE GODFATHER: PART II than it did in the original film. Nostalgic, mournful, evoking lost eras, it stirs emotions...."