Arguably the best sequel ever, The Godfather, Part II is the only sequel to win the Oscar for Best Picture after the original film also won that award.  Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 epic examines both the rise of Michael Corleone and the early days of his father Vito Corleone.

Al Pacino returns as Michael with Robert De Niro taking on the role of younger Vito.  Both men were nominated for Oscars with De Niro taking home the Best Supporting Actor award.  Others in the cast include the return of Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire, Abe Vigoda and James Caan along with newcomers Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, and Troy Donohue.  Danny Aiello, Bruno Kirby and Harry Dean Stanton can also be seen in small parts.

The screenplay was by Coppola and Mario Puzo, on whose novel the first two films were based.  The Godfather, Part II was nominated for 11 Oscars. In addition to De Niro’s win and the Best Picture trophy, it won for Director (Coppola), Screenplay (Coppola and Puzo), Art Direction and Score.

Tonight at 7pm, this big film returns to the big screen as the Ron Robinson Theatre screens it as part of the Great Directors series.  Tickets are $5, with concessions available for purchase as well.