'The Offer' shows Sinatra confronting Mario Puzo over his alleged likeness in 'The Godfather'
Paramount+ has officially released the first 3 episodes of its limited series 'The Offer'. Based on Oscar-winning producer Albert S. Ruddy's perspective, the show depicts the hitherto unseen experiences of making 'The Godfather' (1972).
One real-life story shown in ‘The Offer’ is the infamous confrontation between Mario Puzo, the author of ‘The Godfather’, and Frank Sinatra. In fact, the incident inspired Michael Tolkin, the creator of ‘The Offer’, to make the show.
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In the first episode of 'The Offer', Mario Puzo (Patrick Gallo) spots Frank Sinatra (Frank John Hughes) at a Hollywood restaurant and decides to tell him how much he means to him. Unfortunately, Sinatra quickly realizes the fanboy is none other than the author of 'The Godfather' and things become worse.
In real life, when 'The Godfather' was published, many assumed the novel's character Johnny Fontane – an alcoholic womanizer - was modeled after Sinatra. The legendary singer reportedly believed these assumptions too. However, Puzo denied the claim and made it clear that Fontaine was a purely fictional character. Regardless, Sinatra refused to hear his side and humiliated Puzo in front of a crowd of people in a restaurant.
Coincidentally, there were meetings to cast Sinatra in ‘The Godfather.’ Sinatra himself had expressed interest to star in the movie adaptation. However, his brutal treatment of Puzo really affected the novelist. Puzo called Sinatra "an idol" in ‘The Godfather Papers and Other Confessions.' Naturally, an episode like that stung. “I felt depressed,” Puzo wrote of the aftermath of their meeting. “I thought Sinatra hated the book and believed that I had attacked him personally.”
In ‘The Offer’, Mario Puzo discards any chances of Sinatra being cast in ‘The Godfather’. Sinatra tries to use his influence to meddle with the film's casting and even takes the help of the mafia to threaten the production. However, Puzo makes it clear to Coppola, the director, and Ruddy, the producer, that he does not want Sinatra in the movie.
Episodes 1, 2 and 3 of 'The Offer' are available to stream in Paramount plus.