The Offer

After leaving the Rand Corp., Al Ruddy is set to produce "The Godfather" for Paramount. Joe Colombo, a rising crime boss in the NYC Mafia, has a darker fate in mind for the film.

With Francis Ford Coppola & Mario Puzo penning the script, Al Ruddy & Bettye McCartt's list of opposition to the film grows. Robert Evans & Barry Lapidus argue over Paramount's direction.

Pressure is on for script delivery after Ruddy sits down with Colombo. Evans finds himself navigating hot waters with Gulf & Western's CEO Charlie Bluhdorn. Bluhdorn is interested in Bettye.

Marlon Brando & Al Pacino are in talks for leading roles. Ruddy picks between Evans & Coppola. Ruddy gains Colombo's support & sees a new side. Ruddy & Francoise's relationship strains.

Ruddy & Bettye fight logistical nightmares with shooting quickly approaching. The Mob continues to ingrain itself in the making of the film. Tensions rise between Colombo & Crazy Joe Gallo.

Ruddy deals with the fallout of press conference. Evans creates a plan to save Paramount. Bettye takes action as the 1st day of filming is halted due to Gulf & Western, Paramount, & Mafia.

Dissatisfied with the footage, Lapidus plans a coup. Ruddy creates a plan to save both Coppola & Pacino's jobs. Carlo Gambino questions Colombo's leadership as he holds another large rally.

In the bloody aftermath of the rally, Gallo threatens the film's budget as Ruddy fights to protect the funding. Evans spirals with the end of his marriage, allowing Lapidus to capitalize.

With problems for both production and Sicily, Ruddy leaves to help Evans. Post-production disputes with Lapidus threaten Coppola's vision for the edit & Bettye thinks about her next move.

"The Godfather" is released to rave reviews and box office records. Drama unfolds at the 45th Academy Awards. Al Ruddy looks to the future and his next project.