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Beverly Estate
Los Angeles, USA
Originally owned by newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, the Beverly Estate was used in the scenes featuring Jack Woltz, the fictional movie producer who ends up on the wrong side of the Corleone family (which is never a good place to be).
It’s reportedly also the location where Woltz wakes up to find the bloody head of a dead horse in his bed. However, the filming location of the iconic scene has been hotly debated, with other claims suggesting the horse head scene was actually filmed in a Long Island estate.
The beautiful Beverly Hills estate has changed many hands since The Godfather filmed there, but it’s still standing.
The Godfather's Office
New York, USA
One of the iconic filming locations in "The Godfather" is the storefront of Genco Pura Olive Oil, a seemingly innocent business that conceals the Corleone family's illicit activities. The scene where Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, collapses in the street after an assassination attempt was filmed outside this store. The location perfectly captures the duality of the Corleone empire—presenting a facade of legitimacy while hiding the darker, more sinister dealings within.
The actual storefront is located at 128 Mott Street in Little Italy, New York City. Mott Street, with its narrow cobblestone lanes and vibrant Italian-American atmosphere, adds authenticity to the film's portrayal of the Corleone family's roots. The area has a rich history, serving as a hub for Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. Aside from "The Godfather," the neighborhood has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing its cultural significance in the cinematic world.
New York County Courthouse
New York, USA
In the iconic scene at the New York County Courthouse in The Godfather (1972), the tension is as palpable as the stunning neoclassical architecture surrounding the characters. As Barzini meets his demise at the hands of the fake cop, the grandeur of the courthouse adds a layer of dramatic irony to the scene.
Constructed in 1927, the New York County Courthouse, also known as the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, has a history as impressive as its cinematic presence. Its Corinthian columns and marble interiors have not only played witness to legal proceedings but have also served as a backdrop for numerous films, including 12 Angry Men (1957) and Wall Street (1987), contributing to its status as a cinematic landmark in the heart of Manhattan.
St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
New York, USA
One iconic filming location in "The Godfather" is St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Little Italy, New York City. This stunning cathedral serves as the backdrop for the dramatic baptism scene, where Michael Corleone renounces Satan as he simultaneously orders the execution of his enemies. The juxtaposition of the sacred ceremony and violent acts is chillingly powerful.
St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, built in the early 1800s, is a historical gem, standing as one of the oldest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the United States. Its classic Gothic architecture and rich history add an extra layer of authenticity to the film. Besides "The Godfather," the cathedral has been featured in other notable films, making it a cinematic landmark in its own right.
Jack Dempsey's Restaurant
New York, USA
Jack Dempsey's Restaurant, a quintessential New York City establishment, serves as the intense backdrop for one of The Godfather's pivotal scenes. As Michael Corleone confronts his brother-in-law Carlo about his treacherous betrayal, the dimly lit ambiance of the restaurant intensifies the gravity of the moment. The scene's emotional tension is palpable as Michael, played by Al Pacino, asserts his authority amidst the clinking glasses and hushed conversations.
Situated at 33rd Street and Broadway, Jack Dempsey's has a rich history dating back to the 1930s when it was owned by the legendary boxer Jack Dempsey. The restaurant became a favored haunt for celebrities and sports figures, adding a layer of authenticity to its portrayal in The Godfather. Over the years, Jack Dempsey's has welcomed other film crews, making appearances in movies that seek to capture the gritty allure of New York City's past, solidifying its status as a cinematic landmark.
Corleone Mansion
New York, USA
"Located at 110 Longfellow Avenue on a cul-de-sac in the Emerson Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, the home that served as the Corleone mansion looks much different now than it did during filming.
To help give moviegoers the impression of how significant of a player the Corleone family was amongst the Five Families and in the organized crime arena in general, film crews erected a temporary stone wall with a metal entrance gate (replete with an armed guard) to give the Tudor home a more ostentatious quality. And it worked, making the property appear much larger than it really is and creating a visual separation from the other homes on the block. "
Godfather
1972
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