I like Godfather II, so don't get me wrong. But George Lucas even advised Coppola after a test screening that his film was actually two films in one, that he should condense it to one.

Of course, in the end, it became Coppola Gold: winning Best Picture, you can't beat that.

But imagine if Coppola took Lucas' advice and used either the Young Vito portions for Part II, or used the late 1950's Michael Corleone portions.

Then, he could have released The Godfather, Part III in 1976 - using whichever portion was left off of Part II.

I think it was better the way he did. If he wanted he could have stretched it out and made it two, and three then made #4 but it was good as is.