The book and movie obviously overlap quite a bit. But the book certainly fills in many gaps that the theatrical releases deleted. That's why I enjoy the Saga when it's on tv, to answer some of the open questions. I wish all versions of the film had the scene when Vito & his sons visit Genco during his last hour. I think it would have given GF1 more support of Michael and Vito's strained relationship. I don't think "That's my family Kay, it's not me" does it justice. I also liked the fact that Santino's character was more fully developed in the book (as expected due to time constraints in a movie). I could have done without the detailed description about Sonny's genitalia! But probably the best portion from the book is the exchange between Tom & Vito after the sitdown. To my knowledge, this doesn't appear in any film. And, not to be overlooked, the whole Woltz thing in the book was so cool, especially after he called Tom in a rage after Khartoum was decapitated.
The end of the book with Tom's explanation to Kay was unexpected. But, I don't believe that the book's ending had a proper place in the movie.
Anway, I plan on re-reading the book soon. It was neat to see the movie first and then read the novel.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by goombah:
[QB] I could have done without the detailed description about Sonny's genitalia! I must say I am in the middle of reading the book after watching the movie over and over since I can remember. and watching this part of the movie just isnt the same after reading it in the book!!!!!! its funny, but some things are better left unsaid. My husband was totally grossed out when I told him what the book said.

I think reading the book is a must for the diehard GF fans. It gives a lot of interesting (extra according to the movie) info. It also gives answers to several questions about the movie. Unfortunately it doesn't show the parts with Roth and things of GF 3.

Agree 100%, Goombah. Although the book isn't nearly as carefully written as the Trilogy is produced and directed, it contains many essential nuances and details missing from the films. Puzo was first and foremost a wonderful storyteller in the great Italian tradition, and the book is rich in little and big stories that are either omitted or not fleshed out in the films. My favorites are the Bocchicchio Family and how they got Michael back from Sicily; the recruitment of Al Neri; the Don's rise following Fanucci's murder; and Michael's education at the hands of Dr. Taza. I could have lived without Jules and Lucy, Nino, and most of Johnny Fontaine and the Hollywood stuff that Puzo couldn't resist inflicting on us.

I love the book!

If the GF were based on actual characters, such as the untouchables, then I think it will be approiate use outside sources to check the validity of the godfather. However, with fiction we are seeing to visions of two different artist (puzo and ffc) of the same characters. Some events and characters do overlap. Most are changed, added in one media and omited in another.
Soon, we will be enjoying the newest version of the godfather in novel form. The novel will be based on the characters in the book not the movie.

Therefore, I respectively disagree. Its better to enjoy the two versions of the Godfather seprately because their are too many polar differences between the two.