The Godfather is probably cited more frequently than any other film when it comes to discussing the best movies ever made, but many fans may not be aware that Francis Ford Coppola 's timeless crime drama almost looked entirely different. The movie is based on Mario Puzo 's acclaimed novel of the same name, which details the rise and fall of Michael Corleone , the leader of a dangerous mafia family in New York City. Puzo contributed strongly to the film's screenplay, writing his own draft separately to Coppola's draft, then bringing them together to merge into the finished product. The film has received immense acclaim for its ability to blend a thrilling, entertaining story of crime and violence with much deeper themes of family, power, and sacrifice. The Godfather was immediately beloved by critics, earning several Oscar nominations and taking home the award for Best Picture in 1973. Today, it sits at No. 2 on IMDb 's famous Top 250 list. However, The Godfather wasn't an easy film to get off the ground.…