No mafia in 'The Godfather'

The most famous mafia movie of all time does not include use of the one word that describes the people in it.

Joseph Colombo Sr. was head of one of New York's infamous five families, and one of very few mafia bosses who actually welcomed the media spotlight.

In the late '60s, the FBI had taken great interest in Colombo's businesses, including loan-sharking, jewel thieving and a very profitable gambling operation. As a way of turning the tables on the bureau, he accused it of harassment.

The film was ready to begin shooting in New York when the league declared it as their No. 1 enemy and priority. Although Colombo wanted the FBI to believe differently, he was still a gangster and had a certain way of taking care of business.

Some of Colombo's tactics included shooting the windows out of a sports car belonging to one producer, leaving a note on the dash demanding the movie be shut down and calling another producer with the message: "We don't want to break your pretty face, hurt your newborn. Don't shoot no movie about the family here. Got it?"

Finally a meeting was scheduled between movie producer Ruddy and mob boss Colombo. Colombo demanded he get to read the script and Ruddy obliged, but about two minutes in, it became clear Colombo did not understand what movie terms such as "fade in" meant. He slammed the script on the desk and asked associates, "Do we trust this guy?"

They responded, "Yes."

Colombo then said, "Then what am I reading a script for? Let's make a deal."

The deal was throughout the movie, the word "mafia" would not be said, along with the term "cosa nostra," which means "thing of ours," or "la cosa nostra," "this thing of ours."

Ruddy agreed to the terms and the two men shook hands.

Ruddy was later quoted saying, "I'd rather deal with a mob guy shaking hands on a deal than a Hollywood lawyer, who, the minute you get the contract signed, is trying to figure out how to screw you."

The word "mafia" was only said once in the original screenplay.

The entire situation brought more good than harm to the film. With the Italian-American Civil Rights League behind it, Italian-Americans sort of adopted the film as their own, which gives us the right to enjoy it without worrying about prejudices.

Ruddy's production won three Oscars, including best picture, best actor in a leading role for Marlon Brando and best writing, screenplay based on material from another medium.

The American Film Institute ranks "The Godfather" as the second greatest film of all time