Mario Puzo's novel 'The Godfather' is published, laying the foundation for the film adaptation.
Francis Ford Coppola is selected to direct the film adaptation of 'The Godfather'.
Principal photography for 'The Godfather' commences, capturing the iconic scenes of the movie.
The film 'The Godfather' is released in the United States, becoming an immediate critical and commercial success.
The Godfather wins multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, solidifying its status as a cinematic landmark.
The movie opens with the lavish wedding celebration of Connie Corleone, daughter of Vito Corleone. Families and friends gather, and Vito Corleone conducts favors for guests.
Vito Corleone is ambushed and shot multiple times by rival gang members, leading to his hospitalization and temporary weakening of the Corleone family's leadership.
Michael, originally uninvolved in family affairs, kills drug lord Sollozzo and corrupt police captain McCluskey to protect his father and family interests, marking his entry into violent mob life.
After the killings, Michael flees to Sicily to hide from retaliation and the law, beginning his transformation into a true mafia boss.
Sonny Corleone, eldest son of Vito, is ambushed and brutally murdered in a toll booth ambush orchestrated by rival families.
While in exile, Michael marries Apollonia and they have a son, but Apollonia is tragically killed in a car bomb intended for Michael.
After returning from Sicily, Michael assumes more responsibility. Meanwhile, Vito Corleone succumbs to a heart attack peacefully in his garden.
Michael takes over as head of the Corleone family and begins consolidating power, expanding the family's control and influence.
Carlo Rizzi, who was complicit in Sonny's murder, is executed on Michael's orders as part of his plan to eliminate traitors and rivals.
Michael orchestrates a simultaneous assassination of the heads of the five New York crime families during the baptism of his nephew, ensuring his dominance.
