the movie is based on the book "the godfather" by mario puzo. the book was very popular. it was a new york times best seller for 67 weeks. the novel takes place from 1945 to 1955. it tells the story of vito corleone from childhood to adulthood. paramount pictures wanted to make a movie about the novel. the studio gave puzo money to finish the novel so it could be filmed. paramount originally wanted to make the film for $80,000 and release it in 1971.