actors could practice the script for two weeks before filming. the two weeks ended with a dinner, where everyone had to play their roles. most of the film was shot in real locations in new york city and sicily. filming was in new york city from march 29, 1971, to july 2, 1971, and in sicily until august 6, 1971. after filming, scenes from the film were removed. most of these scenes did not add to the plot.