Al Ruddy gets the job of producing an adaptation of the bestselling novel "The Godfather" for Paramount Pictures, but rising crime boss Joe Colombo has a different fate planned for the film.

With Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo penning the script, Al Ruddy and Bettye McCartt confront an ever-growing list of opposition; Robert Evans and Barry Lapidus lock horns over the creative direction of Paramount Pictures.

With Marlon Brando and Al Pacino considered for leading roles in "The Godfather," Ruddy is faced with a variety of issues.

Ruddy and Bettye combat logistical nightmares with principal photography quickly approaching. As the Mob continues to ingrain itself in the making of the film, tensions rise between Colombo and notorious hot head Crazy Joe Gallo.

Ruddy deals with the fallout from the disastrous press conference while Evans creates a plan to save Paramount. Bettye takes action as the first day of filming is compromised by collisions with Gulf and Western, Paramount and the Mafia.

Dissatisfied with the footage, Barry Lapidus plans a potential coup as Ruddy attempts to save Coppola and Pacino's jobs. Carlo Gambino questions Colombo's leadership as he holds another Italian-American Civil Rights League rally.

In the aftermath of the rally, Gallo threatens "The Godfather's" production budget as Ruddy struggles to protect the funding for Sicily. Evans spirals after the breakup of his marriage with Ali MacGraw, allowing Lapidus to capitalize.

As production runs into challenges in Sicily, Ruddy leaves early to get Evans back on track. Coppola's vision for the edit is jeopardized by post-production disputes. Bettye thinks about her next move.

"The Godfather" is released to rave reviews and box office records. Drama unfolds at the 45th Academy Awards.