What The Godfather Got Wrong About Frank Sinatra (Johnny Fontane)

Frank Sinatra inspired The Godfather’s Johnny Fontane. The casting record and his real mob ties challenge the movie’s portrait of a singer under control.

The Godfather gives Johnny Fontane a comeback arranged by Don Corleone, with a horse’s head doing the persuading. Frank Sinatra’s comeback followed a different path. His career had stalled when he pursued Angelo Maggio in From Here to Eternity, enlisted Ava Gardner’s help and made the screen test that helped secure the role. He accepted $8,000 for the part and won the 1954 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Full documentary: youtu.be/mNrTnkuhwGI