The Godfather Part III (Paramount, 1990), Working Script Archive with (5) Variations of Screenplay by Francis Ford Cop...

Description

The Godfather Part III (Paramount, 1990), Working Script Archive with (5) Variations of Screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo, with Notes and Annotations from Fred Roos. Nearly two decades passed between the release of The Godfather Part II and the long-anticipated conclusion to Francis Ford Coppola's epic trilogy. While the first two films were developed within a few short years, The Godfather Part III faced a complex and often difficult path to completion. Offered here is a remarkable archive that traces the evolution of the screenplay over several years, documenting the creative and logistical process that Coppola and longtime collaborator Fred Roos undertook to bring the final chapter to screen. Encompasses Fred Roos' extensive production archive for the film, including (1) "Feasibility Study" on Zoetrope Studios letterhead, prepared by Fred Fuchs with Fred Roos' name in red ink, detailing early budgets and casting considerations including Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and Gene Hackman, with a breakdown of cost differences between U.S. and Italy shooting, (1) studio-bound and bradded second draft script of The Godfather Part III written by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo, dated October 2, 1989, with 114-pages (as paginated), featuring Fred Roos' name and "#3" handwritten in red ink on the title page, and maroon pages from page 135 onward indicating the original secret ending, (1) photocopy of the shooting script dated November 27, 1989, with 120-pages (as paginated), containing handwritten editorial notes in black ballpoint pen by Dennis Jakob, including critiques such as "pretentious garbage" and "Francis, this board meeting is a terrible bore," as well as several pages of typewritten and handwritten notes, (1) studio-bound and bradded post-production draft titled The Godfather - The Death of Michael Corleone, dated April 25, 1990, with 120-pages (as paginated) and computer transmission marks along top margins, featuring handwritten notes and suggestions from Fred Roos including "Sc 41 - Been shot?" and "55 - 2 men in white roses (with gun), guy in doorway with gun" with additional annotations on the back of the final page, (1) studio bradded copy of "Combined Continuity and Spotting" List dated December 27, 1990, with full editorial details, reel count of 14,538 feet, and final runtime of 2 hours, 41 minutes, and 33 seconds, printed and studio bound on 8.5" x 14" yellow (1) 7-page document titled "Proposal for Additional Material and Development for Godfather III" by Dennis Jakob, dated December 14, 1989, offering blunt criticism of the script's lack of a protagonist and suggestions for significant restructuring, (1) set of production call sheets, (1) additional copy of Coppola's preliminary script with handwritten notes from Fred Roos and a fax cover page dated June 14, 1989. Together, these materials comprise one of the most detailed surviving records of The Godfather Part III's development process, tracing the screenplay's transformation from early drafts to post-production edits. Roos' fingerprints are on every stage of the film's evolution, from feasibility planning to final cut, highlighting his continued role as Coppola's creative partner and problem-solver. Though The Godfather Part III received a mixed reception upon release, it still marks the close of one of the most influential film trilogies in American cinema and serves as the final chapter in the Corleone saga. Items exhibit expected production wear including yellowing, staining, bent corners, light water damage and separation from staples in some cases. The poster is for reference only and is not included with this lot. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the Estate of Fred Roos.

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