40 Years Later, Owners Of Bronx Restaurant Have No Regrets In Turning Down Role In 'The Godfather'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Thursday marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the classic film "The Godfather."
In one of the most iconic scenes in movie history, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, whacks Solozzo and corrupt police Capt. McCluskey in Louie's Restaurant on White Plains Road in the Bronx.
Director Francis Ford Coppola originally wanted to film the scene at Mario's Restaurant on Arthur Avenue, since the eatery was mentioned in Mario Puzo's novel.
1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reports
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It seems like an offer one couldn't refuse but owner Mario Migliucci politely declined.
His son, Joe Migliucci, said his father wanted his restaurant to be known for its food, not for a fictional murder.
"He didn't want that stigma here," Migliucci tells 1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan.
The family has not once regretted the decision, even though "The Godfather" became one of the most acclaimed films of all time .
"We're still in business, we're going on our 93rd year," Migliucci said. "So what does it tell you? Did it hurt us? No."
The restaurant has been featured in other TV and movie shoots including "The Sopranos."
Forty years later, the restaurant is still going strong.
The same can't be said for Louie's. The restaurant closed down shortly after the Godfather shoot.
