Dear Chairman Meow,

“Can you tell me about the history of the cat in the movie, The Godfather?” – Connie C., Staten Island, N.Y.

Yes, Connie, Chairman Meow knows all things. Allow me to educate you about the kitty that steals the famous opening scene from Marlon Brando in The Godfather movie:

History of The Cat in “The Godfather” Movie:

The gray and white cat held in the opening scene of the Godfather (1972) was actually a stray that director, Francis Ford Coppola, found on the Paramount movie lot during filming.

He added the cat himself, believing that it would help show the Godfather, Don Vito Corleone‘s, soft side. (during the movie, The Godfather strokes the cat while deciding who should live or die)

There was no cat in the actual script, and conspiracy theories suggest that, wishing to be famous, the cat manipulated Marlon Brando into being featured in the movie. In fact, the cat purred so loudly during filming that it overpowered some of Marlon Brando‘s lines, which later had to be edited and looped.

*Theory: Could it be possible that the cat pooped in Francis Ford Coppola’s food, infecting him with toxoplasmosis, which turns the human brain into putty?

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Cat Scene from The Godfather

As you can see, the cat steals this famous scene from Marlon Brando. It also appears obvious that the cat is the real power behind the Corleone family.

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Marlon Brando Was a Cat-Servant

Marlon Brando himself was known to live a life of cat-servitude, obeying his cat’s every command. In fact, Marlon Brando once was quoted as saying, “I live in my cat’s house.” 

So, you see, Kelly… even in movies the kitty is the power behind the throne. I believe it is what you humans might call, art imitating life? 

Chairman Meow haz spoken.

Trivia: What was the name of Marlon Brando’s cat? 

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