The Freshman

Writer/director Andrew Bergman was intent on persuading the increasingly reclusive actor Marlon Brando to play the role of Mafia chieftain Carmine Sabatini. A few weeks after sending Brando the script, the actor phoned Bergman and invited the director to his home to discuss the movie. Bergman arrived at Brando's Mulholland Drive home and began two days of intensive, non-stop conversations. The director and the actor discussed eastern religion, the economy, politics, philosophy, insects, geology, history, favorite foods, meditation--everything but the movie, the screenplay, or the role of Carmine Sabatini. Finally, after two days of discussions, during a lull in the conversation, Brando said, "I don't think I can play this part without referencing some aspect of the Don," referring to his iconic role in The Godfather (1972). Bergman, drawing on his background as a comedy writer, thought for a moment. Then he brightened. "I've got it!" said Bergman. "We'll make Carmine Sabatini the guy 'The Godfather' is based on!" The actor thought Bergman's idea over. "I can live with that," Brando said after a few seconds. "Let's do the picture."

In Clark's dorm room, there is a poster of Buster Keaton on the wall. In the ending credits, it is identified as "Charlie Chaplin."

Paramount Pictures Corporation is the exclusive owner of all motion picture rights in and to "The Godfather," "The Godfather, Part II," and the character of Don Vito Corleone. Any incidental allusion thereto in this motion picture occurs with the permission of Paramount Pictures Corporation.

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Quick Change/Arachnophobia/Ghost/The Adventures of Ford Fairlaine/Jetsons: The Movie (1990)