The fact is, these characters are IN the book, and they are exactly what Mario Puzo wanted. They build a broader picture to the whole story. In the film we're given just a taste of them, which is fine because you wouldn't want to detract from the family life. As far as not being exciting, not everybody wields a gun.

The relationship as seen in the book between Johnny and the Godfather, shows how he made money and dealt with those that were close to him. Of the remaining Jules & Nino while being on the edge of the story are important as they give it depth.

Regarding Lucy Mancini, you've hit a sore point with me... I do feel that the book should have been within reason, followed exactly. Lucy having a child who then becomes in time the head of the family, is such a drastic twist from the original. I find it hard to understand why Mario Puzo did give his blessing, if indeed he did. (I would be interested to know if he had some reservations about this)

I've mentioned in an earlier post that GF3 isn't my favourite, the whole Lucy thing being the main reason. Another point is how suddenly Connie is so for the Family. My last images of her was hating Michael (GF1), and if I remember correctly she wasn't exactly forgiving in (GF2). All of a sudden she pops up acting like a dominatrix. Weird!

Now I might have made a few errors here, as I havn't watched GF1 & GF2 for a few months. As for GF3, I own it, well you've got to really. But I have only watched it 3 times the last being around 2 years ago on a Sicillian weekend stag party.

Last point, I'm fairly new and the whole GF3 issue is a really big bone of contention with me. It may have been covered in earlier posts, still checking them, but what do others think?

Should the film have been made, if so could it have been different or am I being anal?

Your help is appreciated.