The Godfather, widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history, holds enduring cultural significance not only for its influence on the gangster genre of films, but also for its deep and often overlooked connections to Long Island, New York. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972, the film was adapted from Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel and brought to life the saga of the Corleone crime family. While The Godfather is typically associated with New York City and Sicily, many key elements of its production and storyline are firmly rooted in Long Island's geography and culture.
One of the most iconic and violent scenes in the film -- the ambush at the toll booth that ends the life of Sonny Corleone -- was reportedly filmed on the grounds of what is now the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale. Though often assumed to be upstate or elsewhere (e.g. the toll booths on the parkway by Jones Beach), this scene took place just minutes from the Nassau Coliseum, giving Long Island residents a surreal brush with cinematic history. The open, somewhat rural stretch of road depicted was part of a former airfield, making it a practical location for the production’s complex shootout sequence.
The infamous "horse head" scene of the film was reportedly filmed at Sand's Point Preserve, which is home to three spectacular mansions: Falaise, Hempstead House, and Castle Gould. A clip of that scene can be seen here.
Another major Long Island tie is the filming that took place at the former Lido Beach Hotel, which stood in the beach community of Lido Beach until iit was repurposed into the residential Lido Towers complex. Room 242 is believed to have been where the death of Philip Tattaglia was filmed.
The film also bears a literary and personal connection to Long Island through its author, Mario Puzo, being a resident of Merrick, a town in Nassau County, during his life. Director Francis Ford Coppola himself has strong Long Island roots, having grown up in Great Neck, where he attended Great Neck North High School. He later went on to study at Hofstra University, majoring in theater arts.
Lastly, Long Beach, another Long Island town, is both referenced and widely believed to serve as the symbolic setting of the Corleone family compound. The beachside atmosphere and old-world mansions in that area served as real-life inspirations for the opulent family estate depicted in the film, despite much of the actual compound being filmed in Staten Island. These connections reinforce Long Island's role as a critical, if under-credited, foundation for the mythos of The Godfather.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 24, 2025. Updated on July 1, 2025.