On Saturday May 30, Bruce Crawford hosted his 24th
classic film salute in Omaha Ne. with a special showing of The Godfather and a
tribute to Omaha native, Marlon Brando. Brando's son, Miko and his wife Karen
and daughter Prudence, were special guests. Actor John Martino, who played
"Paulie Gatto" in the film, was also a guest speaker.
.
In his usual manner, Bruce had re-enactors in 1940s
era clothing and gangster style apparel. Godfathers' Pizza, co-sponsored the
event as a benefit for the Omaha Hearing School for Children. Artist Nicolosi
created another breathtaking portrait for the event, this time one of Brando as
Vito Corleone. Miko spoke emotionally of his father to the large audience at the
Joslyn Art Museum's Witherspoon theater. John Martino told of his selection over
actor Robert De Niro for the role of Paulie. The film was a pristine restored print, the Coppola
restoration. The audience was in awe of the film as it was shown on the big
screen. Most had never seen it in its proper theatrical format. Earlier in the day, the Brandos
were taken to the home that Marlon was raised in and toured the Omaha Community
Playhouse, where Brando's mother, Dorothy, co founded in 1924. It was a historic
visit as the Brandos' had never been to Omaha before and rarely make public
appearances. For more, visit Omaha Film Events web site. .
The Brando family sent the following letter to the Omaha World Herald:
“What a
wonderful way to commemorate Marlon by showing a Cinematic Classic “The
Godfather†in his own hometown!  From the moment we landed in Omaha until the time we
left, we felt that we were treated with so much respect and received warm
welcomes from everyone. The respect that we received was the same that
Marlon had for his native land. Amber Miller was gracious enough to take
us on a tour of the Omaha Hearing School for Children.  The
tour of the Omaha Playhouse which starred Miko’s grandmother, Dorothy Brando,
back in 1925 was very moving. We were also very fortunate to have
visited the house that she lived in when Marlon was a
child.
We would like
to thank all the Omaha Film Event sponsors for giving us an unforgettable
weekend. The generous hospitality and professionalism from Bruce Crawford left
us with a very memorable experience. Miko, Prudence and I were very
touched by the amount of love and adoration the people of Omaha have for Marlon,
and we were honored to have been included in such a prestigious event.Â
It was great to see that the screening of The Godfather drew such a large
crowd. On behalf of Marlon, Miko would like to thank Bruce for honoring
his father in such a celebrated event.â€
Miko,Karen and Prudence
Brando,
Los Angeles,
CA