With all eyes on streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, it can be easy to forget that there is a streaming platform with an excellent body of films just waiting to be watched, all free of charge. BBC iPlayer is home to hundreds of classic movies, some of which aren’t available on any other platform. So, with that being said, here are three legendary films leaving the platform in the next week that you won’t want to miss.
The Godfather (1972) – Leaving September 22
The original Godfather movie was released in 1972 and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The trilogy follows the Corleone family under patriarch Vito Corleone and the transformation of his son, who transforms from an outsider to a mafia boss. The film’s stellar lineup includes Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte and Diane Keaton.
The Godfather’s synopsis reads: “Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Brando). When the don’s youngest son, Michael (Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.”
The Godfather Part II (1974) – Leaving September 23
The second Godfather movie, The Godfather Part II is both a sequel and a prequel to the original Godfather film. It presents two parallel storylines that follow one picks up the 1958 story of Michael Corleone, played by Pacino, who is the new Don of the family and is trying to protect the family business in the aftermath of an attempt on his life, while the other storyline follows his father, Vito Corleone, who is played by Robert De Niro. It goes back to his Sicillian childhood all the way to the founding of the family business in New York.
The Godfather Part III (1990) – Leaving September 24
The final Godfather film is often left out of discussions when talking about the greatest gangster films of all time, some would say however, that it is underrated. Released 16 years on from the second instalment, The Godfather III is once directed by Francis Ford Coppola from the screenplay co-written with Mario Puzo. The film provides a conclusion to the story of Michael Corleone, the patriarch of the Corleone family as he attempts to legitimise his criminal empire. The film’s synopsis states: “Michael Corleone decides to put an end to all the criminal activities his family is involved in. However, the mob leader refuses to let him go. Also, his nephew wants a piece of his criminal empire.”
