The career of Francis Coppola brilliantly expresses the drive and invention of the American cinema. The Godfather put him, at the age of thirty-two, right at the top of the industry as a writer, director and producer. Yet, he has also suffered setbacks. By 1982 he had won five Oscars and, at the same time, was over $20 million in debt. Peter Cowie brings new and fascinating details to light about the Coppola family, the creation of the Zoetrope film studio, and the establishment of Coppola´s own vineyard. Coppola´s working methods are explored, alongside detailed accounts of the making of his films.