UPDATE: The legendary scene from “The Godfather”, featuring the famous line “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli,” was filmed in Jersey City, New Jersey, but access to the precise location remains restricted as of 2025. Movie fans hoping to visit the iconic spot in Liberty State Park will be disappointed to learn it has been off-limits for decades.
The scene, filmed in 1971, shows Clemenza, played by Richard Castellano, giving chilling instructions to Rocco after a brutal act of violence. The juxtaposition of crime and family values encapsulated in that moment has made it a memorable part of film history. Former New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission director Steve Gorelick emphasized, “The irony of the comment, set against the action, was quite memorable.”
Though many filming locations in New York City, including the Airbnb-listed Corleone family mansion, are accessible, the actual filming site of this pivotal scene is located on an unmarked road now part of Liberty State Park, which opened in 1976. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the area has been fenced off since the early 1980s due to environmental contamination issues.
Officials confirm that the area where Paulie meets his fate is within a 210-acre section currently undergoing ecological restoration. DEP spokesperson Larry Hajna stated, “This is part of the interior ecological restoration project area and is not currently accessible to the public.”
Photos from state officials reveal the overgrown site, further highlighting the need for cleanup. The ongoing Liberty State Park Revitalization Program aims to restore the area, but it remains uncertain whether the historic filming location will be preserved or marked in any way.
Former New Jersey Tourism Industry Association executive director Joseph Simonetta noted the public’s interest in visiting such iconic locations. “People love to visit the sites of movies they recognize,” he stated.
Despite its significance, the exact filming location has become a matter of historical intrigue, with conflicting reports about its precise coordinates. The DEP has documented the GPS location based on information from a former park employee, yet the ambiguity remains as to whether future visitors will ever be able to stand where Clemenza once did.
The emotional weight of this scene is heightened by the presence of the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop, symbolizing the immigrant experience that many of the characters in the film represent. The film’s exploration of family loyalty against a backdrop of crime resonates with audiences, making the desire to visit the scene even more compelling.
While the fate of the location remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the legacy of “The Godfather” continues to attract attention. As the revitalization efforts unfold, fans of the film can only hope for a future where this iconic scene can be commemorated and accessible to the public.
In the realm of cinema, few moments are as impactful as Clemenza’s infamous line, capturing the essence of a film that has stood the test of time. With the ongoing efforts to restore Liberty State Park, there remains hope that one day, fans may be able to visit this sacred ground and pay homage to one of film history’s most memorable scenes.
