#10: Mario Puzo

WHEN ADVENTURE MAGAZINES BEGAT MOVIES

My father hired Mario Puzo as associate editor at Magazine Management at 655 Madison Avenue in 1960. While working there, Puzo would write his great novel about Hell’s Kitchen, The Fortunate Pilgrim. And then at age 49, break out with the most successful novel in history—The Godfather.

Episode Links

The Fortunate Pilgrim

The Godfather Papers

Weasels Ripped My Flesh! Two-Fisted Stories From Men’s Adventure Magazines

Mario Time

Mario Puzo’s 1966 children's book, with a character named Josh.

Mario Puzo’s 1966 children’s book, with a character named Josh.

Mario Puzo and Bruce Jay Friedman at Bruce’s party leaving Magazine Management in 1966

Mario Puzo and Bruce Jay Friedman at Bruce’s party leaving Magazine Management in 1966

1960 masthead for Male, Men, Man’s World and True Action magazines

1960 masthead for Male, Men, Man’s World and True Action magazines