Francis Ford Coppola has revealed the unexpected reason he believes The Godfather became one of the most successful films of all time – and it has nothing to do with mobsters, violence, or even Marlon Brando. The 85-year-old director, whose 1972 gangster epic won three Academy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, credits something far more domestic for its success: children.

Coppola shared his theory in an interview with chef Ruth Rogers on the latest episode of her podcast, Ruthie’s Table 4, in which they discussed food, family, and filmmaking. “Although I must say that the reason I'm convinced that The Godfather was successful was because it was the first gangster film that had a lot of kids running around in the scenes,” Coppola said. “Gangster pictures didn't have kids. But of course, at an Italian wedding, there are kids sliding around everywhere.”