Manhattan —
Thomas Wilkinson removes his hat before entering the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Lower Manhattan. Beneath the arching, cast-iron beams, and in front of the altar, he crosses himself and turns to the photo-snapping group he is leading on his Catacombs by Candlelight tour.
Wilkinson explains that the baptism scene in “The Godfather” was filmed here; Sofia Coppola was the baby. Then the group exits a side door at the front of the church and descends narrow stairs to the lower level. Wilkinson distributes electric tea lights before the wooden double doors that lead to the most anticipated part of the tour. A hush overcomes the group, and Wilkinson opens the doors.
