SON OF GODFATHER

For years, Marlon Brando wasn’t thrilled about offspring Christian following in his acting footsteps. And Christian, 29, stayed away from the cameras, working as a Bev Hills tree surgeon--until now.

He’s been in the village of Nardo--on the heel of Italy and heavy Cosa Nostra territory--playing a hit man in an Italian thriller called “Up for Grabs.” It’s his first movie part.

“Pops was more worried about me getting screwed for money than about the script or the role,” said the son of Brando by former wife Anna Kashfi. “But now he has wished me luck and given me his blessing.”

Pop’s advice: “Remember to get the first three punches in, they’re the ones that count.”