You Won’t Believe What Was Cut From The Godfather

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As a passionate cinephile, I can confidently say that The Godfather trilogy stands unparalleled among three-part cinematic epics. These films are not just revered as landmarks in the world of cinema, but have also amassed an impressive collective gross of around $517 million and earned 28 Academy Award nominations, taking home nine prestigious statuettes. If fate had permitted, a fourth installment might have seen the light of day, but alas, author Mario Puzo left us in the late ’90s. Yet, the story feels so complete that there hasn’t been a clamor for further expansion of this fictional world. However, it’s intriguing to ponder how the saga could have evolved had certain deleted scenes been preserved.

Just like numerous other highly-acclaimed Hollywood movies, certain segments were not included during the editing process, particularly while creating the initial two installments, often regarded as the best. These omitted details surfaced when the NBC miniseries, titled “The Godfather Saga“, was aired in 1977. Remarkably, some of these scenes were so compelling that it’s challenging not to ponder why director Francis Ford Coppola chose to exclude them.

7
Sonny Takes Charge After Vito Gets Shot

In line to assume leadership, Sonny was a seasoned figure who had significantly expanded his influence in New York’s criminal underworld by seizing control of certain territories. Had it not been for a brutal assassination, he would have likely risen to the position of boss. However, the character portrayed in “The Godfather” as impulsive and unwise left fans wanting someone else. That alternative emerged in the form of Michael.

Gathering an Army

In a scene cut from the film, Sonny assumes control of the business after his father is wounded. Instead of panicking, he calmly shares the upsetting news with his mother and then directs Tessio to bring 50 trusted associates home.

Removing the scene was a wise choice because it would have led Sonny to seek revenge instead of Michael, which would have significantly altered the storyline. This change would have meant that the memorable scene involving Captain McClusky and Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo wouldn’t have occurred, as Michael might not have seemed as fit for the job when he eventually took it.

6
Michael Kills Fabrizio

As a cinephile, when Michael fled to Sicily following his actions against McClusky and Sollozzo, it was Fabrizio and Carlo who were assigned to safeguard him. Later on, I found myself in a tricky situation as Fabrizio, betraying Michael to the Barzini clan, who subsequently demanded his life. However, the explosive device I planted on Michael’s vehicle inadvertently claimed the life of Apollonia instead.

Getting His Own Hands Dirty

In the movie “The Godfather Part II,” Michael dispatches individuals to locate Fabrizio, who has taken up residence in Buffalo, New York as “Fred Vincent.” They end his life with a car bomb, echoing the saying “what you sow with a sword, you reap with a sword.” Interestingly, in a scene that didn’t make it into the final cut, Michael, wearing a fedora and employing classic Mafioso tactics, encounters Fabrizio and takes his life with a shotgun.

Or:

In “The Godfather Part II,” Michael hires people to find Fabrizio, who now goes by “Fred Vincent” in Buffalo, New York. They eliminate him using a car bomb, symbolizing the phrase “reap what you sow with a sword.” In an unseen scene, Michael dons a fedora and confronts Fabrizio in typical Mafia style, ultimately ending his life with a shotgun.

A picture of Michael brandishing a shotgun could have become legendary, enhancing the movie’s appeal. Moreover, this scene would have amplified his image as a tough guy, placing him in the league of Tony Montana, more than just your average mafia boss.

5
Kay Prays for Michael

In some exceptional gangster stories, it’s only the wife who isn’t intimidated by the mob boss. On “The Sopranos”, Carmella gave Tony a tough time, and Kay did the same to Michael in “The Godfather”. After recognizing how much he had changed, she even left him, but an omitted scene portrays her as a resilient wife, more like Michael’s mother who remains steadfast.

Focusing on Turning a Bad Man Good

In the supplementary section of “The Godfather,” the theme of women striving to transform unkind men is revisited. Despite Michael’s inconsistency causing significant distress to Kay’s already fragile mental state, she decides to offer prayers for him in a poignant scene that was intended as the ending sequence.

In a different phrasing:

The impact of such a scenario could stretch as far as “The Godfather Part III,” where a fleeting moment of unity between the two characters occurs. The turmoil within their marriage adds a flavorful twist to tales like these, demonstrating that despite their tough exterior, mob bosses are still human and prone to managing their lives imperfectly.

Maintaining a harmonious marriage between Michael and Kay would have made the narrative lackluster, and Kay less of the strong, feminist character she represents.

The events described here might be similar to scenes found in “The Godfather Part III.” The ups and downs of their marriage add interest to the story, showing that even though mob bosses appear tough, they have personal lives that can get complicated.

A happy marriage between Michael and Kay would not make for an exciting story, and it would diminish Kay’s role as a strong, independent character.

4
Clemenza Introduces a Young Hyman Roth to Vito

Unexpectedly, Hyman Roth makes an appearance. It turns out he’s a significant figure in the criminal underworld, with a past business relationship with Vito – they collaborated on bootlegging during the Prohibition period. Fearing Michael’s rise to power, he attempts to orchestrate his assassination, but his plot unravels and fails.

Roth’s Background isn’t Properly Laid Out in the Final Cut

Roth comes across as a formidable figure, sending shivers just by the way he speaks and his very presence. The scene where the camera focuses on his neck alone is enough to make one uneasy. However, the character could have been more effectively menacing if the deleted scene revealing more about his past had been included.

At a crucial juncture, a young Clemenza presents Hyman to Vito and endorses him. Impressed, Vito guides Hyman, fostering his growth until he’s ready to fly on his own. However, had Hyman betrayed Michael later, this act of treachery would have amplified his villainy, potentially positioning him among the most detestable movie antagonists due to the kindness initially shown by Vito.

3
Sonny’s Daughter Has a Chat With Michael

In “The Godfather Part II,” as I step forward to speak with Michael Corleone on my wedding day, it’s clear that none of Sonny’s offspring have been involved in the family’s affairs. This is something that subtly surfaces during our conversation.

The Rise of Vincent

A significant issue that lessens the impact of “The Godfather Part III” is the absence of clear background information. For instance, why did Vincent rise to prominence in the family over Sonny’s biological heirs? The solution to this puzzle can be found in a scene that was cut from the film. If this scene had been kept, viewers would have been better prepared for the arrival of Vincent Mancini in the third installment. However, Vincent appears to emerge unexpectedly in the storyline. This is followed by him being given too much authority.

2
Vito Visits Genco in Hospital

In my movie-loving perspective, let me rephrase that for you:

As a kid, I’ve known Genco Abbandando, the confidant of my father, Vito Corleone, long before Tom Hagen stepped into the picture. Together, we fought and won the Olive Oil Wars, and when Vito ascended to the throne as a major Don, Genco stood by his side faithfully. Although Genco isn’t a character you see on screen, an unseen scene from The Godfather’s early moments hints at his tragic fate – he was battling cancer. After my sister’s wedding, I made the solemn visit to Genco on his deathbed, where we shared our final moments together.

The First Right-Hand Man

As a passionate moviegoer, I’ve always admired Vito for his inclusive mindset. Despite Tom Hagen not being of Sicilian descent, he was given more power than anyone else in the family, which is quite fascinating. However, a clear exposition of how the transition from Genco to Tom occurred would have enriched our comprehension of Vito’s thought process significantly. This would have allowed us to step into The Godfather Part II with a deeper understanding of the past. Upon seeing Genco on his deathbed, we wouldn’t have been left guessing about his fate, especially since we get to see a younger version of him in Part II.

1
Don Fanucci Gets Attacked by Street Thugs

In the initial phase of his criminal life, it was Don Fanucci whom everyone perceived as a figure to be feared. He intimidated local business owners, boasting about his supposed ties to the mafia. It took considerable courage for Vito to confront him eventually. Yet, one might wonder if he wasn’t terrified of retaliation? The key moment that reveals the answer is a pivotal point in the story.

Fake Don

In the given scenario, Vito notices some roughnecks harassing Fanucci. This incident leads him to understand that Fanucci’s strength might be exaggerated since it appears that he lacks the influence that would deter such thugs from approaching him.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but appreciate how the inclusion of a scene showing Vito’s revelation about Fanucci’s true power would have enriched the iconic moment of Vito taking him down. It would have provided a deeper understanding and context to one of the most memorable scenes in the movie.

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2025-03-26 01:02