The Godfather
Based on a Novel by Mario Puzo
Screenplay by Mario Puzo
Francis Ford Coppola
Produced by Albert S. Ruddy
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Cast List:
Marlon Brando Don Vito Corleone
Al Pacino Michael Corleone
James Caan Sonny Corleone
Harry Dean Stanton Brett
Richard Castellano Clemenza
Robert Duvall Tom Hagen
Sterling Hayden McCluskey
John Marley Jack Woltz
Richard Conte Barzini
Diane Keaton Kay Adams
John Cazale Fredo Corleone
FADE FROM BLACK
Int. Don Corleone's home office – day
BONASERA
(seated in front of the Don's desk, facing the camera)
I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom, but – I taught her never to dishonor her family. She found a boyfriend; not an Italian. She went to the movies with him; she stayed out late. I didn't protest. Two months ago, he took her for a drive, with another boyfriend. They made her drink whiskey. And then they tried to take advantage of her. She resisted. She kept her honor. So they beat her, like an animal. When I went to the hospital, her nose was a'broken. Her jaw was a'shutted, held together by wire. She couldn't even weep because of the pain. But I wept. Why did I weep? She was the light of my life – beautiful girl. Now she will never be beautiful again.
Bonasera breaks down. The Don gestures to Sonny to give Bonasera a drink.
BONASERA
Sorry...
Bonasera, taking the drink, sips from the shot glass.
BONASERA
I-I went to the police, like a good American. These two boys were brought to trial. The judge sentenced them to three years in prison – suspended sentence. Suspended sentence! They went free that very day! I stood in the courtroom like a fool. And those two bastard, they smiled at me. Then I said to my wife, "for justice, we must go to Don Corleone."
VITO CORLEONE
(sitting behind his desk, petting a cat)
Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?
BONASERA
What do you want of me? Tell me anything. But do what I beg you to do.
VITO CORLEONE
What is that?
Bonasera gets up to whisper his request into Don Corleone's ear.
VITO CORLEONE
That I cannot do.
BONASERA
I'll give you anything you ask.
VITO CORLEONE
We've known each other many years, but this is the first time you came to me for counsel, for help. I can't remember the last time that you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here: you never wanted my friendship. And uh, you were afraid to be in my debt.
BONASERA
I didn't want to get into trouble.
VITO CORLEONE
I understand. You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made a good living. The police protected you; and there were courts of law. And you didn't need a friend of me. But uh, now you come to me and you say – "Don Corleone give me justice." – But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you uh ask me to do murder, for money.
BONASERA
I ask you for justice.
VITO CORLEONE
That is not justice; your daughter is still alive.
BONASERA
Then they can suffer then, as she suffers.
(then)
How much shall I pay you?
VITO CORLEONE
(stands, turning his back toward Bonasera)
Bonasera... Bonasera... What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? Had you come to me in friendship, then this scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And that by chance if an honest man such as yourself should make enemies, then they would become my enemies. And then they would fear you.
BONASERA
Be my friend –
(after bowing and the Don shrugs)
– Godfather?
VITO CORLEONE
(after Bonasera kisses his hand)
Good.
(then)
Some day, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for m e. But uh, until that day – accept this justice as a gift on my daughter's wedding day.
BONASERA
(as he leaves the room)
Grazie, Godfather.
VITO CORLEONE
Prego.
(to Tom Hagen, after Bonasera leaves the room)
Ah, give this to ah, Clemenza. I want reliable people; people that aren't gonna be carried away. I'm mean, we're not murderers, despite of what this undertaker says.
CUT TO:
Connie's Wedding reception – Day
We hear the music "Connie's Wedding (The Godfather Tarantella)".
CUT TO:
Connie and Carlo at the head table
CUT TO:
The family gathers for a family portrait
VITO CORLEONE
Where's Michael?
SONNY CORLEONE
Don't worry; it's early.
VITO CORLEONE
We're not taking the picture without Michael
(he tells the photographer, in Italian)
TOM HAGEN
What's the matter, Sonny?
SONNY CORLEONE
It's Michael
The Don meets some guests outside.
Mama dances with Sonny's twin girls.
Connie and Carlo laughs with guest at head table.
Clemenza dances with his wife.
FBI arrives and take license plate numbers.
Tessio sits at a table, tosses himself an orange.
FBI continues to take license plate numbers.
Don Barzini arrives.
VITO CORLEONE
Eh, Don Barzini.
Vito introduces Barzini to someone, in Italian.
Clemenza is dancing, gets tired, and spins off the dancefloor, laughing.
CLEMENZA
(after dancing)
Hey, Paulie! Let me have some wine. Paulie! More wine...
PAULIE (O.S.)
(to someone)
Scusi, please.
(in view, to Clemenza, handing him a pitcher quarter-full of wine)
Hey, you look terrif'' on the dance floor
CLEMENZA
Hey, what are you a dance judge or something? Go take a walk around the neighborhood – do your job.
Sonny pinches Lucy Mancini's cheek as he walks towards his wife, Sandra.
SONNY
Hey Sandra, do me a favor, watch the kids – don't let'em run wild, all right?
SANDRA
Well, you watch yourself, all right?
Reception continues with Part 2 of Connie's Wedding Song (The Godfather Mazurka). We first see Tessio dancing with a young girl standing on his feet.
OFF SCREEN
Eh Tessio...
(something in Italian)
... buona fai.
Don Corleone dances with his wife, Carmella (Mama).
Connie collects gifts for her bridal purse. Paulie is watching.
PAULIE
Twenty... Thirty-grand. In small bills, cash. In that little silk purse. Maron, i f this was someone else's wedding, sweet tonato!
BUTTONMAN
(from afar, tossing him sandwiches)
Hey, Paulie! I got two gavagool? Gabagone?... and a...
PAULIE
Eh, you stupid jerk!
A news photographer takes Barzini's picture. Barzini motions to his men to get the camera.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Eh, what's the matter?
The men bring the camera to Barzini, who removes and crumples the film.
Tom going up to his wife, Theresa, who's sitting at a table at the reception.
TOM
I have to go back to work.
THERESA
Oh, Tom.
TOM
(after he kisses his wife)
It's part of the wedding: No Sicilian can refuse any request on his daughter's wedding day.
LUCA
(rehearsing his lines as Tom passes him)
Don Corleone, I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home...
Sonny goes out into the driveway to see the FBI guys. The Mazurka ends.
SONNY
Eh – what – Get outta here; it's a private party, go on!
(then to FBI guy in car)
What's is it? Hey, it's my sister's wedding.
(he spits after being shown a badge, turns and walks away)
Goddamn FBI don't respect nothing jazz music begins to play from party.
(to photographer)
Eh, come here; come here; come here; come here, come here; come here; come here...
(smashes camera, which Paulie kicks, and flips cash to him)
CUT TO:
Nazorine and Enzo in Don Corleone's office – day
NAZORINE
(seated in front of the Don's desk)
But towards the end, he was uh paroled to help with the American uh war effort. So for the last six months he's been working in my pastry shop.
VITO CORLEONE
(seated)
Nazorine, my friend, what can I do for you?
NAZORINE
Well now that the war is over, this boy, Enzo – they want to repatriate him back to Italy. Godfather, I have a daughter. You see, she and Enzo...
VITO CORLEONE
You want Enzo to stay in this country, and you want your daughter to be married .
NAZORINE
(stands)
You understand everything.
They shake hands, Nazorine turns to leave.
VITO CORLEONE
Bene.
NAZORINE
(with Mr. Hagen now, by the door)
Mr. Hagen, thank you.
(turning to Don Corleone)
An' wait til you see the beautiful wedding cake I made for your daughter! Ooof!
(gestures)
Like this! The bride and the groom and the angel...
TOM
(after Nazorine exits)
Who should I give this job to?
VITO CORLEONE
Not to our paisan. Give it to a jew congressman, in another district. Who else is on the list?
CUT TO:
OUTSIDE
Michael and Kay arrive, make some introductions. They dance to "Ev'rytime I Look In Your Eyes" as the Don watches from his window.
CUT TO:
The Don's office – day
TOM
He's not on the list, but Luca Brasi wants to see you.
VITO CORLEONE
(looking out the window)
Is this – is this necessary?
TOM
He didn't expect to be invited to the wedding, so he wanted to thank you.
VITO CORLEONE
All right.
CUT TO:
Outside of the Corleone residence
Luca sits, rehearsing his lines.
LUCA BRASI
(rehearsing his lines aloud)
Don Corleone, I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home on the wedding day of your daughter. And may there first child be a masculine child.
(starting over, which continues throughout the following dialogue)
Don – Don Corleone...
KAY
Michael, that man over there is talking to himself. See that scary looking guy over there?
LUCA'S VOICE
... On the wedding day of your daughter...
MICHAEL
(after glancing over at Luca)
He's a very scary guy.
KAY
Well, who is he? What's his name?
MICHAEL
His name is Luca Brasi – an' he helps my father out sometimes.
Luca stands up, facing Mike and Kay, seemingly coming toward them.
KAY
Oh, Michael, wait a minute; he's coming over here...
TOM
Mike!
MICHAEL
Oh!
TOM
(embracing Michael)
Heh...! You look terrific!
MICHAEL
My brother, Tom Hagen – this is Kay Adams.
TOM
How do you do.
KAY
How do you do, Tom
TOM
(into Michael's ear)
Your father's been asking for you.
(to Kay, before he leaves)
Very nice to meet you.
KAY
Nice to meet you.
(after Tom exits)
If he's your brother, why does he have a different name?
MICHAEL
Oh, ah, that – when my brother Sonny was a kid, he found Tom Hagen in the street. And he had no home – and so my father took him in – and he's been with us ever since . He's a good lawyer. Not a Sicilian, but – I think he's gonna be consiglieri.
KAY
What's that?
MICHAEL
That's um, like a counselor – an advisor – very important to the family.
(then)
You like your lasagna?
CUT TO:
Luca Brasi in Don Corleone's office – day
LUCA BRASI
Don Corleone, I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your daughter's wedding...
(after realizing he messed up his rehearsed lines, he fails to re cover)
... on the day of your daughter's wedding. And I hope that their first child be a masculine child. I pledge my ever-ending loyalty.
Playing kids run into the room and then are escorted out by Tom.
LUCA BRASI
(as Luca hands Don Corleone a cash-filled envelope)
For your daughter's bridal purse.
VITO CORLEONE
Thank you, Luca, my most valued friend.
LUCA BRASI
Don Corleone, I'm gonna leave you know, because I know you are busy.
VITO CORLEONE
Thank you.
Tom escorts Luca out.
Bride & groom dance to "The Godfather Fox Trot".
Sonny moves closer to Lucy to whisper into her ear.
Sandra gestures to other women about the size of Sonny's manhood; they laugh.
Sandra turns to see Lucy get up to meet Sonny.
Singing and dancing on stage.
VOICE
(urging Mama Corleone to come onto the stage to sing)
Signora Corleone!
MAMA
(laughingly)
No – no – no!
(once on stage)
Assesta stori!
(sings the first verse to "Luna Mezz'a Mare")
Sonny goes upstairs.
An old man continues "Luna Mezz'a Mare" while Nazorine dances a nd laughs on stage.
Lucy Mancini goes upstairs.
The old man who was singing is now dancing.
CUT TO:
Don's office
TOM
Senator Cauly apologized for not coming personally – he said you'd understand. Also, some of the judges. They've all sent gifts.
(toasting to the Don)
Salute!
Off screen: screaming of joy from the party outside.
VITO CORLEONE
What is that outside?
CUT TO:
Outside
Johnny Fontane enters the party.
CONNIE
(while running up to Johnny, then hugging him)
Johnny! Johnny! Johnny! I love you!
CUT TO:
Don's office
The Don is looking out the window.
VITO
He came all the way from California to come to the wedding; I told you he was going to come.
TOM
It's been two years; he probably got into trouble again.
VITO
He's a good godson.
CUT TO:
Bandstand area – day
MAMA CORLEONE
Johnny, Johnny!
(in Italian)
"Sing a song".
(in English)
Sing a song.
The crowd encourages Johnny, and he gives in.
CUT TO:
Michael and Kay's table – day
KAY
Mike, you never told me you knew Johnny Fontane!
MICHAEL
Sure... You wanna meet him?
KAY
Huh? Oh, well, sure!
MICHAEL
My father helped him with his career.
JOHNNY (O.S.)
For my Connie...
KAY
He did? How?
JOHNNY (O.S.)
(singing "I Have But One Heart")
"I have but one heart..."
MICHAEL
Let's listen to the song...
PAN to the crowd cheering and screaming as Johnny sings.
JOHNNY
(singing, continues)
"... this love I bring you
I have but one heart
To share with you
I have but one dream
That I can cling to
You are the one dream..."
KAY
Oh, Michael...
JOHNNY
(singing, finishing the verse)
"...I dream comes true..."
KAY
Please, Michael, tell me.
JOHNNY (O.S.)
(continues the song)
"My darling, until I saw you..."
MICHAEL
Well, when Johnny was first starting out, he was signed to this personal service contract; with a big band leader. And as his career got better and better, he wanted to g et out of it. Now, Johnny is my father's godson. And my father went to see this band leader, and he offered him $10,000 to let Johnny go. But the band leader said no. So the next day, my father went to see him; only this time with Luca Brasi. And within an hour, he signed a release, for a certified check for $1,000.
KAY
How'd he do that?
MICHAEL
My father made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
KAY
What was that?
MICHAEL
Luca Brasi held a gun to his head, and my father assured him that either his brains – or his signature – would be on the contract.
(then)
That's a true story.
(then)
That's my family, Kay. It's not me.
CUT TO:
Bandstand area – day
MAMA (O.S.)
Bene! Bene!
The song is finished, and we hear applause. The Don goes out to meet Johnny, and they, and other guests, toast. The Mazurka music and dancing continue.
VOICE (O.S.)
Salute!
Johnny whispers into the Don's ear that he wants to talk to him.
VITO CORLEONE
I'll take care of it.
(to Tom)
Tom, I want you to find Santino. Tell him to come to the office.
Tom looks up, as if knowing what Sonny's up to.
CUT TO:
Michael and Kay's table at the reception
MICHAEL
