At the communion party, Sonny's daughter, Francesca, comes to see Michael for his blessing to marry Gardner Shaw, of whom Michael approves. Sourced from the 2016 HBO stream of The Godfather: The Complete Epic 1901-1959. Captured in 720p.
He is The Godfather.......a mafia ....wtf does that has to do with smiling. Literally went on to dance with his wife, most romantic moment of the trilogy. Two of them ndancing to When I look into your eyes,holding each other close smile is constantly on his face, kissing her face and hand.....most romanticmomentsofthe trilogy and last thing in his mind before he died. No need to mention third godfather....from the moment Kay came to Sicily smile was on his face as he was trying to get her back.
@@NeverTrustaSocialist "women and children can be careless men can not ". Lesson he recieved from his father the day he became the godfather.....in otherwords VIGILANT is what you have to be all the time. You can laugh at the moment if something is funny he overall behavior is........who he is...the mafia
it might be just me; but I don't think you want mafia bosses smiling at you. when he asked how his prospective son-in-law was going to support his future family on a 'fine arts' education I choked
That's the main reason I wish this had been left in. It really helps motivate Fredo's later betrayal. It shows him as a bumbling incompetent goof, and also the low opinion of him held by the entire family.
@@iamamish I know, not only does the scene move the plot forward, but it also offers a spicy cultural tidbit (the remark on Italian brides). It should've made the final cut.
na, it is a truthful line but there is no way Michael would say that, I am sure they realized that in the editing and realized it was out of character for him
@@Carlos-sd6cz exactly, all the richest people in the world convincing you that you’re wrong for trying to keep what’s yours. “Leveling the playing field” but making sure to take a slice for themselves, bullshit indeed.
In our Indian culture we wouldn’t ever do that to another familial member, before the sit down of the two families everybody would know what was going on, wouldn’t have someone just stumbling in like an idiot and wondering what was going on, we’re more organized than that
It’s a really silly perspective, and it’s the reason Hollywood is a liberal shitshow. No one to the right of a Starbucks barista works there because they have a negative view of an arts degree.
@@MuzixMaker you remember that family dinner scene in "Whiplash" ?, I mean nothing being negative, but these are the real life conflicts which makes us stronger and better, people with better insights learn to cherish and value real priorities in life by such events
I spoke with Al once. He told me the most horrible part of filmmaking is doing great work, but no one ever seeing it. He said 5 out of 6 times, the best work isn't seen. I think he wasn't talking about deleted scenes, but about "takes". Stuff like this probably applies too though. I asked him why he kept doing it, and he said--hey, the people on set see it--an audience is an audience.
Its Michael's brain ,Thinking of the angle of Gardner's shares being family owned , He knows money divides families he is telling him to acquire knowledge to protect his inheritance since he has now has a responsibility to his Niece
This shows the respect that Francesca has for her uncle who happens to be the Don. He was not only her Godfather but probably more like a father to her as family means everything to them.
Yes. Bobby Kennedy took on the responsibility of being there for Caroline & John Jr., after their Father died and then when Bobby died, Ted took on the responsibility of Raising Bobby's 11 Children including Rory whose wedding had to be postponed because Cousin John Jr., his Wife Carolyn and her Sister died. Then he has to deal with Ted Jr's Cancer, then the Deaths of Michael & David (Bobby's Sons), and on the day Ted Jr., had to get his Leg Amputated he has to walk Kathleen down the aisle to her Husband David Townsend.
That wonderful line actually has multiple meanings. Michael, for example, recognizes that although Gardener will be a good husband to his niece, he also suspects that Gardener's family won't necessarily be as approving of the marriage as he is, which is another reason he tells Tom to make sure that her dowry is substantial. It's also another way for Michael to express his love for his niece and his desire to see her happy.
@@888kingster it can. But it generally means that the woman is to stay in the house and take care of the man and the kids. It can mean she can’t afford shoes, or that she doesn’t need them.
A line like "this contempt for money is just another trick of the rich to keep the poor without it" is pure gold. Such a shame it was cut from the movie.
What a brilliant scene! Some very good indicators are hidden here. First, this scene shows Michael does care about his family and isn't just cold, calculating mobster. Second, Francesca and Gardener respect tradition, not just Italian but the values of upper-class Americans as well. Once Michael hears that Gardener comes from old money (major stockholder in his family's corporation), he immediately consents knowing that having old money son-in law from influential American family is 'good business' in all meanings. Thirdly, this scene is in juxtaposition to Connie's asking for blessing (and money) from Michael and he sees what a dead-beat leech 'what's-his-name' is.
@@hououinkyouma3864 Aaaaaah. That's why Michael takes the dig at Tom over his mistress. I never quite understood that. I assumed Michael just looked down on infidelity because he was a faithful husband himself, as Vito also seemed to be. Sonny was a womanizer, as was Fredo. Vito seemed to look down on this, the way he chastised Sonny. Michael was most like Vito. This also lends a little more weight to him saying, "It's not easy to be his son, Fredo." Good catch.
I love this scene, it was so nice to see Michael happy and smiling. He really did care about his family and wanted the best for them. And I like how respectful Francesca's boyfriend is towards him. Just a great, wholesome scene in quite an otherwise dark film.
yea so happy to see this person who steals for a living happy, it is amazing how these stupid mafia movies have brainwashed people into sympathizing with these characters
@@keve4253 I'm sorry...brainwashed? Kev, I'm talking about character and personality here, and how it makes Michael more interesting to have moments of levity. How does that translate to me defending the frigging Mafia? Here's a thought: Don't insult strangers, especially not when they haven't done anything to you. Sound reasonable?
They always loved each other but because Tom wasn't Sicilian they weren't allowed to be together. Also old school folks tolerated him but never fully trusted or accepted him.
I always learn something going through the comments, I did not know Tom and Sonny's wife had an affair. Sonny's wife is a cutie, not sure how Tom's wife looked like as I don't think she is shown in the film.
0:59 Notice how the intruding Fredo is told that "It's a _family_ matter"when Fredo asks what's going on, then rushed out? That was *COLD* on so many levels. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I think what makes Michael Corleone stand out so much from other movie and TV gangsters is the fact that he's so well-spoken and well-mannered. Yes, he's a cold, ruthless bastard, but when conversing with people, he always tries to be courteous. He only raises his voice in anger when he speaks to people he's known for years, and even then, he rarely does it. As Michael himself would say, it shows he's a considerate man. He gives everyone a chance to be treated respectfully and only gives up on people when he has reason to do so. Admittedly, though, most of the reasons aren't very good.
Yeah, but that's also why the Godfather is so incorrect, gangsters can be well-spoken but are almost never ''wel-mannered'' but Michael on the otherside was never a thug, he was just born into his crime-family.
I’d say Michael is the furthest thing from a street guy lol. He was essentially very privileged, through no fault of his own of course. But he didn’t have to work to get to the top, the way someone like Moe Greene or Clemenza or even his own father did. They all came out of the street. Michael went to college and served during the war, he just happened to stumble into the family business through circumstance.
There's a beautiful touch in this scene that echoes with part I where Don Vito is seeing Luca Brasi, who is paying his respects on Connie's wedding day. Vito begrudgingly agrees to see Luca, and during their brief meeting, some children run into the office interrupting Luca and kind of gives the impression that he's less respected by Vito. A necessary ally. But, not a friend. In THIS scene, it's the child-like Fredo who interrupts the meeting, and is ushered out in much the same way as the playing children were in Part I.
That's true, I didn't see that by myself, thanks! and your depiction of relationship between Vito and Luca is very interesting too. It's difficult to really imagine their relationship, Luca fears Vito, but Luca is not easy for Vito either.
Your comparison doesn't make sense. If the children run in, you're saying Luca is less respected. When Fredo runs in, you're saying he is less respected. In the first one, the person speaking to the Don is less respected. In the second one, the person running in is less respected. Not similar at all.
Luca and Vito go way back and Luca is respected and trusted by Vito more than anyone, in fact it gets him killed, because the Turk knows that too! 2:12 your analysis is wrong!
@@ronniebishop2496 Vito respected Luca's strength, and feared him. It's right in the book and in the movie. Vito does NOT want to see Luca. He even asks Tom if it's necessary. He sees him begrudgingly because Luca wants to pay his respects. Pay better attention.
This is a fantastic scene. It adds warmth to a very cold hearted movie. This movie shows how ruthless Michael became. His humanity and morality has run cold. This scene gives great insight that he still has a heart.
The glance between Sandra & Tom, after Michael mentions Sonny’s death is telling. The original script had them having an affair. Sandra was the “mistress” Michael later alludes to when he asks Tom if he’s staying.
That's interesting because I've read in several different places that Theresa Hagen was originally intended to become cannon fodder after Tom became Michael's official consigliere for the last time. The pressures of the Senate subcommittee investigation into the Corleone family combined with Michael's increasing paranoia and distrust, Fredo's selling out to Hyman Roth and his wife's constant nagging became too much for even a man as hardened as Tom to handle all at once. So the whole mistress angle came from out of that. In fact, if you remember the scene at the bordello in Reno where Tom visits Senator Geary after he murders one of the prostitutes working there, we don't ever get a clear idea of why or how long the Senator was frequenting an establishment that he must have known was controlled by his newly-made enemies the Corleones. All we can surmise is that Tom was expecting Geary to be there that night, and may have even helped to set up Geary being caught in bed with a dead prostitute handcuffed to the nightstand, and of course later on we know for a fact that the senator repaid the Corleones' covering up the murder by speaking favorably on Michael's behalf when Michael is subpoenaed by the Senate subcommittee on organized crime. I've always wondered whether Tom, who at times may be even more on an island alone than Michael himself, started making plans in Nevada to go his own way and start his own organization. He certainly must have had free access to an unlimited supply of women there, so it's not unthinkable for Hagen to take a mistress and start mistreating Theresa. We never truly got to see Tom's reaction to Fredo's death, and whether he himself could remain loyal to the family when one member orders the death of another. Michael's distrust and ruthlessness had to eventually estrange himself from his consigliere, and that's the moment Tom simply decides he's had enough and no longer wants to be on Michael's side. One thing is for sure, after Michael calls out Tom for having a mistress and gives him the option to stay or leave, you can see just how deeply wounded and resentful Tom feels for his adopted brother to act so cold towards him.
@@danorthsidemang3834 Thanks for the comment. The senator didn't kill the prostitute, though. They spiked his drink so he would black out and not be able to know what exactly happened. It was probably Al that killed her.
@@danorthsidemang3834 Tom wasn`t consigliere anymore. I think Al Neri was at that point. But Tom was the legal face of the Family bussiness so i don`t think Tom would leave Michael side. The Family was too powerful and rich.
Pacino is a master of nuance and he proves it beyond all doubt in this scene. And the writing is incredible, impeccable diaglogue. Not one word is out of place, not one word can be cut.
If Gardener hadn’t mentioned he was rich there’s no doubt Michael would’ve told him to hit the bricks and never come within two feet of Francesca again.
Both of you guys are wrong. I’ve seen the movies many times and Michael is not like that if Gardner is rich or not but cares if Gardner will treat Francesca nice or not. And that wasn’t a fake smile, Michael was genuinely happy for his niece finding a good guy, unlike that snake Carlo Rizzi who married Connie.
That's exactly what happened. Right after the meeting with Francesca and Gardner, Conne and Merle walked in. Not only did Michael tell him to hit the bricks, he implied that he'd be buried under them if he ever came near Connie again.
I just realised now after watching this scene after a long time that Michael already knew about the family wealth of that guy. Shows that he was keeping tabs on his family members and their interests.
I dont know about that one, i think Michaels legitimate concern beyond how is niece will be taken care of is how his niece feels about it and what kind of man Gardener was. He was respectful enough to show up this way and ask Michael like a man before proceeding with any engagement.
The disrespect was so real for Fredo that none of his nieces or nephews bothered to muster a "Hey, Uncle Freddie" before he was shooed out the room. Lol
What a scene! The last time Michael appeared actually happy was before his brother was killed. Terrific acting all the way around by everyone in-scene.
@@vikramparmar8093 Nope. Michael was happy in the third movie and the death of Mary is what finishes off his soul. That’s why the recent version of the third movie is called GF3: The death of Michael Corleone and we don’t see Michael physically die in it. Mary’s death is what “finishes off his soul”. Apollonia has little to do with it.
It's sad the reactions from Sonny's widow and Tom faces when Michael mentioned he died years ago. Sonny may have been unfaithful but his wife still loved him and he was Tom's best friend
This makes for a wonderful contrast with the later scene between Michael, Connie, and her own idiot fiancee. They "ask" Michael's blessing with no grace and get shut down, unlike Gardener and Francesca, who are entirely respectful.
Also, Connie is on her 3rd or 4th marriage at that point. She’s pretty much abandoned her kids. Michael, and their mother, have had it with Connie’s bullshit.
@@flyboy152didn't Connie ask Michael for money? Saying she needed it to get married again? It was like money was the only reason she wanted to meet with him...telling him she was going to get married again was just a "Oh by the way" moment..and that Michael didn't trust the guy and gave Connie the ultimatum of if you marry...you're financially cutoff...and she chose the money...which told the audience that she's all about the money....which was kinda obvious with her wearing expensive jewelry...
@laraschauble Yes, she asked Michael for money, but it was so she & Merle could go to Europe. But, she was more about the money than anything else, and didn't care about her family. But, in some sense, it was Michael's fault; he had murdered her husband, and she was miserable.
There’s something beautiful about this. The respect for elders that kids ask permission and blessings, the love that Michael has to make sure his niece will be supported, the excitement and joy after he says yes, and him saying to “make sure the dowry is big” so his niece is makes a good impression on the family of her groom. It’s just fantastic.
I don't see the beauty in asking permission for the right to be with someone you love, but yes, it's nice to see Michael be supportive of his niece's wishes.
I will never forgive the edit of this scene masterclass. Even the hug to kay that split second of disapproval when sonny daughter praises uncle michael
Wow, this changes my perception of Michael. I think Coppola should’ve included a scene like this in the final cut; dealing with actual family matters like how Vito was in Part 1.
I know the director deleted the scene because Michael smiles too much but ironically that actually makes him seem more intimidating. He never wants people to know what he’s thinking so he puts on this act
This is one of the most brilliant scenes in the history of cinema. I'm surprised it was deleted. One of Michael's goals which he never realizes is to become legitimate. Here he is about to marry his niece off to some rich old money WASP family and his idiot brother barges in announcing the presence of some street gangster Michael would like to forget. The best part was his statement "This contempt for money is a trick of the rich to keep the poor without it". That statement hit me like a ton of bricks when I heard it as a teenager because it is so true. It is the one enduring truth of American society.
I heard it was deleted because it showed a happy good side of Michael and Coppola’s intention was to continue to show Michael following the dark path based on who we see at the end of The Godfather
I remember seeing this scene in "The Complete Epic" version. It was a great scene and shouldn't have been cut from the widely available versions because it adds to the story and the characters. I like how the scene avoids stereotypes. Gardener, for example, isn't shown here to be some rich a--hole, but a loving, caring, respectful future husband. Also, the relationship between Francesca and Gardener contrasts beautifully with the relationship between Michael and Kay--something both Michael and Kay are keenly aware of in this scene. The acting is also wonderfully subtle and the characters' lines deep and meaningful. Michael, for example, recognizes that although Gardener will be a good husband to his niece, he suspects that Gardener's family won't necessarily be as approving of the marriage as he is, which is why he really tells Tom to make sure that her dowry is substantial.
@@mariedewitt5033 Marie, why do you call Michael's money "blood money"? How is Michael's money any different than, say, "the Big Guy's 10%," that Hunter Biden referred to in his emails when talking about his corruption payoffs to his father, President Joe Biden? . . . I know what you're thinking, so let me address that right now from The Godfather (Part I): Michael Corleone: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator. Kay Adams: Do you know how naive you sound, Michael? Presidents and senators don't have men killed. Michael Corleone: Oh. Who's being naive, Kay?
@@powerdriller4124 Biden is Putin's Puppet. Biden pursued the BS climate change crap and jacked up oil prices to make Putin astonishingly rich. So rich, that Putin could afford to engage in his war with Ukraine, which he couldn't afford to do under Trump. Trump also wanted to expand exports of natural gas to Europe, as a replacement for Russian oil. But Biden did what Putin wanted and canceled that plan so Europe would be more dependent on Russian oil. Of course, all these facts are lost on you. You're a Putin Puppet yourself and believe the crap that Commie Democrats feed you daily.
I am huge fan of the Godfather, 1 and 2, 3 is sort of iffy. I've always noticed how Fredo was never included in the meetings, except for the one with Salazzo. And just then when Fredo came in, he was told that it was a family meeting and was made to leave. I can see how he always felt the way he did, like he never belonged. He felt alone even within his own family, so he sought the company of outsiders, in my opinion, that's how he was swayed. Hyman Roth saw this and exploited it to his advantage.
It's interesting how arrogant Michael is about money and wealth as he speaks about it in this scene. But no matter how high and mighty you think you are, life has a way of humbling everyone. And unfortunately that's exactly what came to pass at the end of this film.
While I can see this as "one scene too many" for the opening act, the impact of Fredo barging in on a sensitive occasion would have gone a long way to cementing the character's position as a fumbling, bumbling, inept dolt. I'd never seen this before. I'm hoping there are more.
As opposed to him being a fumblin’ bumblin’, inept dolt, with his gun & watchin’ his Father get shot up, while he literally did nothin’ but wimper afterwards?
@@moseshanon7060. Well, this was the second movie. The scene you’re referring to took part in The Godfather. It’s common practice to reestablish the characters for the benefit of those that didn’t see the first movie. Perhaps if I’d have gone into deeper detail in that regard you would have understood my comment better. Or not. I get your point, however.
This scene is only two minutes and fifty-five seconds but it feels like it goes on for five or six minutes and I mean that in a good way too. Great scene. I’m sorry that it got cut.
I wish they release The Godfather Saga again. It's a television miniseries of Godfather Part 1 and 2 arranged in a chronological order. It's starts with the story of young Vito Corleone and how he became Don Vito Corleone and ends with Don Michael Corleone. All the deleted scenes from both movies appear in it.
See the line 'he comes from a family that thinks italian brides go barefoot' is right after he has just embraced the lad into the family. Warm one minute,pragmatic the next. Superb acting from Al.
Should have been kept in for alot of reasons one of which was to highlight legitimate animosity between Fredo and Michael. Essentially the eldest living son of Vito is ushered out of a room where his Niece is asking his younger brother for permission to get married. When asked what was going on hes told "its a family matter" while his younger and adopted brother are there.
Nailed it. It was a very significant gesture of disrespect, especially in their culture. Fredo betrayed because he felt betrayed himself, clumsy and bumbling as he was yet he was still a Corleone and their uncle as well.
The look Sandra gives Tom when Micheal speaks about Sonny. The book says that Tom and Sandra already had an affair going and Michael confirms it towards the end of part 2 when he says - You can take your wife, family and mistress and move to nevada
i remember seeing this deleted scene many years ago. vhs quality. Was such a rarity seeing Michael smiling in the godfather 2. Can recall him briefly smiling again when he is with Fredo during the "banana daiquiri" scene.
@@dc6461 it means it shows Michael's humanity or light side despite the events he went through: his brother's and father's death; assassination of his first wife in Sicily.
@@joeofmacabre07 why are you lying, why are you making shit up. Michael left mo quilty conciences over Apollonias death, despite the fact he literally killed her. His brother's betray happened after this. And wtf does his fathers death had to do with anything? He was an old man and Michael and there is no evidence that he suffered bc of his fathers death.
Humanize? Everything Michael did made him human...human that made horrendous mistakes but still, human. He turned himself into a savage animal to protect his family, especially after his father gave him advice "Women and children can be careless men can not ". " Everything he did he did for his family and in the end he destroyed his family ".... Coppola while commenting gf2
@@thewkovacs316 that is not accurate depiction Fredo wasn't there bc Michael never had close relationship with his siblings. He took care of them and he felt loyalty towards the family that he took over out of love for his father To Michael only family was Kay and his kids.
You can't tell if Michael is talking seriously or joking until he smiles. He took a little test to Gardner in a good tone but he wanted to know everything before giving his blessing. Most likely thing is he would've anyway.
Odds are, Michael knew exactly who Gardiner was and how he would support his bride. Probably every boyfriend of hers since Jr. High school was investigated and politely told to piss off if they didn't measure up. Michael asked him to see how he'd respond. If Gardiner had felt insulted and got all indignant over the question, boom - out. If he had gotten all blustery with "Hey, buddy...my family can buy and sell you for lunch!" boom - out. Instead, he acted like a gentleman and treated Michael with respect. Boom - in.
Wish it had not been deleted - it shows in a single shot why Fredo felt so disrespected and left out. He is as much the uncle of Sonny's kids as Michael and Tom, yet he is shoo-ed out with the explanation 'family matter'??? In Mediterranean families, such open lack of respect is taken very, very seriously. It explains why Fredo took the unthinkable step of collaborating with enemies - he was furious at the open disrespect showed him, if this scene is an example of how he was being treated
I’d say that the most important part of this scene is when they don’t let Freddo get in the room cuz they’re handling “family matters.” I know Freddo wasn’t a bright man, but he was still a Corleone. He was treated with such disrespect. One of Michael’s greatest mistakes.
The Corleones were contemptuous of many characters in the two movies and there were always consequences: The Don said that Carlo would never be allowed into the family business. Carlo became a traitor. When Fabrizio told Michael that he wanted to go to America with him when he (Michael) returned to America, Michael blew him off. Fabrizio became a traitor. "Send Fredo off to do this, send Fredo off to do that. Let Fredo take care of some Mickey Mouse night club somewhere." Fredo became a traitor, though only in an ignorant way.
"contempt for money is just a trick of the reach to keep the poor from wanting it." _ I hate to say it, but Michael Corleone was absolutely right about that.
God what an "Outcast" Fredo was. He should be giving The "Blessing" as The Eldest Son but he doesn't have the same juice and power that Michael has. Also he wasn't there to do Business on Connie's Wedding Day. The Actor who played Gardner Shaw also was on Dallas.
Gardner Shaw “sToCk HoLdEr Of ThE fAmIlY cOrPorAtIon” was one of my favorite characters in the movie. I wish they would had done more with his character, maybe even a spin off movie. Of how he got so scared when he found out who Francesca’s uncle was, his reaction to the Michael hearings with the senate and how he got scared every time a popping sound happened, ducking under a table, looked under his car for a device. I can see it like a comedy movie, “Married to the Mob”
