I'd also heard that apparently Clemenza's actor's girlfriend had convinced him to ask for more money to play the part, apparently it was high enough to be a deal breaker.
Loved Clemenza,I cry every time I see the funeral scene and you see how much it hurts him to have lost his decades long friend 😢 and how he remained loyal to Michael
Love your channel,bigg fan of the godfather,it's so awesome to find out more even after watching these movies for over 25 yrs, n I never got to reading the books so this works 👍
Love him too, just thinking if Castellano had taken the role, Clemenza could have been entangled in GF2 intrigue, forced to betray to the FBI, then forced to cut his veins, makes me feel bad!
@𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐣𝐫𝟏𝟔𝟔 I also loved Clemenza for several reasons ~ first, he looked and spoke like a real New Yorker, he was immensely loyal to the Don & his family, and he was a good soldier. A question or scenario was proposed in the narrative about the possibility of him being disloyal and testifying before the Congress. To me, this scenario was just not possible at all. He was too loyal and comfortable in his role as caporegime. Perhaps his age at that time may also have played a role as to why he made no effort at usurpation. One last thing in his favor = cook. I would love to have seen a Clemenza cook book ~ surely it would have been a best seller.
But had he been in GF2, he was slated to betray Michael. Didn't you hear that part? It would've been Clemenza in the hot seat instead of Frankie 5 Angels. By rewriting the story and writing Clemenza out of the story, his character is retired clean without ever betraying Michael. But they WERE GOING to have that character (Clemenza) betray him (Michael).
I agree with you completely.. Clemenza's character would have been diminished with that act of betrayal.. that would rub me the wrong way, I really liked Clemenza, from start to finish.. young Clemeza to older Clemenza..
The main reason why Clemenza could never turn on the family is that he never forgot the favor that Vito did for him by keeping the guns safe for him. In that moment, Clemenza knew that Vito was a trustworthy person and respected him for it.
That was way back at that moment but that was a long time ago and time reveals more of who we are, also, Michael praises Sal for making a smart move and insults Clemenza by calling him dumb rather than loyal (or not being as smart as Sal)
Nice videos but why do you use footage from Once Upon a time in America, among others? Do you list each video you use, because it’s misleading for newbies especially, because you’re making them think you are using only the Godfather films….
Nice videos but why do you use footage from Once Upon a time in America, among others? Do you list each video you use, because it’s misleading for newbies especially, because you’re making them think you are using only the Godfather films….
Vito also knew that Clemenza would be a most valuable asset if he needed a loyal friend. To thank Vito for safekeeping his "package," Clemenza wanted so show his appreciation in stealing a rug for Vito. He asked Vito to assist under false pretenses, to which Vito was already privy to. The theft not only risked Clemenza going to jail, he was moments away from a possible arrest - to which he was prepared to murder a policeman in cold blood to not only avoid prison, but to ensure the safety of Vito and the delivery of his gift. It was then that Vito saw a man of will and loyalty in Clemenza.
@@SpScarletSpider I’m sorry but don’t you think that after all those years Vito would also have done enough favors for Tessio ? Tessio was always loyal to Vito for years and asked for permission to break away but felt disrespected to have to “be a friend to Michael”. Michael was a baby, literally- when they started out, his future murderer was pooping on a new rug courtesy of Clemenza- Remember at the funeral when Tom “thought it would have been Clemenza”? It would have been funny if Michael said, “ me too, for when I pooped all over the rug he stole for pop”
Richard Castellano said in an interview that he had creative differences with Coppola. That he saw Clemenza character as a teacher and would never had turned on the Corleone family. He taught Michael how to do a hit, told him how proud he was being a war hero, how to make sauce, murdered Paulie to show loyalty and as Sonny's godfather, personally took out Carlo who had set up Sonny in an ambush. He was loyal and not a fearful man, so never would have testified against Michael. Castellano did Coppola a favor by not reprising his character. He did say that after asking Castellano not to let anyone know why he declined the role, Coppola told the press that it was over money...which sort of pissed Castellano off a bit. On a personal note, I didn't like the Frankie Pentangelli character. He was never mentioned in 1 and suddenly becomes a main character with enough information to take down the Corleone empire. The character was thrown together too quickly without any introduction..... Missed the opportunity to introduce his character while telling Vito's younger story..... So much meat left on the bone.....would like to see Corleone story from the start of the Olive oil wars to the events leading up to GF-1. Hope someone decides to make that movie some day.
It's incredible that even after 53 years of the book being released and 50 years of the movie premiering, there are still videos about the series being made up to this day. Hopefully there'll be a lot more in the future.
@@TheRealBalloonHead I think I may have to read the book watching this movie over the years I kinda understand where it Michael was talking about now because it’s a little bit more clear just by watching clips of this video in regards to the movie great character though I always wonder why he wasn’t in the second movie which is my favorite. Robert De Niro was amazing in the godfather two I think he our class everyone in that movie is far as acting goes…
@@vorlons100 Lenny Montana ( Brassi) should have been given more scenes Unfortunately during the wedding when Montana was rehearsing the meeting he read his lines because he had too much trouble memorizing them. Although the movie would miss the extra edge without Montana as Brassi And Richard Castellano as Clemenza Classic work!
I also agree. It's a reflection of the real life LCN that there are many eventual rats. But there were also a lot of old school guys in the life who would never turn no matter what. Clemenza is a great depiction of those guys.
@@jasonallen3678 Poor judgement on Tom's behalf; maybe another reason why Michael did not think he was fit to be the consigliere for his future enterprise. ''You're out Tom''
@@lordsod69 Clemenza brought an element to the film I love and that is the Italian love of food! I mean from the Cannolis, to the pasta sauce scene and when he ducked in for a Italian lunch while looking for mattresses!
Here's some interesting non-Godfather trivia about Richard Castellano. Around the time The Godfather was released, Richard starred in a short-lived sitcom called The Super, where he played the superintendent of a New York apartment building. His son in that series was a young Bruno Kirby. Both actors would portray Peter Clemenza; Richard in the Godfather, and Bruno in the Godfather II.
Richard Castellano lived on 63rd st between Roosevelt and Woodside Avenues in Queens,Joe Spinnell who played Willie Cicci lived nearby at 44th st and Greenpoint Avenue,Francis Ford Coppola was another Woodside resident and lived at 67-24 49th Avenue in Woodside and James Caan’s father ran a Kosher Butcher shop nearby in Sunnyside,the funeral scene was filmed in the Old Section of Cavalry Cemetery in Queens,You could see the Koskiusko Bridge and the now gone Brooklyn Union gas tanks in the background
It was Clemenza who influenced Vito in becoming the Godfather. Vito at the time seemed like an honest family man before Clemenza stepped in, showing him the life of crime by breaking into some home and stealing a rug.
Godfather has been on all day today. The thing I notice and wonder about is that Clemenza was there from the beginning and introduced Vito to the underworld. They built the whole family starting with the three of them. But years later Clemeza is only a Capo. I know the organization isn't set up like a real Mafia family but you would think he would be the Underboss. He's probably too stupid to be Consigliere judging by the way he speaks and may be more suited for street boss. So even in the absence of an Underboss and the leadership is inherited, Clemenza doesn't seem to command respect from Vito and his immediate family. Sonny is allowed to treat him like a bitch.
@@mikedumberg5388 Its explained in the book, which is great! I loved it and the author was from Hells Kitchen so he knew from experience how things worked. All the psychology that made Vito a Leader and the others under him. The book really brings out the character of Sonny Corleone as well. So complex but more likable....
When they said there was a traitor in the family never once did I think Clemenza...he was pure muscle, loyal to a fault, and did what he was told no questions asked He just seemed to me the type who would consider it just another day at the office then go home, get into his bathrobe and slippers and sit with a cat on his lap
Also how his wife's cannoli was more important than any discussion of the hit he just made on Paulie. His enthusiasm on how to cook for twenty men juxtaposed with the nonchalant "Oh, Paulie...you won't see him no more" showed exactly where his priorities lay.
You got that right!! The portrayal was seamless enough that I’ve often thought while watching G2 that you could imagine DeNiro growing up to become Brando. If you really didn’t know any better, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the same guy from beginning to end.
This is undoubtedly true. They were as close as brothers. Losing him was losing a huge part of his life. Clemenza was a great character, highly loyal, and true to his word. He would never have betrayed the Godfather.
@@merccadoosis8847 He was bros also with Tessio but the f….er didn’t lost a minute and in the middle of the funeral made his move. The disgrace wasn’t the betrayal,after all that he should had the dignity not to ask Tom to save him.
Also they mentioned that clemenza's brother was a don in italy, it would be the same case with don chichi when his brother came into court and just gave the look. Would of been epic and treacherous
"Leave the gun, take the canoli"--Peter Clemenza.. The question was asked by the Godfather at the meeting with Michael, Clemenza and Tessio, while asking the Don to possibly start their own families: "Do I have your loyalty?" Only Clemenza replied "Yes always godfather"..Tessio didn't say anything.. Clemenza's loyalty truly never wavered and neither did Pentangeli's until he was set up masterfully by Roth. Richard Castellano the actor who played Clemenza wanted bigger bucks to reprise, but it was decided to move him out...too bad, the direction the film would have taken would have been most interesting. Great drop CR..always thought provoking content coming from you.
Like so many, I never saw Clemenza being the traitor, perhaps part of the reason that Tom was not a good wartime commander, he did not know other people. The moment Vito said it would be Clemenza or Tessio, I was nearly certain that it would be the latter. I believe that if Clemenza were to have betrayed the Corleones, it would have not been business but personal, deeply personal.
I like the story as it played out. Having Clemenza flip would not have been satisfactory to his story arc, and as the video articulates, his loyalty is his essence. It would have been like having Fredo go back to school and design a successful cold fusion reactor.
Either it's frank pentangeli or clemenza in courtroom and suicide scene don't compare it with fredo story, it's way more better than that. I mean we can't blame frank here, he thought michael betray him but his suicide show how loyal he is to the family
Going back to school to design a cold fusion reactor is a bit far fetched, but I could have seen Fredo designing his own fishing tackle, and fronting a chain of Fredo's brand of fishing supplies across Nevada. But, I agree. Keeping Clemenza loyal throughout the story is perfectly fine. The introduction of the grieving and aggrieved Frank Pentangeli works well to expand the chessboard of players that Michael must consider.
That car, a 47 Packard, was up for auction like 15 years ago. Nice piece of auto and Americana nostalgia. That's a real conversation starter, the "leave the gun take the canolli" car.
The casting in the films is uncannily good. The younger versions of notable characters are spot on. Especially for Tessio, clemenza and of course Don Vito.
Only Frankie could of pulled off that court room, I think that's the greatest seen in part 2. "Michael Corleeonne this Michael Corleeonne that but it was all lies"
Clemenza was always a favorite of mine for the very fact that he didn't betray the Family. It really would have saddened me to see him in the Pentangelo role. Hated to see him go, but it was the better end for him.
This is my first video that I've watched on this channel. It's well done. You have us believing that Clemenza was a real person and this is the story of his life. The films don't give us these details, but you make them sound plausible.
At time 1:15, narrator says clemenzas' father worked on the railways. In deleted scenes from gf2. Clemenza and young Vito are sitting in the cafe drinking coffee. Clemenza says his father worked 12 hour days for the subway and in the end "He never even got to take a ride."
What? He was probably a rock in high school. Middle line backer hit em in the numbers snot bubbles because they used leather helmets back in the day kind of solid body. He probably got fat when he joined the family and got all eating and drinking good, and not working out so much aside from every now and then chopping up a body or helping dump one in the river. Yeah yeah, he was a chubby kid who ate shit tons of pasta and bread and cannolis growing up. But I like to think he was a beast as a kid then hit the big time and got fat 🥤😎🍿
The real POWER behind Vito Corleone becoming the Godfather. From the moment Clemenza asked Vito to "Hide his Goods," they were tied together like Hot Dogs and Mustard. It changed Vitos trajectory from an immigrant storekeeper, to a Mafia Don wielding incomprehensible power. While Tessio had great intelligence, he suffered on the loyalty scale. Clemenzas loyalty was unshakeable, regardless of circumstance. Richard Castellano brilliantly portrays this Mafia Santa Claus. Jolly as St. Nick one moment, ruthless as a hangman the next. Speaking of, I love his use of the garrot in executing Carlo Rizzi. Death by strangulation. Not only lethal, but intensely personal. Just like this loveable, killer of a character.
As napharios as Clemenza was he had heart A likable jolly character Clemenza was named as one of the top five best characters in film history Turning against the family is a betrayal of the entire trilogy
That is a huge revelation to me that Frankie was a replacement for Clemenza. I and II make so much more sense now! I wish he would have been in II ! Even though I LOVE Frankie's character and the actors performance.
When I first saw the Godfather, it was in 1980. Coppola had edited parts 1 and 2 together for a television presentation over 5 nights. In NYC, it was shown on WPIX (Channel 11). I was blown away!
Man… I thought I knew all there is to know about The Godfather. I have thoroughly read all the books. I’m confident I could do the main dialogue for the movies I & II, without looking at the material. Yet you guys are constantly showing me, I don’t clearly know La Famiglia Corleone as well as I think I do. Keep up the good work!!! Santino “Sonny” is my favorite character. I would love to see a video dedicated to him. Unless you’ve done one and I just haven’t seen it. I appreciate all you do.
The Godfather 2 is my favorite movie of all time because of the Robert De Niro scenes as Vito going from a simple shop clerk to the most powerful mobster in the country. The movie would have been even better if the actor who played Pete Clemenza had returned. He got into a silly dispute with Coppola and his role was recast. The scene at the Army base where he talks about the Corleone family being like the Roman Empire was great with Frankie but man the scenes really miss Pete.
Love Clemenzas character and was glad he remained loyal to the end as it made sense with his character. Never understood at the funeral why Michael said Tessio was always smarter than Clemenza. I mean, perhaps it's just a statement of fact, but not only did it sound a bit disrespectful, but the fact that Clemenza never tried plotting, to me, was more an indication of his loyalty and true friendship to his father Vito, like real family, rather than anything to do with his intellect. In other words, even if Clemenza was just as capable mentally as Tessio, it was in his character to remain loyal anyway.
I always took it from the flashback in II where Vito convinces Clemenza and Tessio to only give him $50 each for Don Fanucci instead of the $600 that Fanucci demanded. Well, Vito convinced Tessio but Clemenza was too dumbfounded to answer. Tessio wanted to see what Vito was capable of while Clemenza was only interested in obedience when given a command from someone (Fanucci) that he saw as more powerful. One man's loyalty is another man's recognition of his own limitations and inability to climb too far up the ladder of power. Once Vito displaced Fanucci, Clemenza then came into line under Vito's direction, and stayed there through both Vito and Michael's reign. Tessio demonstrated he was the one willing to see thing's change course if it could benefit him directly.
Mike wasn't really disrespecting Clemenza by saying that. It came across that by saying Tessio was "smarter," it meant that Tessio was more ambitious to pull the move that he pulled against the family.
I know the real reason why the actor who played Clemenza didn’t return for the 2nd movie honestly I’m happy because I could not stand the sight of Peter turning on Michael.
I discover with time that there was a lot more to the story of the film...unbelievable how those characters have been developed!!!! I get immense respect for F.F.Coppola and of course M.Puzo...what an intrigue!?!??!❣️
Clemenza wouldn't turn against the family because he was LOYAL and as stated in the video, his loyalty was above him getting ahead for "business" like Tessia did. Clemenza going against Michael in court - no. Loyalty above all was Clemenza. The car scene murders, in the reeds, were filmed on the waterfront in Jersey City, NJ where there's a gorgeous view of the NY Skyline. It was undeveloped forever and they considerately made it a State Park. That was THE place to find bodies. You can take a rowboat from the waterfront to NYC. Snap. The Statue of Liberty is in the middle.
Great Vid as usual. Definitely consider diving into the Olive Oil wars. It had to be really intense being as it set the foundation of the Corleones’ power and I would personally love to see how Genco was a great war time consigliere because Sonny mentioned it in passing to Tom.
Honestly it made sense it wasn’t Clemenza he was being practical and he experienced the feel Vito had for sniffing out BS that was displayed throughout the first 2 films. So he was just being himself at all times but the GF2 illustrates how naturally Vito took to being a Don and nobody knew it better than the man who broke him in. He knew Vito would be able to guide Michael through that point (a less of a natural). Michael could sniff out the upcoming issues but he couldn’t keep people happy/loyal the way Vito did, because Vito had respect in reserves that Michael could just never reach, Michael had an identity crisis through the whole series of films showing up most notably with the spiked hair in 3.
I never looked over Clemenza,because after all,he had two of the best kill scenes in the entire franchise and still came across as a loving character..
Before Vito even met Clemenza or Tessio, his closest friend was Genco. I always wondered why he didn’t play a bigger role onscreen with the family throughout the years. Any thoughts?
The Family Corleone book features Genco a lot more as the consigliere to Vito. It was based on Mario Puzo's idea for the story for the Godfather Part IV which would have had flashbacks of young Sonny learning about Vito's criminal life.
Love the editing on these videos, I know a lot of the factoids you say in your videos, but I'm grateful someone takes the time to explain it to the new generations.
I actually heard Richard Castellano who is a cousin to Big Paulie former Gambino boss refused to play a character that rats out of respect for his family, and thats why he didn't reprise his role.
I think Clemenza dying as opposed to turning into a traitor is a much superior character arc. Clemenza remains a model of the old capos, loyal to the end. It allows us to believe at least some people in this world of crime are honorable. Imagine a franchise where no one is loyal and everyone is willing to turn on lifelong “friends.” Oh wait… we don’t have to imagine, we have woke Hollywood!
Richard Castellano is related to Paul Castellano. That life was a part of his life. He didn't want to play an informant, which is what Frankie Pentangeli ended up being, even though he was tricked into believing that Michael attempted to have him assassinated. That would explain why he wanted someone else to write his lines. My understanding is he didn't want to play someone who would cooperate with law enforcement. That would be an anathema.
I read that he actually isn't related to Paul. Apparently Richard wife said he was related but Richard sister made it clear that they weren't in any way related to Paul.
@@josiahmitchell8594 I had a friend who's family name was Troianno but one of his progenitors changed it to Turner. He said it was just in case someone with that name embarrassed the family reputation. I know, it didn't make sense to me either. My Grandmother was a Francis from Napoli. Half my people say we're related. The other half are in knee jerk denial. Sometimes, with my people it comes down to wanting or not wanting to be associated with someone. But since it's so much fun, and that's how the Godfather coffee table book reads, and since the "not wanting to play a rat" angle makes sense, I'm going to stick with the nephew story. That's just one of the things that make it such a great movie.
he died in the kitchen of The Two Toms Restaurant on 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn. he had a heart attack and fell face first in a searing pan of sausage & peppers.
I Have enjoyed perhaps 3-400 viewings of 1& 2 and the level of my enjoyment Never diminishes. I am 61 now and quite sure it never will. I have engaged myself with your site today and hope it does not end any time soon. Insightful, creative and entertaining; it's almost as enjoyable as the Films. Keep it up, Please, Man and I will as well. Great work, and that is rare this day and age. Thank You and Cheers from Newfoundland, Canada!
I wish Clemenza was in the second one because that's the guy I would have wanted to be loyal but the muscle but I would not have liked his character to betray the family so it worked out.
Clemenza was a street gangster, Tessio was a racketeer, It’s just like Paul Castellano racketeer, John Gotti street gangster, In the book & The Godfather Epic tapes, 6 vhs tapes that run in chronological order of Godfather 1 & 2 explains a lot more of each character, like the book in the Epic you learn that Clemenza has a weak bladder, that’s why Paulie doesn’t suspect anything when Clemenza tells him in Italian “ pullover I’ve to to take a piss” than “leave the gun take the cannolis” if you can watch the Epic I highly recommend it, I have the whole Epic package, comes with 6 tapes in a book style tape holder with book cover on front, inside it comes with 2 booklets, one with behind the scenes photos with descriptive captions, ex; when they’re taking Vito upstairs on stretcher caption notes Brando had prop guys put 200lbs of weights hidden on bottom of stretcher and than another photo of all of them laughing when shown weights, the other booklet has all the standard production photos, I’m letting people know what actually came with the Epic because I see some online sales claiming to be Epic asking Top $$$ and Not the Complete Set, But if you can watch it total running time is almost six (6) and a half (1/2) hrs - ENJOY
What I don’t like about Clemenza is he gives guns to a stranger making Vito an accessory in whatever crime he committed with those guns. And Clemenza most likely didn’t have permission to take that Rug.
Clemenza and Vito were really tight. Vito's relationship with Clemenza was closer than Vito's relationship with Tessio. After he dropped the flower on the casket then looked up at the sky Clemenza looked lost liked the old days are over and he didn't know what his next move was or what the future had in store for him. Vito was a big part of his decision making because he trusted Vito's judgement. After serving under Sonny I think Clemenza and Tessio didn't want to work under another Corleone kid.
I had read that Richard Castellano's wife (don't forget the cannoli) told a different story. According to her, he was unwilling to gain that Clemenza weight. I don't know if that's true or not.
This could also explain why Clemenza wasn't in the flashback ending in The Godfather part 2. One could say that Clemenza was with the Godfather as the family yelled surprised while Michael was sitting alone.
1:01 that moshulu ship now docks at penns landing in philly...crazy, my mom took me and my cousins there to learn about tying rope knots and to eat at the restaurant on the ship, when I was about 4 or 5 years-old. that was mid-1970s about.
Hands down the most iconic Movie mobster of all time!! Most would say Vito Corleone was, but Clemeneza is the man all mobsters during that era aspired to be.
11:27 That’d make a lot of sense if that was Clemenza in the courtroom, especially considering he had an older brother who was a Don in their hometown/old country. It’d suck because he was a fan favourite character. This was one of the disputes that the late Richard Castellano had, with being made out to be a traitor
That's what was said about Lucky Luciano in '63 when he was about to eat with a detective from the NYPD in Italy. The suspicion was that Lucky was poisoned.
Thanks for the treatment you gave to the final bow of Peter Clemenza. Frankie Five Fingers was a interesting character, and his betrayal of the Family was far more easier to digest, than it would have been to having Clemenza, (who trained Michael in his first murder) to be also his finger guy.
In reality the actor that played Clemenza wanted an outlandish amount of money to repeat his role in part 2 so Coppola had to figure out a way to kill Clemenza to explain his absence in part 2. May as well be a heart attack. LOL.
Coppola wanted Clemenza to become a traitor in Part 2. Richard Castellano didn't want that, so he was written out. It speaks more into what Richard is as a person--he was loyal to the core. RIP
I enjoyed the video. I especially liked the cameos of Meyer Lansky & Lucky Luciano from "Boardwalk Empire". Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Just had fun seeing them pop up a few times.
Hollywood makes people do all kinds of crazy things because of their egos. The Godfather sage is victim to two of these in the sequels. First, Richard Castellano not appearing because of script control or money definitely took something away from the second film had it been Clemenza who turned on Michael. Remember, Michael says all their associates are businessmen and their loyalty is built on that. And, it would have been Clemenza's brother from Sicily that we would have seen in the Senate hearings and Clemenza having a change of heart at the last minute. That would have been awesome. And then Clemenza opening up a vein in the bathtub. It would have strengthen the Part II immensely. Coppola fixed it by having Clemenza killed off. Second, Robert Duvall wanted more money for Part III and this would have helped that film tremendously too him in it. His son is a priest in the film and maybe there would have been more intrigue with the whole Vatican Bank deal. Who knows? Perhaps the last of the family associates gone. Either way it would have been far better than the guy who replaced Tom Hagen as the family attorney. Hollywood and deals.
I agree with the take on Tom Hagen. George Hamilton didn't feel right as Consigliere, but losing Castellano (and in turn, Clemenza) could've been much worse than it was. I think the screen writers did well to make Frank Pentangeli a viable character. And Michael Gazzo's performance was superb. I can't imagine II without Pentangeli. Part 3 really could've used Tom Hagen though. I don't know if having him would've saved the movie, but it certainly would've helped.
Keeping Clemenza's loyalty strong and intact was crucial to the story. We have already seen the Corleone family betrayed by men very close to the Don: Caporegime Sal Tessio , the Don's brother-in-law Carlo, His trusted Sicilian bodyguard Calo, even the Don's only surviving brother, Fredo. It was important to keep one strong thread of unwavering loyalty and a pillar of integrity within the unstable Corleone family, as there had to be some semblance of honor within the family. The fall of the family would have been far too easy if almost all of the closest members of the Don were so easily turned, and would have diminished the reverence and gold standard of Vito Corleone. To have both of Vito's caporegimes turn traitor to the family would have been an insult to Vito's judgement. The way it turned out, Vito had chosen at least one caporegime who would not only remain loyal to him, but also to his sons.
@@tkjohn6770 The Don I was writing in the first half was was obviously Don Michael. It's why I had mentioned Tessio - as his betrayal occurred after the death of Don Vito, while also mentioning the Don's only surviving "brother" Fredo.
Mob Fact~Peter Clemenza is played by late actor Richard Costellano. Richard's uncle is Paul Costellano. Paul Costellano was the Godfather of the Gambino crime family in the late 70's and early 80's...
If I am not mistaken, Michael Gazzo who played Frankie Five Angels Pantangelli was nominated for best supporting actor. I think Francis Ford Coppola made the right decision.
Definitely would like a deep dive into the olive oil wars. I've read all things godfather. Puzo or otherwise. And I feel like there was so much potential left on the table regarding this
Have you guys considered the possibility that Vito Corleone's role doesn't really model good leadership that others can emulate? for one, he was a cold blooded criminal - a murderer and a bully (you have to be a bully to protect your turf as a mafiosi). For another, he couldn't get his kids to take the higher road away from a life of crime. Multiple members of his family and inner circle ended up dead because of their association with him and his criminal dealings. His nett contribution to society is not even zero - it is actually deeply negative. Why teach his example? There are far better examples of people who led by the strength of their principles, conviction etc.. and because of whom 1000s or even millions came to have a good life - they are much better examples than glorifying a criminal enterprise merely because they are made to look suave in a bunch of movies
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Soo why did they change sides doesn't make sense.
I'd also heard that apparently Clemenza's actor's girlfriend had convinced him to ask for more money to play the part, apparently it was high enough to be a deal breaker.
I'm glad that the actor who played Clemenza refused to star in the sequel. The idea of Clemenza becoming a traitor would have been unbearable.
Yes!!!!
He wanted more money
@@thembakhumalo-li7bl no sir!
Loved Clemenza,I cry every time I see the funeral scene and you see how much it hurts him to have lost his decades long friend 😢 and how he remained loyal to Michael
Love your channel,bigg fan of the godfather,it's so awesome to find out more even after watching these movies for over 25 yrs, n I never got to reading the books so this works 👍
Love him too, just thinking if Castellano had taken the role, Clemenza could have been entangled in GF2 intrigue, forced to betray to the FBI, then forced to cut his veins, makes me feel bad!
@@Gylfi0that wouldn't have happened to Clemenza the way things happened to Pentangelli. They rewrote the script because Castellano declined.
@𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐣𝐫𝟏𝟔𝟔
I also loved Clemenza for several reasons ~ first, he looked and spoke like a real New Yorker, he was immensely loyal to the Don & his family, and he was a good soldier. A question or scenario was proposed in the narrative about the possibility of him being disloyal and testifying before the Congress. To me, this scenario was just not possible at all. He was too loyal and comfortable in his role as caporegime. Perhaps his age at that time may also have played a role as to why he made no effort at usurpation.
One last thing in his favor = cook. I would love to have seen a Clemenza cook book ~ surely it would have been a best seller.
But had he been in GF2, he was slated to betray Michael. Didn't you hear that part? It would've been Clemenza in the hot seat instead of Frankie 5 Angels. By rewriting the story and writing Clemenza out of the story, his character is retired clean without ever betraying Michael. But they WERE GOING to have that character (Clemenza) betray him (Michael).
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I'm glad the character of Clamenza didn't betray the family.
I agree. It would have been too much against type for a man as loyal as Clemenza to betray Michael.
I agree with you completely.. Clemenza's character would have been diminished with that act of betrayal.. that would rub me the wrong way, I really liked Clemenza, from start to finish.. young Clemeza to older Clemenza..
@@JuanPerez-ek8wdme too. I like Clemenza’s character 😅
Not as "unpopular" as you might think! I, too, am satisfied with Clemenza's story arc ending with his loyalty intact.
@@Goibniu001 ... I'm with you, his loyalty intact.. that was a really great way to put it and say it... thank you..
The main reason why Clemenza could never turn on the family is that he never forgot the favor that Vito did for him by keeping the guns safe for him. In that moment, Clemenza knew that Vito was a trustworthy person and respected him for it.
That was way back at that moment but that was a long time ago and time reveals more of who we are,
also, Michael praises Sal for making a smart move and insults Clemenza by calling him dumb rather than loyal (or
not being as smart as Sal)
Nice videos but why do you use footage from Once Upon a time in America, among others?
Do you list each video you use, because it’s misleading for newbies especially, because you’re making them think you are using only the Godfather films….
Nice videos but why do you use footage from Once Upon a time in America, among others?
Do you list each video you use, because it’s misleading for newbies especially, because you’re making them think you are using only the Godfather films….
Vito also knew that Clemenza would be a most valuable asset if he needed a loyal friend. To thank Vito for safekeeping his "package," Clemenza wanted so show his appreciation in stealing a rug for Vito. He asked Vito to assist under false pretenses, to which Vito was already privy to. The theft not only risked Clemenza going to jail, he was moments away from a possible arrest - to which he was prepared to murder a policeman in cold blood to not only avoid prison, but to ensure the safety of Vito and the delivery of his gift. It was then that Vito saw a man of will and loyalty in Clemenza.
@@SpScarletSpider I’m sorry but don’t you think that after all those years Vito would also have done enough favors for Tessio ? Tessio was always loyal to Vito for years and asked for permission to break away but felt disrespected to have to “be a friend to Michael”. Michael was a baby, literally- when they started out, his future murderer was pooping on a new rug courtesy of Clemenza- Remember at the funeral when Tom “thought it would have been Clemenza”?
It would have been funny if Michael said, “ me too, for when I pooped all over the rug he stole for pop”
Richard Castellano said in an interview that he had creative differences with Coppola. That he saw Clemenza character as a teacher and would never had turned on the Corleone family. He taught Michael how to do a hit, told him how proud he was being a war hero, how to make sauce, murdered Paulie to show loyalty and as Sonny's godfather, personally took out Carlo who had set up Sonny in an ambush. He was loyal and not a fearful man, so never would have testified against Michael.
Castellano did Coppola a favor by not reprising his character.
He did say that after asking Castellano not to let anyone know why he declined the role, Coppola told the press that it was over money...which sort of pissed Castellano off a bit.
On a personal note, I didn't like the Frankie Pentangelli character. He was never mentioned in 1 and suddenly becomes a main character with enough information to take down the Corleone empire. The character was thrown together too quickly without any introduction.....
Missed the opportunity to introduce his character while telling Vito's younger story.....
So much meat left on the bone.....would like to see Corleone story from the start of the Olive oil wars to the events leading up to GF-1.
Hope someone decides to make that movie some day.
Paul Castellano said this. Uh huh. What part in the film did Paul Castellano play ?
@@michaellatora5857 Don't be a Richard.
Ahh, but you DID fix it, didn't you ? Says more about you than me, no ?
It's incredible that even after 53 years of the book being released and 50 years of the movie premiering, there are still videos about the series being made up to this day. Hopefully there'll be a lot more in the future.
The book was fantastic, and helps in understanding the movie better.
@@TheRealBalloonHead I think I may have to read the book watching this movie over the years I kinda understand where it Michael was talking about now because it’s a little bit more clear just by watching clips of this video in regards to the movie great character though I always wonder why he wasn’t in the second movie which is my favorite. Robert De Niro was amazing in the godfather two I think he our class everyone in that movie is far as acting goes…
There are scary back stories about
Luca Brassi, Al Neri Frank Penntangelli
and the Rasoto brothers it's endless
@@Mojave702 luca brassi cold cold man no soul
@@vorlons100
Lenny Montana ( Brassi) should have been given more scenes
Unfortunately during the wedding when Montana was rehearsing the meeting he read his lines because he had too much trouble memorizing them.
Although the movie would miss the extra edge without Montana as Brassi
And Richard Castellano as Clemenza
Classic work!
I like Clemenza. I’m glad he stayed loyal until the end. He’s also a great leader.
And he loved his cannoli too
I also agree. It's a reflection of the real life LCN that there are many eventual rats. But there were also a lot of old school guys in the life who would never turn no matter what. Clemenza is a great depiction of those guys.
And Tom actually assumed that he was the one who turned on the family..
@@jasonallen3678 Poor judgement on Tom's behalf; maybe another reason why Michael did not think he was fit to be the consigliere for his future enterprise. ''You're out Tom''
@@lordsod69 Clemenza brought an element to the film I love and that is the Italian love of food! I mean from the Cannolis, to the pasta sauce scene and when he ducked in for a Italian lunch while looking for mattresses!
Here's some interesting non-Godfather trivia about Richard Castellano. Around the time The Godfather was released, Richard starred in a short-lived sitcom called The Super, where he played the superintendent of a New York apartment building. His son in that series was a young Bruno Kirby. Both actors would portray Peter Clemenza; Richard in the Godfather, and Bruno in the Godfather II.
Good stuff 👍
@@rasheedjamal9091 Glad you liked it!
Richard Castellano lived on 63rd st between Roosevelt and Woodside Avenues in Queens,Joe Spinnell who played Willie Cicci lived nearby at 44th st and Greenpoint Avenue,Francis Ford Coppola was another Woodside resident and lived at 67-24 49th Avenue in Woodside and James Caan’s father ran a Kosher Butcher shop nearby in Sunnyside,the funeral scene was filmed in the Old Section of Cavalry Cemetery in Queens,You could see the Koskiusko Bridge and the now gone Brooklyn Union gas tanks in the background
@@JiggsTheMonk02 So there are many Godfather connections in that neighborhood. Interesting comment. Thanks for sharing.
This isn’t non-Godfather trivia. It’s absolutely Godfather trivia.
It was Clemenza who influenced Vito in becoming the Godfather. Vito at the time seemed like an honest family man before Clemenza stepped in, showing him the life of crime by breaking into some home and stealing a rug.
Exactly, although Vito learned from everyone he dealt with.
The rug tied the room together, Dude.
@@mikekokomomike
That was awesome!
Godfather has been on all day today. The thing I notice and wonder about is that Clemenza was there from the beginning and introduced Vito to the underworld. They built the whole family starting with the three of them. But years later Clemeza is only a Capo. I know the organization isn't set up like a real Mafia family but you would think he would be the Underboss. He's probably too stupid to be Consigliere judging by the way he speaks and may be more suited for street boss. So even in the absence of an Underboss and the leadership is inherited, Clemenza doesn't seem to command respect from Vito and his immediate family. Sonny is allowed to treat him like a bitch.
@@mikedumberg5388
Its explained in the book, which is great! I loved it and the author was from Hells Kitchen so he knew from experience how things worked. All the psychology that made Vito a Leader and the others under him. The book really brings out the character of Sonny Corleone as well. So complex but more likable....
When they said there was a traitor in the family never once did I think Clemenza...he was pure muscle, loyal to a fault, and did what he was told no questions asked
He just seemed to me the type who would consider it just another day at the office then go home, get into his bathrobe and slippers and sit with a cat on his lap
And eat some cannoli with his loyal wife
@@lordsod69 😴😴😴 Wasn't that funny the first time.
@@nancymcmonarch That's just your opinion. Never forget the cannoli!
@@nancymcmonarch sit down Karen
@@donkatoakathemethwhisperer6675 Don't take the small stuff so serious, old man.
"Oh, Paulie...won't see him no more."
Ive always loved how Clemenza says this. Its like he's just casually telling Sonny the score of a Yankees game.
Paulie: they said they exterminate the mattresses
Clemenza: exterminate? I should exterminate you!
Also how his wife's cannoli was more important than any discussion of the hit he just made on Paulie. His enthusiasm on how to cook for twenty men juxtaposed with the nonchalant "Oh, Paulie...you won't see him no more" showed exactly where his priorities lay.
Paulie was supposed to be Clemenza’s hand picked protégée. That’s why Clemenza had to take him out.
My absolute favorite line in the movie.
@@MissT8139pmlook
Robert DeNiro NAILED it! I literally can't imagine a young Vito Corleone looking or acting like anything other than
how DeNiro portrayed him.
You got that right!! The portrayal was seamless enough that I’ve often thought while watching G2 that you could imagine DeNiro growing up to become Brando.
If you really didn’t know any better, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the same guy from beginning to end.
I could never envision Clemenza potentially testifying against Michael. It would have made the court scenes much more emotional
Agree 💯 percent
Me too.
And the final scene with Tom Hagen would have been heartbreaking.
My heart couldn't take seeing Clemenza turn traitor.
Which is reportedly why the actor turned down the role in G 2
Clemenza as a loyal friend he was,his heart broke at vitos funeral.
This is undoubtedly true. They were as close as brothers. Losing him was losing a huge part of his life. Clemenza was a great character, highly loyal, and true to his word. He would never have betrayed the Godfather.
@@merccadoosis8847 He was bros also with Tessio but the f….er didn’t lost a minute and in the middle of the funeral made his move. The disgrace wasn’t the betrayal,after all that he should had the dignity not to ask Tom to save him.
@@soloklarino4178 Tom's response was "Can't do it, Sally." I always thought a stronger, more biting response would have been "Goodbye, Sally."
@@teleteg787 hahahaa that’s right
@@teleteg787 Tom wasn't ruthless like that. He was a nice guy who never wanted violence to occur.
I'm okay with how it turned out. At least it left that image that Clemenza was loyal to the family until the end.
I would've hated to see Clemenza turn on the family, although it probably would've been a more dramatic story.
I would have loved it because it would have made part 2 so much deeper.
@@MrDeepee69 and deep in cannoli too
Also they mentioned that clemenza's brother was a don in italy, it would be the same case with don chichi when his brother came into court and just gave the look. Would of been epic and treacherous
Tessio was always smarter
@@DelliDelz frank pentangelli you mean.
Chi chi was his enforcer
"Leave the gun, take the canoli"--Peter Clemenza..
The question was asked by the Godfather at the meeting with Michael, Clemenza and Tessio, while asking the Don to possibly start their own families: "Do I have your loyalty?" Only Clemenza replied "Yes always godfather"..Tessio didn't say anything.. Clemenza's loyalty truly never wavered and neither did Pentangeli's until he was set up masterfully by Roth. Richard Castellano the actor who played Clemenza wanted bigger bucks to reprise, but it was decided to move him out...too bad, the direction the film would have taken would have been most interesting. Great drop CR..always thought provoking content coming from you.
He also stated : ''I hate that Barzini...'' but Tessio was silent - dead giveaway
Like so many, I never saw Clemenza being the traitor, perhaps part of the reason that Tom was not a good wartime commander, he did not know other people. The moment Vito said it would be Clemenza or Tessio, I was nearly certain that it would be the latter. I believe that if Clemenza were to have betrayed the Corleones, it would have not been business but personal, deeply personal.
I like the story as it played out. Having Clemenza flip would not have been satisfactory to his story arc, and as the video articulates, his loyalty is his essence. It would have been like having Fredo go back to school and design a successful cold fusion reactor.
Either it's frank pentangeli or clemenza in courtroom and suicide scene don't compare it with fredo story, it's way more better than that. I mean we can't blame frank here, he thought michael betray him but his suicide show how loyal he is to the family
Going back to school to design a cold fusion reactor is a bit far fetched, but I could have seen Fredo designing his own fishing tackle, and fronting a chain of Fredo's brand of fishing supplies across Nevada. But, I agree. Keeping Clemenza loyal throughout the story is perfectly fine. The introduction of the grieving and aggrieved Frank Pentangeli works well to expand the chessboard of players that Michael must consider.
LOL I need this Fredo movie
I'd actually be really excited to see a Culture Mafia video on the Olive Oil War...
Me too!
Count me in...!
Me three
I’m up for that!
Agreed! Culture Mafia please make this happen soon.
That car, a 47 Packard, was up for auction like 15 years ago. Nice piece of auto and Americana nostalgia. That's a real conversation starter, the "leave the gun take the canolli" car.
A magazine printed his Spaghetti sauce as a recipe at the time. It's still the one I use.
That good?
@@TheCultureMafia It's worked for me. You can find it online.
Link please
I actually use honey instead of sugar.
I still use the other ingredients though.
Tastes good, and just a little different.
The casting in the films is uncannily good. The younger versions of notable characters are spot on. Especially for Tessio, clemenza and of course Don Vito.
Only Frankie could of pulled off that court room, I think that's the greatest seen in part 2. "Michael Corleeonne this Michael Corleeonne that but it was all lies"
I'll make you an offer you can't refuse if you spell "Corleone" right
@@darryldonnelly5363 he's imitating the exaggerated enunciations to match the scene
Corlenes
"Yeeeaaah... sure!"
We were in the olive business…. But that was a long time ago. …..I don’t anything about that.
Clemenza was always a favorite of mine for the very fact that he didn't betray the Family. It really would have saddened me to see him in the Pentangelo role. Hated to see him go, but it was the better end for him.
‘Leave the gun, take the cannolis’……brilliant 🤩 😂😂
This is my first video that I've watched on this channel. It's well done. You have us believing that Clemenza was a real person and this is the story of his life. The films don't give us these details, but you make them sound plausible.
Welcome to this thing of ours 🌹
All the details came after hours of analysing the original novel and film script.
At time 1:15, narrator says clemenzas' father worked on the railways. In deleted scenes from gf2. Clemenza and young Vito are sitting in the cafe drinking coffee. Clemenza says his father worked 12 hour days for the subway and in the end "He never even got to take a ride."
Clemenza never had the makings of a varsity athlete.
He was going for varsity cannoli.
Uncle Jr...... Is that you?! 😅
😅😅😅
What?
He was probably a rock in high school.
Middle line backer hit em in the numbers snot bubbles because they used leather helmets back in the day kind of solid body.
He probably got fat when he joined the family and got all eating and drinking good, and not working out so much aside from every now and then chopping up a body or helping dump one in the river.
Yeah yeah, he was a chubby kid who ate shit tons of pasta and bread and cannolis growing up.
But I like to think he was a beast as a kid then hit the big time and got fat
🥤😎🍿
Yes he did
Clemenza laughing at Michael's plotting to kill Solozzo
And police chief is priceless. And Tessio follows up😅😂
The real POWER behind Vito Corleone becoming the Godfather. From the moment Clemenza asked Vito to "Hide his Goods," they were tied together like Hot Dogs and Mustard. It changed Vitos trajectory from an immigrant storekeeper, to a Mafia Don wielding incomprehensible power. While Tessio had great intelligence, he suffered on the loyalty scale. Clemenzas loyalty was unshakeable, regardless of circumstance. Richard Castellano brilliantly portrays this Mafia Santa Claus. Jolly as St. Nick one moment, ruthless as a hangman the next. Speaking of, I love his use of the garrot in executing Carlo Rizzi. Death by strangulation. Not only lethal, but intensely personal. Just like this loveable, killer of a character.
Clemenza turning on the family never would have worked. Totally unbelievable. It's a good thing they brought in Franky Pentangeli.
As napharios as Clemenza was he had heart
A likable jolly character
Clemenza was named as one of the top five best characters in film history
Turning against the family is a betrayal of the entire trilogy
"Paulie?, oh you won't see him no more."
Peter Clemenza
That is a huge revelation to me that Frankie was a replacement for Clemenza. I and II make so much more sense now! I wish he would have been in II ! Even though I LOVE Frankie's character and the actors performance.
When I first saw the Godfather, it was in 1980. Coppola had edited parts 1 and 2 together for a television presentation over 5 nights. In NYC, it was shown on WPIX (Channel 11). I was blown away!
This is excellent. It’s unfortunate that the negotiations fell through, but the “new storyline” worked well. Your content is well done. 🌟💥🌟💥🌟
Much appreciated 💯
Man… I thought I knew all there is to know about The Godfather. I have thoroughly read all the books. I’m confident I could do the main dialogue for the movies I & II, without looking at the material. Yet you guys are constantly showing me, I don’t clearly know La Famiglia Corleone as well as I think I do. Keep up the good work!!! Santino “Sonny” is my favorite character. I would love to see a video dedicated to him. Unless you’ve done one and I just haven’t seen it. I appreciate all you do.
The Godfather 2 is my favorite movie of all time because of the Robert De Niro scenes as Vito going from a simple shop clerk to the most powerful mobster in the country. The movie would have been even better if the actor who played Pete Clemenza had returned. He got into a silly dispute with Coppola and his role was recast. The scene at the Army base where he talks about the Corleone family being like the Roman Empire was great with Frankie but man the scenes really miss Pete.
Peter Clemenza did not talk at the Army base!? That was Frank Pentangeli.
Love Clemenzas character and was glad he remained loyal to the end as it made sense with his character. Never understood at the funeral why Michael said Tessio was always smarter than Clemenza. I mean, perhaps it's just a statement of fact, but not only did it sound a bit disrespectful, but the fact that Clemenza never tried plotting, to me, was more an indication of his loyalty and true friendship to his father Vito, like real family, rather than anything to do with his intellect. In other words, even if Clemenza was just as capable mentally as Tessio, it was in his character to remain loyal anyway.
I always took it from the flashback in II where Vito convinces Clemenza and Tessio to only give him $50 each for Don Fanucci instead of the $600 that Fanucci demanded. Well, Vito convinced Tessio but Clemenza was too dumbfounded to answer. Tessio wanted to see what Vito was capable of while Clemenza was only interested in obedience when given a command from someone (Fanucci) that he saw as more powerful. One man's loyalty is another man's recognition of his own limitations and inability to climb too far up the ladder of power. Once Vito displaced Fanucci, Clemenza then came into line under Vito's direction, and stayed there through both Vito and Michael's reign. Tessio demonstrated he was the one willing to see thing's change course if it could benefit him directly.
Mike wasn't really disrespecting Clemenza by saying that. It came across that by saying Tessio was "smarter," it meant that Tessio was more ambitious to pull the move that he pulled against the family.
Tessio was known as wanting the business more than loyalty.
I can't see clemenza turning state witness
I know the real reason why the actor who played Clemenza didn’t return for the 2nd movie honestly I’m happy because I could not stand the sight of Peter turning on Michael.
I discover with time that there was a lot more to the story of the film...unbelievable how those characters have been developed!!!! I get immense respect for F.F.Coppola and of course M.Puzo...what an intrigue!?!??!❣️
Clemenza wouldn't turn against the family because he was LOYAL and as stated in the video, his loyalty was above him getting ahead for "business" like Tessia did. Clemenza going against Michael in court - no. Loyalty above all was Clemenza.
The car scene murders, in the reeds, were filmed on the waterfront in Jersey City, NJ where there's a gorgeous view of the NY Skyline. It was undeveloped forever and they considerately made it a State Park. That was THE place to find bodies. You can take a rowboat from the waterfront to NYC. Snap. The Statue of Liberty is in the middle.
Great Vid as usual. Definitely consider diving into the Olive Oil wars. It had to be really intense being as it set the foundation of the Corleones’ power and I would personally love to see how Genco was a great war time consigliere because Sonny mentioned it in passing to Tom.
Really love your videos, your take on the power interactions is very on point, I've learn so much in here, thanks for your vids.💌
i really love you
Hell yeah. Good to see you back.
Thank You 🤝🌹
Honestly it made sense it wasn’t Clemenza he was being practical and he experienced the feel Vito had for sniffing out BS that was displayed throughout the first 2 films. So he was just being himself at all times but the GF2 illustrates how naturally Vito took to being a Don and nobody knew it better than the man who broke him in. He knew Vito would be able to guide Michael through that point (a less of a natural). Michael could sniff out the upcoming issues but he couldn’t keep people happy/loyal the way Vito did, because Vito had respect in reserves that Michael could just never reach, Michael had an identity crisis through the whole series of films showing up most notably with the spiked hair in 3.
I never looked over Clemenza,because after all,he had two of the best kill scenes in the entire franchise and still came across as a loving character..
Another example of talent Clemenza helped sniff out was Al Neri in the book, seeing the makings of a new Luca Brasi in him.
Before Vito even met Clemenza or Tessio, his closest friend was Genco. I always wondered why he didn’t play a bigger role onscreen with the family throughout the years. Any thoughts?
He died of cancer in a deleted scene a day after Connie's wedding.
The Family Corleone book features Genco a lot more as the consigliere to Vito. It was based on Mario Puzo's idea for the story for the Godfather Part IV which would have had flashbacks of young Sonny learning about Vito's criminal life.
I think you guys should go deeper into Frankie five angels and do a vid on the olive oil wars. Love the vids guys.
Love the editing on these videos, I know a lot of the factoids you say in your videos, but I'm grateful someone takes the time to explain it to the new generations.
Peter clamenza also found talent in the lovely and talented Mr. Al Neri
I actually heard Richard Castellano who is a cousin to Big Paulie former Gambino boss refused to play a character that rats out of respect for his family, and thats why he didn't reprise his role.
I think Clemenza dying as opposed to turning into a traitor is a much superior character arc. Clemenza remains a model of the old capos, loyal to the end. It allows us to believe at least some people in this world of crime are honorable. Imagine a franchise where no one is loyal and everyone is willing to turn on lifelong “friends.” Oh wait… we don’t have to imagine, we have woke Hollywood!
No matter what you are doing or what you are talking about a MAGAott will always do find a way to F-ck everything up.
And there I was thinking that betraying everyone is the very essence of fascism, just like ex-president Donald Trump.
Richard Castellano is related to Paul Castellano. That life was a part of his life. He didn't want to play an informant, which is what Frankie Pentangeli ended up being, even though he was tricked into believing that Michael attempted to have him assassinated. That would explain why he wanted someone else to write his lines. My understanding is he didn't want to play someone who would cooperate with law enforcement. That would be an anathema.
I read that he actually isn't related to Paul. Apparently Richard wife said he was related but Richard sister made it clear that they weren't in any way related to Paul.
@@josiahmitchell8594 I had a friend who's family name was Troianno but one of his progenitors changed it to Turner. He said it was just in case someone with that name embarrassed the family reputation. I know, it didn't make sense to me either.
My Grandmother was a Francis from Napoli. Half my people say we're related. The other half are in knee jerk denial. Sometimes, with my people it comes down to wanting or not wanting to be associated with someone. But since it's so much fun, and that's how the Godfather coffee table book reads, and since the "not wanting to play a rat" angle makes sense, I'm going to stick with the nephew story.
That's just one of the things that make it such a great movie.
DON'T BE A FREDO.
Make Sure You Like the Video & Subscribe to be Part of The Culture Mafia 🤝🌹
he died in the kitchen of The Two Toms Restaurant on 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn. he had a heart attack and fell face first in a searing pan of sausage & peppers.
I Have enjoyed perhaps 3-400 viewings of 1& 2 and the level of my enjoyment Never diminishes. I am 61 now and quite sure it never will. I have engaged myself with your site today and hope it does not end any time soon. Insightful, creative and entertaining; it's almost as enjoyable as the Films. Keep it up, Please, Man and I will as well. Great work, and that is rare this day and age. Thank You and Cheers from Newfoundland, Canada!
Clemenza being Loyal to the end made him Legend.
11:58 I never liked Pentangelo, and killing Clemenza without going through some angst would have been awkward. Nope, the GFll resolved well.
I wish Clemenza was in the second one because that's the guy I would have wanted to be loyal but the muscle but I would not have liked his character to betray the family so it worked out.
Clemenza was a street gangster, Tessio was a racketeer, It’s just like Paul Castellano racketeer, John Gotti street gangster, In the book & The Godfather Epic tapes, 6 vhs tapes that run in chronological order of Godfather 1 & 2 explains a lot more of each character, like the book in the Epic you learn that Clemenza has a weak bladder, that’s why Paulie doesn’t suspect anything when Clemenza tells him in Italian “ pullover I’ve to to take a piss” than “leave the gun take the cannolis” if you can watch the Epic I highly recommend it, I have the whole Epic package, comes with 6 tapes in a book style tape holder with book cover on front, inside it comes with 2 booklets, one with behind the scenes photos with descriptive captions, ex; when they’re taking Vito upstairs on stretcher caption notes Brando had prop guys put 200lbs of weights hidden on bottom of stretcher and than another photo of all of them laughing when shown weights, the other booklet has all the standard production photos, I’m letting people know what actually came with the Epic because I see some online sales claiming to be Epic asking Top $$$ and Not the Complete Set, But if you can watch it total running time is almost six (6) and a half (1/2) hrs - ENJOY
The pain of betrayal of Clemenza would have been so much more intense.
What I don’t like about Clemenza is he gives guns to a stranger making Vito an accessory in whatever crime he committed with those guns.
And Clemenza most likely didn’t have permission to take that Rug.
Clemenza and Vito were really tight. Vito's relationship with Clemenza was closer than Vito's relationship with Tessio. After he dropped the flower on the casket then looked up at the sky Clemenza looked lost liked the old days are over and he didn't know what his next move was or what the future had in store for him. Vito was a big part of his decision making because he trusted Vito's judgement. After serving under Sonny I think Clemenza and Tessio didn't want to work under another Corleone kid.
I had read that Richard Castellano's wife (don't forget the cannoli) told a different story. According to her, he was unwilling to gain that Clemenza weight. I don't know if that's true or not.
This could also explain why Clemenza wasn't in the flashback ending in The Godfather part 2. One could say that Clemenza was with the Godfather as the family yelled surprised while Michael was sitting alone.
These videos are awesome, love the editing as well as content
Much appreciated 💯
@@TheCultureMafia you’re welcome, paisano
Clemenza going no further than part 1 is the best thing that coud have happened to the character.
1:01 that moshulu ship now docks at penns landing in philly...crazy, my mom took me and my cousins there to learn about tying rope knots and to eat at the restaurant on the ship, when I was about 4 or 5 years-old. that was mid-1970s about.
Welcome back
Thank You 🤝
You have another subscriber. I'm bingeing the channel this morning, and it's all good. Thanks.
Hands down the most iconic Movie mobster of all time!! Most would say Vito Corleone was, but Clemeneza is the man all mobsters during that era aspired to be.
Great video!
Thank you for providing the history and the additional relationships between the characters.
Tessio steps on people's toes when he dances. But Clemenza can Boogie Woogie! 🕺
11:27 That’d make a lot of sense if that was Clemenza in the courtroom, especially considering he had an older brother who was a Don in their hometown/old country. It’d suck because he was a fan favourite character. This was one of the disputes that the late Richard Castellano had, with being made out to be a traitor
And good for RC! It's surprising and disappointing that Coppola wanted to pull such a cheap trick on the Clemenza character.
I love Clemenza. That line by Cheche “that was no heart attack “ slipped right by me. I hate to think of Clemenza as a traitor.
That's what was said about Lucky Luciano in '63 when he was about to eat with a detective from the NYPD in Italy.
The suspicion was that Lucky was poisoned.
Meet. Not eat.
@@danwallach8826 I didn’t know that.
Thanks for the treatment you gave to the final bow of Peter Clemenza. Frankie Five Fingers was a interesting character, and his betrayal of the Family was far more easier to digest, than it would have been to having Clemenza, (who trained Michael in his first murder) to be also his finger guy.
He was Frankie 'Five Angels"
Frankie Five Angels. Pentangeli means five angels, not five fingers.
Why do you disrespect me so?
In reality the actor that played Clemenza wanted an outlandish amount of money to repeat his role in part 2 so Coppola had to figure out a way to kill Clemenza to explain his absence in part 2. May as well be a heart attack. LOL.
Coppola wanted Clemenza to become a traitor in Part 2. Richard Castellano didn't want that, so he was written out. It speaks more into what Richard is as a person--he was loyal to the core. RIP
I enjoyed the video. I especially liked the cameos of Meyer Lansky & Lucky Luciano from "Boardwalk Empire". Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Just had fun seeing them pop up a few times.
What a great vid to wake up to on a Saturday. Morning..........Guess I have to fire up my Godfather Saga!
He was a pillar in this movie... just very good at his job...
You left out his most iconic line, " Leave the gun, take the cannolis " !
I like the fact that they went with the Frankie Five character, it would have been a bit much for both original captains to turn on the family
Hollywood makes people do all kinds of crazy things because of their egos. The Godfather sage is victim to two of these in the sequels. First, Richard Castellano not appearing because of script control or money definitely took something away from the second film had it been Clemenza who turned on Michael. Remember, Michael says all their associates are businessmen and their loyalty is built on that. And, it would have been Clemenza's brother from Sicily that we would have seen in the Senate hearings and Clemenza having a change of heart at the last minute. That would have been awesome. And then Clemenza opening up a vein in the bathtub. It would have strengthen the Part II immensely. Coppola fixed it by having Clemenza killed off. Second, Robert Duvall wanted more money for Part III and this would have helped that film tremendously too him in it. His son is a priest in the film and maybe there would have been more intrigue with the whole Vatican Bank deal. Who knows? Perhaps the last of the family associates gone. Either way it would have been far better than the guy who replaced Tom Hagen as the family attorney. Hollywood and deals.
Well said
I agree with the take on Tom Hagen. George Hamilton didn't feel right as Consigliere, but losing Castellano (and in turn, Clemenza) could've been much worse than it was. I think the screen writers did well to make Frank Pentangeli a viable character. And Michael Gazzo's performance was superb. I can't imagine II without Pentangeli. Part 3 really could've used Tom Hagen though. I don't know if having him would've saved the movie, but it certainly would've helped.
They shouldn’t even have bothered with part 3 it was awful.
Keeping Clemenza's loyalty strong and intact was crucial to the story. We have already seen the Corleone family betrayed by men very close to the Don: Caporegime Sal Tessio , the Don's brother-in-law Carlo, His trusted Sicilian bodyguard Calo, even the Don's only surviving brother, Fredo. It was important to keep one strong thread of unwavering loyalty and a pillar of integrity within the unstable Corleone family, as there had to be some semblance of honor within the family. The fall of the family would have been far too easy if almost all of the closest members of the Don were so easily turned, and would have diminished the reverence and gold standard of Vito Corleone. To have both of Vito's caporegimes turn traitor to the family would have been an insult to Vito's judgement. The way it turned out, Vito had chosen at least one caporegime who would not only remain loyal to him, but also to his sons.
Carlo was his son in law , not his brother in law .
Well in that world it was only business.
@@tkjohn6770 The Don I was writing in the first half was was obviously Don Michael. It's why I had mentioned Tessio - as his betrayal occurred after the death of Don Vito, while also mentioning the Don's only surviving "brother" Fredo.
He refused to play in Godfather Two so they gave him a heart attack.
Hey I really would like to see your take on the movie Once upon a time in America, please.
Watched one today on that movie. It was excellent.
I'd love to know more about the Olive Oil Wars!
I haven’t even watched it yet but I assume the term “not to be trifled with” is in here since this channel says it about 3 times per short video
😂
Clemenza, one of the most liked cold blooded killers outside of Marv in Sin City . Thanks for this upload .
Mob Fact~Peter Clemenza is played by late actor Richard Costellano. Richard's uncle is Paul Costellano. Paul Costellano was the Godfather of the Gambino crime family in the late 70's and early 80's...
If I am not mistaken, Michael Gazzo who played Frankie Five Angels Pantangelli was nominated for best supporting actor. I think Francis Ford Coppola made the right decision.
Love the analysis!
Roji
Definitely would like a deep dive into the olive oil wars. I've read all things godfather. Puzo or otherwise. And I feel like there was so much potential left on the table regarding this
Have you guys considered the possibility that Vito Corleone's role doesn't really model good leadership that others can emulate? for one, he was a cold blooded criminal - a murderer and a bully (you have to be a bully to protect your turf as a mafiosi). For another, he couldn't get his kids to take the higher road away from a life of crime. Multiple members of his family and inner circle ended up dead because of their association with him and his criminal dealings. His nett contribution to society is not even zero - it is actually deeply negative. Why teach his example? There are far better examples of people who led by the strength of their principles, conviction etc.. and because of whom 1000s or even millions came to have a good life - they are much better examples than glorifying a criminal enterprise merely because they are made to look suave in a bunch of movies
The Family had a lot of buffers!
Great films..never get tired of them