Godfather ipsum dolor sit amet. It’s not personal. It’s business. Vito, how do you like my little angel? Isn’t she beautiful? I don’t feel I have to wipe everybody out, Tom. Just my enemies. Why do you hurt me, Michael? I’ve always been loyal to you. Fredo, you’re my older brother, and I love you. But don’t ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever.
Is that why you slapped my brother around in public? I am sorry. What happened to your father was business. I have much respect for your father. But your father, his thinking is old-fashioned. You must understand why I had to do that. Now let’s work through where we go from here. What’s wrong with being a lawyer? You can act like a man!
Why did you go to the police? Why didn’t you come to me first? I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart! Mr Corleone is Johnny Fontane’s godfather. Now Italians regard that as a very close, a very sacred religious relationship. Don’t you know that I would use all of my power to prevent something like that from happening?
What’s the matter with you? Is this what you’ve become, a Hollywood finocchio who cries like a woman? “Oh, what do I do? What do I do?” What is that nonsense? Ridiculous! Never let anyone know what you are thinking. In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns. Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in. Sonny, please don’t do anything. Please don’t do anything.
When they come… they come at what you love. Only don’t tell me you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and makes me very angry. It’s an old habit. I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men. My father’s name was Antonio Andolini… and this is for you. Do me this favor. I won’t forget it. Ask your friends in the neighborhood about me. They’ll tell you I know how to return a favor.
Don Corleone, I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your home on the wedding day of your daughter. And may their first child be a masculine child. Te salut, Don Corleone. I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen. Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment. It’s a Sicilian message. It means Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.
My father taught me many things here – he taught me in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Don’t ever give an order like that again. Not while I’m alive. Your enemies always get strong on what you leave behind. The hotel, the casino. The Corleone Family wants to buy you out. This one time, this one time I’ll let you ask me about my affairs.
You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your son back to you? Or my boy to me? I don’t like violence, Tom. I’m a businessman; blood is a big expense. That’s my family Kay, that’s not me. I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse. Michael, you never told me you knew Johnny Fontane!