"THE GODFATHER PART III" (1990)

STATS130pages141scenes23,025words44%dialogue124characters

Words

  • dialogue10,23344%
  • action10,96748%
  • other1,8257.9%

Scenes

location
  • INT 48
  • EXT 44
  • UNKNOWN 49
time
  • DAY 45
  • NIGHT 25
  • DUSK 1
  • UNKNOWN 70
1

OPEN

XHE GODFATHER lII:

Screenplay

by

MARIO PUZO

and

Fa.MfCISFORD COPPOLA

PART III
Third Draft Novembers,· 1989

FADE IN:

1

INT. VATICAN BANK - DA;{

D The PARAMOUNT LOGO is presented austerely over a black bacicground. We HEAR the SOUND of a trumpet playing a waltz. There is a moment's hesitation, and then the simple words in white lettering: ·

Mario Puzo's THE GODFATHER

While this remains, we-HEAR:

"Alas Constantine, how much misfortune you caused ••• "

SUDDENLY, we are watching in CLOSE VIEW, a man in his sixties. Emotional and a little nervous.

ARCHBISHOP
"··· Not by becomin9"Christian, but by thy. dowrywhich the first rich F.ather accepted. from you. "

As he speaks,, theVIEW imper(:eptibly begins toLOOSEN. We SEE hands resting on a table;. a large jeweled ring.

ARCHBISHOP
How true Dante's words were. Even the sinsof the flesh are simple, compared to the burden of ·money.

Finally, we reveal the man is an ARCHBISHOP,ROCCO GRAZIADEI. Member of the Holy See, confidant of the Pope, and head .ofthe IOR, the Institute per le Opere di Religione. He is dressed in dark suit, Roman collar. on his head is a magenta skullcap.

ARCHBISHOP
But I was nevera banker. Mea Culpa, I trustedmy "friends."
MICHAEL (O.S.)
·Friendship and money, oiland water.
ARCHBISHOP
These "friends" used the good name of the Church to feed their greed. our bank is comparatively small,_.but the operation is very complex. If money is lost then I am to blame. Ah, if only prayer could pay off our 700 ~illion dollar deficit.
MICHAEL (O.S.)
769 million.

_Wereveal MICHAEL CORLEONE. He hands some papers out of frame. Inni~ sixties, whir.P.hair; the face of~ bulldog. He is the epitome of the American businessman. Richly dressed, exquisitely barbered.

ARCHBISHOP
(pause)
My gift was to make people give to the Holy Church. InRome They decided I was good at managing things. So they put me in charge of the Vatican Bank.
MICHAEL
You come here quoting Dante, and beautifully, Archbishop. But we•re not talking about charity. When it comes to char.itythe Corleone family will be there -- as you know from your long relationship with my father. But this is business, and-I have interests just as you have interests.

ARCHBISHOP· s.ometimes interests coincide, ·sometimes not.

-MICHAEL One asset, partly owned by the Vatican Bank is International Immobiliare. Your vote is decisive concerning who controls that company.

ARCHBISHOP
It is not a simple matter of one person deciding. Like any company, tnere·are directors, :the.reare rules, many t·echnicalities.

The two men face one another in a colossal negotiation. Other men sit quietly around the room. Michael's chief financial advisor, B.,J.HARR.ISON'"ClI,isa middle-aged, good-looking, waspy, investment banker. over ten years, B.J. has made Michael a great deal of monei. Arbitrageurs -- taking big positions and then greenmailing to give it back. or keeping it. But he has never caused the loss of jobs, nor the taking on of impossible debt. He didn't have to -- he had billions of

dollars of corleone money to play with.

Also there ar• AL NERI, KEINSZIG, a Swiss banker, a MONSIGNOR, and another ADVISOR.

MICHAEL
International Immobiliare has five billiion dollars in real~estate holdings all over the world, control of which would give me the financial independence I need. I am prepared to deposit five hundred million dollars in the Vatican bank, at such time as I recieve majority control of Immobiliare.
ARCHBISHOP
The church has little interest in real estate, we would gladly give it away. But some may have reservations about the Corleone family as a partner.
MICHAEL
We have sold the casinos, and all operations having to do with gambling. For thirty years, my family has sought an opportunity like this. The Corleone family can become a greatname in international finance.
B.J.
(toArchbishop)
We are preparing a tender offer which would give us majority. We'll need more than your assuranceyou will support us.

Hands come in to light the Archbishop's cigarette. He sighs.

ARCHBISHOP
In today's world~ it seems the ..,powerto absolve debt is. greater than the power of forgiveness.
MICHAEL
(laughing)
Don't underesti~ate the power of forgiveness.
ARCHBISHOP
We will arrange an honor for everyone to see.
VIEW ON MICHAEL
Deep ificoncentratiori.
ARCHBISHOP (O.S.)
Your family and your children
3

,,,,.

will be redeemed. You will be absolved of your sins.

MUSIC in. Bells, organ, choir.

DISSOLVE TO:

TITLE CARD IN:

PART III

NEW YORK; 1979

DISSOLVE TO:
2

INT. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL - DAY

EXTREME CLOSE SHOT
A gold.religious medallion.
MOVING SHOT
Mass is being celebrated. Mic;:hael,in tuxedo,walks down the aisle, approaches tha altar. The Archbishop Graziadei is seated on throne, in full regalia. He h_asstaff in his hand. Assisting are a monsignor, in magenta cassock, and a priest. The priest holds .abucket of holy water and a sword, the monsignor holds .aparchment certif.icate.

Michael kneels in front of the Archbishop. The Archbishop holds the beautiful gold medal on ribbon collar. He blesses it with the holy water, then ties it around Michael's neck. He reads the proclamation on the certificate.

J
ARCHBISHOP
(reading)
Paulus Sextus, Pontifex Maximus, precibus nobis adhibit libenti animo concedentes ..•
MOVING CLOSE VIEWS
We s.~Emany'·of·thefine people, all manner of guests, friends, onlookers and family, the Cardinal of New York.
ARCHBISHOP (O.S.)
• • •E quibuste accepimus·de ecclesiae reique Catholicae bono atque incremento bene.meritum esse ••.
CONNIE CORLEONE RIZZI
proudly stands by, looking like her mother. She is the hostess for the family, who have all come.
ARCHBISHOP (O.S.)
••• Ut patens gratae nostrae voluntatis testimonium promamus, te Michele Corleone, e Diocesi New York..•

AL NERI in his fifti-s, always a few steps away from Michael. Standing near some bankers~ businessman~

ARCHBISHOP (O.S.)
••• E9uitem commendatorem . ordinis sancti Benedictum Papae elegimus... ·

VIEW on JOEY ZASA. 35 veat"sold, a "Dapper Dan" who·wears hand-tailored clothes, ash~ entets the cathedral, followed by ANTHONY'"THE 'ANT" SQUIGLIARO•. They make a big show of genuflecting in the aisle, crossing themselves, •nd then take a seat.

ARCHBISHOP
(finishing} ••• Facimus ac renuntiamus, tibi9ue facultatem tri.buimus privilegiis omnibus utendi, quae cum hac dignitate sunt coniuncta.

(IIPopePaul the Sixth.willing grants you, after.requests were made of me, the following honor. You have well deserved the following reward from the Roman .catholic Church,and we thankfU1ly express this clear testimony. We choose, make and· declare you, Michael Corleone, from the diocese of New York, knight and keeper of the papal order of saint· Benedict,and t,;e grant you the power and authority to enjoy all privileges which are connected with this honor.") ·

VIEW ON ARCHBISHOP
takes sword, and taps Michael with it on right shoulder, head, then.left shoulder.
ARCHBISHOP
Te facio equitern·.innomine patris, filii, et spiritu sanctL

("I knight you in the name of the father, son and holy spirit.")

VIEW ON MICHAEL
rises, and looks up.

HIS EYES· failing him.

MICHAEL'S POV: KAY CORLEONE MICHELSON, in her early fifties, entering the catl'iedral,followed by her husband. Kay, not seeing Michael, stares at the world she had almost forgotten.

This is the first time they have caught a glimpserof each other ·in eight years. Relatives. greet Kay and her husband without disturbing the ceremony. Then Kay looks up and sees Michael looking at her~ People are talking t~ her, kissing her.

VIEW ON MARY CORLEONE AND HER BROTHER ANTHONY joining Kay. Michael's children, in their twenties.

VIEW ON O~HER RELATIVES making the sign o.fthe cross. The ceremony completed, the Archbishop blesses all in the church.

ARCHBISHOP
(does tri~le blessing)
May the blessing of almighty God, father, son and holy spirit descend upon you, and remain with you forever.
ALL
Amen.
VIEW ON KAY
crossing herself. She tentatively acknowledges Michael.
VIEW ON MICHAEL
Smiles and nods.
3

EXT. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL - DAY

The family is met by chauffeurs and escorted off to the luncheon·.and party. Some of the less well-heeled have their station wagons arid carsb~ought by valets, hired by the family.

CLOSE ON MICHAEL
He goes to his .car accompaniedby a beautiful 24-year-old Italiangirl; his daughter, MARY. CORLEONE..

VIEW ON PRESS . A group of photoc.,raphersand press notice.They rush en masse to them. We notice one of the photographers, a young woman. Her name is GRACE DAMIANI. The cameras she carries, three of them slung around her neck and a pouch of film in a Gucci bag, are very professional. She takes the opportunity to give Michael her card.

·GRACE Please,Mr. Corleone, can I speak toyou one moment? (lying) I'm Grace Madison.

Michael disregards her after•a look.

· GRACE Johnny Fontane promised he'd call you about me. He said you'd see me.

Some of Michael's PR people politely intercept her. Neri is at Michael's side.

MICHAEL
Did Johnny call about her?
NERI
Yes.
MICHAEL
Why should I see a photographer?
NERI
Because he screws her?
MICHAEL
Tell him not to pursue it.

Neri, surprised, jots down a note. He had not expected Michael to get that sore. Michael joins his daughter in the limousine.

4

INT. MICHAEL'S APARTMENT - DAY

FULL SHOT
People dancing, music and excitement. The prosperity of the family is evident. Music and vitality abound. An extraordinary feast is lovingly displayed at the luncheon.

Nicely dressed Italian-Americans. A third generation of grandchildren, great,-grandchildren. Irish and German and American wives and an abundance of babies. Some of the grandchildren are ·alreadyin their teens;,students, the sons and daughters cf Corleones who are dentists, lawyers, professors, and small legitimate businessmen.

5

INT. MICHAEL'S APT./FOYER - DAY

Fifteen members of the·press are well-managed by the corleone P.R. people. They ask questions at the P.R. table, get IO cards. Grace is determined to scoop the others.

Someone is handing out press packages. DOMINIC "DOM" PACELLI, age 40, is Michael's aide~ He addresses thepress.

DOM
The Order of St. Benedict is the highest honor the catholic Church can bestow upon a layman. The award was first ~ranted by Pope Pius the ninth in 1847.
REPORTER
What about Mr. Corleone's connections with the Las Vegas underworld?
DOM
Come on, you guys. Why dig up those old crappy rumors. The Pope, the Holy Father himself has this very day blessed Michael Corleone. Are you guys better qualified to judge than the Pope?

6 VIEW OFF MAIN AREA Michael prepares to introduce Mary. Photos are taken.

MICHAEL
The Chairman of the Vito Andolini Corleone Foundation, my daughter, Mary Corleone. ·
MARY
The Vito Corleone Foundation is a non-profit organization that .helpsthe impoverished of every country, gives grants to artist of every kind, funds medical research, and established the Cor.leone Fellowships at Dartmouth.
(aside} Where.both·my brother and I amazed everyone with our grades. · (.everyonelaughs)
··Seriously.. •TheCorleone Foundation is particularly dedicated to the resurrection of Sicily, and ...

The Archbishop is charming, relaxed. He is accompanied by a monsignor. Mary presents a check to him and more photos are taken.

MARY
.•• Here, Archbishop Graziadei, one hundred million dollars for the poor of Sicily. Right out front giving help to the villages of Sicily for social services, to buy land, and improve schools~ To teach social responsibility.

Applause. The Archbishop kisses Mary on both cheeks, pinches her cheek.

ARCHBISHOP
You are beautiful in your heart.

More pho.tos...The Archbishop is posed with Michael.

7 VIEW ON THE BAND AND PARTY as the family getsto mingle flirtations going on, as a young NEPHEW asks a NIECE of 17 to go off and have a drink together.

NIECE
...My mother says I can't go out with you -- your grandfather bossed the world heroin trade.

The boy looks astonished and goes off dejected.

VIEW ON MRS. SONNY CORLEONE TABLE Connie approaches her le.ast favorite sister-.in-lat-1,SANDRA.

CONNIE
I'm glad we could arrange the· table -- we never got your RSVP.
SANDRA
We couldn't keep the children away.

They kiss coldly. Connie leaves, smirking to herself.

9 VIEW NEAR MA!N TABLE Michael with Archbishop and family ..He introduces ANDREW HAGEN, age 35, a handsome young .priest.

MICHAEL
Excellency, this is my godson, my brother Tom's eldest boy. He's been assistant to Cardinal
(MORE)

'-t

MICHAEL (contd.}
Breelen for three years. He's been hoJ?ingfor ah assignment to the Vatican. ·
ARCHBISHOP
I'm sure someone as promising as him will find his place.

10 MOVING VIEW - Michael's shadow slides down stairs, revealing Michael and B.J. walkin<fthrough crowd, receive series of requests from rich-lo~king types, lobbyists coming to curry favor with Michael Corleone,· the Vito Corleone.Foundation with its support for Italian-American culture and patriotic causes.

MICHAEL
Times change. The family's changed. My father would have hated foundations. He loved doing it himself -- man to man. But we learn from the philanthropists like the Rockefellers and all. thoseguys. First you rob everybody and then you give to the poor.
B.J.
Minus your expenses, of course.
MICHAEL
Q.fcourse.
B.J.
John Adams said it: "I must study politics and war, so that my.sons may·study architecture, navigation, commerce and naval en~ineering, so that their children may have the liberty to study..music,painting, literature, and porcelain."

11 VIEW Michael goes on to family, leaving B.J. and Archbishop.

B.J.
Archbishop, it has bee.nbrought tomy attention.that a major shareholder of International Immobiliare,may oppose us. Right·nowwe don't know who.
ARCHBISHOP
The Vatican holds considerable influence with the board of directors. It knows nothing of this rival shareholder.
B.J.
Good. But we need more than just your assurance because we've already substantially increased our ho~dings.
ARCHBISHOP
(a little irritated)
We have an agreement.

12 VIEW NEAR BAND on Connie.

CONNIE
(announcing)
Boys and girls -- Johnny Fontane.

Delighted applause. JOHNNY FONTANE, the family celebrity, is a little loaded, kids around with the family and·guests. Crowd ad libs with Johnny.

JOHNNY
I have something special for our host and our Godfather, Commendatore Michael Corleone. What I,happen to know.is his favorite song, "Mariu.11

Applause at the selection. He signals to the band, then begins to sing in Italian. The guests are delighted; some of the older ones sing along.

13 VIEW NEAR MAIN TABLE Michael notices D.ONALTOBELLO, an old friend of the family, and Connie's Godfather. He is in his eighties, looks .like an angel, very fragile. In his hand is a box of chocolates.

MICHAEL
(embraceshim)
You honormy father's friendship, Don Altobello.
ALTOBELLO
Where is my little goddaughter, .Costanza?

He turns, Connie is there. He hugs he~.

ALTOBELLO
o bella, bella.
CONNIE
(warmly)
My Godfather..
ALTOBELLO
Costanza, it wasn't so long ago I held you in these old hands.
CONNIE
Don Altobello, it's so wonderful to see you. Where do you hide yourself?
8

ALTOBELLO

I am in Sicily most of the year.

Don Altobello takes out a check, and remembers his speech.

ALTOBELLO
Ah, Michael-~ I've lost all the venom, all.the juice of youth. I 1velost the lust for women and now my mind is clear, my duty to God is Clear.
(pause)
I've come to pay my respects. And I have a great favor to ask of you. Could I attach my name .tothe Vito Corleone Foundation so that I will be joined with you in name and spirit? One million dollars.
(fumbling with his check)
MICHAEL
(pleased)
You h~ve a great heart, Don Altobello.

Michael escorts the fragile Don Altobello to a seat as the photographer Grace is still trying to get Michael's attentior.. Bodyguardspush her, ma.king her more determined.·

14

INT.HALLWAY

Neri moves toward Michael, a slightly worried expression on his face.

NERI
Joey Zasa showed up. I've got him waiting in the lobby. He wants to personally congratulate

you and show his respect.

Michael looks at the foyer, where the press is the audience.

· MICHAEL· Do I have to see him? He'll understand.

NERI
He says you're his Patron, and only wants a minute.
MICHAEL
(annoyed)
All right. Have him wait.
15

INT. ANOTHER HALLWAY

Kay is alone waiting. We HEAR Johnny's sad song in the b.g.

CLOSE ON KAY
She looks at the pictures on thewall; photos of Connie's wedding, TomHagen~ Fredo, Sonny,Anthony's communion, his graduation from college,others. Turning, she comes to an ope:: doorway -- Michael is standing there..He•is holding a silver ,'·. tray upon which aretwo pieces of cake. ~L·
KAY
Congratulations, "ichael -- That's a wonderful honor.
(little.sarcasm)
Expensive, though. You're. saving their bank, aren't you?

She takes a couple of steps forward, takes his hand.

/ MICHAEL It's been eight years. You're still thin.

KAY
Has it been that long?
MICHAEL
Yes. That long.

Silence.

KAY
I came to talk about our son.

We HEAR Johnny singing.

FONTANE (O.S.)·
" . . .Tellme thatyoulove me, tonight .•"

Michael leads her to his den.

MICHAEL
Come in, Kay -- it's quiet in here.

16 VIEW MAIN AREA Johnny singing.

FONTANE
"••.•fill my heart with endless delight ..• "
VIEW ON CONNIE
Has had a crush on Johnny since she was a girl.
17

INT. MICHAEL'S DEN - DAY

The song in the.b.g. Kay sits, looks up at.the portrait of Vito Corleone~

KAY
He knows it's not the best time, ·but·Tony·wants to tellyou something.
(looks away)
_I'm here to soften you up.

Door opens,..andANTHONY.CORLEONE steps in. Michael ' sson,big dark eyes, beautiful black hair -- a very. sweet .disposition. Michael looks at him.· He's always had tremendous influence over his son. He embraces him, kisses him on the cheek.

VIEW ON.KAY
She watches.
TONY
Dad. Congratulations.
MICHAEL
Thanks, Anthony. Your mother warned me you're going to tell me something I won't like.
TONY
I'm quitting law school. I'm choosing music.
CLOSE ON MICHAEL
This is a shock.
MICHAEL
(cold)
What's wrong with being a lawyer?
KAY
Nothing. Except he doesn't want it.
MICHAEL
Kay, I don't understand. He should finish what he began.
(to Tony)
Anthony, I'm ready to hand. everything over to you. The family's totally legitimate.
(pause)
And you canJi>Ursueyour music. Have everythingyou want.
TONY
I'm going my own way.

·He takes out some papers froman envelope.

TONY
Look at this.

Michael takes the engraved tissue letter out of the envelope, reads it. ·

TONY
I've won the. Adler Fellowship -- only a handful of young singers around the world are chosen. It means I'm good enough to make a debut.
KAY
It's a top honor. Really, Michael. We're so excited.
12

MICHAEL

That•s wonde.rful,Tony -- no one was prouder than I was when you sang in boy's choir. You can sing all you want. But does this mean you can't work for me? Does it mean I can't help you?

TONY
Sure you can. I'll need all the help I can get. But whether I have talent or I don't the public will decide and you with all your power can't help in that.

Michael looks at the two of them.

MICHAEL
Understand that. Ihave two motives. Primary that you have a happy life. Secondary, that your life be part of our family.

'rONY I know that.

MICHAEL
You want to be a singer. If you fail, you will be unhappy in your life.
TONY
I won't fail.
MICHAEL
Men always believe that. · (shakes his finger like his father) If you get the law degree you're taking out insurance. And you can work for me.
TONY
I'll never work for you. I have bad memories.
MICHAEL
Every family has bad memories. The father is a drunk, the mother is awhore. A son takes to drugs, a sister to the streets. Somebody dies young of cancer,.a child gets hit bya truck. They live in·· poverty, they get divorced. Somebody becomes insane. Every family has bad memories.
TONY
I won't have anythin9 to do with your business. Not 1n any way. I'll always be your son.
(MORE)
TONY (contd.)
{final) Aside from.that we will never have anything to do with each

0 other.

MICHAEL
(very strong)
Get the law degree~ Anthony.
TONY
(cold)- No.

Pause.

KAY.
That he got from you. That no.

Tony turns and leaves. The VIEW TIGHTENS on Kay and Michael; alone.

MICHAEL
You could have helped me to convince him.
KAY
Why should I do that?
MICHAEL
Because he's wrong. He throws greatness away~
KAY
.Your greatness?
MICHAEL
Better than me. He won't have my -- history.
KAY
r don't want him to be anything like you.
MICHAEL
We 1vehad our differences, but I think we s.houldforgive each other for the sake of our children.
CLOSE VIEWS
Kay is very cool. She measures Michael·with a long hard stare. She takes a long pause before she.speaks.
KAY
I'll never·forgive you. Not for my children, not for anything else.
MICHAEL
(shrugs)
Then just use common sense.
KAY
sure. Let.tsuse common sense. Why.shoUldmy son entrust his future toa man like you? I 16.vedyou and I trusted you for eight years. And you lied to me every year. You swore that you would be "legitimate," that's a funny word, just give you another few months. And so I closed my eyes. And after eight years you were a ••.monster.
(pause)
Tony knows you killed his uncle.
MICHAEL
No. No. You don't know that. My enemies spread these stories about me.
KAY
You looked into my eyes. You embezzled the love I had .for you and you lied. I saw you change, day by day. Nobody had to tell me ar.iything. ·
MICHAEL
Then why did you come?
KAY
I came here to protect my son from rou, not to see you disguised by the worldly power of your·cnurch. That shameful ceremony? No.
MICHAEL
You're hysterical;
KAY
That's what you said about Connie when she accused you of killing her husband. You said, "She's hysterical." You never said she was wrong.
MICHAEL
We have to forget all these

0 things. I still care about you.

KAY
No. You can still do our children harm.
MICHAEL
(finally enraged)
I've spent my life protecting you, protecting m¥ children, protecting my family. And you dare to call me a monster.
KAY
Okay, l~t•s be reasonable. That'.syour big t}ling.,Reason. Backed up by murder. I hate the man you've become. I don't want Tony to become part of.that life.
(pause)
I'm just telling you how I feel.
MICHAEL
(touches her affectionately)
That you hate me?
KAY
No -- no. I dread you.

For some reason Michael is truly shocked.by these las~ words.

MICHAEL
I don't deserve that. Above everything else. I did truly love you. I did truly love my children. I wanted to protect all of you from the horrors of this.world.
KAY
Andyou became my horror. But the children still love you.
MICHAEL
That'S·SOmething. We can build on that, for their sake. Let's try.
KAY
(cold and calculating)
Only if you let Tony go free to make his own life. Away from you.
MICHAEL
You dread me?. Jesus Christ, I loved you more than anything in this world. Iwould have died for you, and you dread me? I'll let Tony go.
KAY
Th.ankyou.
18

INT. MAIN AREA

MUSIC overlay, "Waltz."

VIEW ON THE PRESS
Dom talking with Grace and three other reporters. He is giving out small, gift-wrapped boxes.
DOM
Mr. Corleone really appreciat•s the press• participation and would like you to have this gift for sharing this day with ., him. ·

The reporters open the boxes. Inside are Rolex watches.

DOM
(to Grace)
This is for you, Miss •.. Madison?.
GRACE
Yes. Grace Madison.
DOM
Tell me, are you any relation to James and Dolly?

Grace turns quickly and leaves.

19 MED VIEW BUFFET Uncles and aunts, surrounded by children, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, are at the buffet filling their plates with lobster and prawns. From the group of striking young men with the unmistakable look of Corleones, emerges one in particular, VINCENT .MANCINI. The press pay no attention to him. The way he swaggers, his Italianate gestures, and his way with girls reminds.us of his. real father,SONNY CORLEONE.

20 NEW VIEW reveals ROSARY CORLEONE holding an album. She and her twin sister ANNE MARIE are at a table talking to their mother and relatives. · ...,. Vincent approaches them.

VINCENT
You two sure look alike...
ROSARY
Hi Vincent, is your mother her~?
VINCENT
Yeah, Lucy's over there.

THEIR POV: LUCY MANCINI, the brunette bridesmaid with Sonny during Connie's wedding. She is avoiding Sandra at her family table.

Anne Marie turns away coldly and continues filling her plate, ignoring Vincent.

VIEW TIGHTENS
on twins and Vincent.
ROSARY
Vincent Mancini, I was dying to see you again. Maybe later.on we can have something to eat together.
SANDRA
(old feud)
We're not staying too long.

He goes.

ANNE MARIE
Don't have anything to do with him.
ROSARY
But he's our brother.
ANNE MARIE
our bastard brother.

She hits her sister as they turn away.

21 MOVING VIEW Vincent approaches Grace, who is sitting dejectedly with her cameras around her neck. He is a young hood -- sure of himself around girls.

,•'''"'\

'-<..!'

VINCENT

~

Hi. .·Youwork too hard. Let me show you around.

\

GRACE
Can you get me a photo session with Michael Corleone?
VINCENT
No. I'm a relative.but I can't do that.
GRACE
Handsome, but useless. Okay, show me.
22

INT. MAIN AREA - DAY

MOVE WITH CONNIE
walking with a drunken Johnny_Fontane~ Also with her is her old bridesmaid, LUCY MANCINI.
CONNIE
Johnny, don't drink so much. Don't gamble so much. ·The casinos have 200 grand of Fontane ~arkers. you know we don't own them anymore.
FONTANE
I'll work it off.
CONNIE
I know you will. But if you go on the wagon and.cut out gambling, I'll get the new owners to tear them up.

Johnny exits. Lucy and Connie.

CONNIE
Men. . (pause) Where's Vinnie?
LUCY
Where do you think?
THEIR POV
Vincent making time with Grace.
CONNI.E
He's more Sonny's kid than the other --

· LUCY That afternoon we made him, Sonny was a giant, an animal, and he made Vincent in his image.- (a gesture)

The women laugh lewdly. Vincent bounces up, breaking away fron Grace. He gives Connie a big hug and kiss.

CONNIE
(scolding)
Vinnie. You didn't come to·see your favorite Aunt first.
(seriously) · Today I'm going to talk to Michael about your problem.
VINCENT
I wish you would have told me Con, I would have worn my good suit.

23 NEW VIEW The other side of the room. Kay, DOUGLAS, Tony, and Don Altobello drinking champagne that Tony has brought to them. Kay is obviously very upset with tears in her eyes.

TONY
This is my fault.
KAY
Oh, no.
ALTOBELLO
It's life's fault. Let's drink a toast to Michael. This is a great day for him.

Tony deliberately puts his g1ass down on a nearby table~ But Kay picks it·up -andhands it to him. Then she clinks glasses with Don Altobello and they drink the toast to Michael.

TONY
Let's gohome.
KAY
No. Your father agreed. You havehis blessing in what you want to do.

•She smiles at him through her tears. ~

24

INT. MICHAEL'S DEN - DAY

Michael and Connie. The blinds are shut. Neri enters, followed by Joey Zasa and The 'Ant, who is carrying a flat· trophy box, and BIG MIKE.

JOEY
Mr. Corleone, I came here because-of the honor you have brought to .all of us.
(takes case from The 'Ant)
The MEUCCI Association has elected you 11AMIA"Italo- American Man of the Year.

He OJ?ensthe case, revealing an engraved gold dish, presents it to Michael.

MICHAEL
Thank you, Joey.
(looking at dish)
Who's Meucci?
JOEY
The Italian-American who invented the telephone. He did it cne year before Alexander Graham Bell did it.
MICHAEL
And this .isthe reason you come to my home on this day?
JOEY
{pause) I got a stone in my shoe, Mr. Corleone. A two-bit punk who ·works for me. The one who "may be11related to you.
CONNIE
Vinnie Mancini •
16

MICHAEL GLANCES AT CONNIE; UNDERSTANDING.

MICHAEL
Bring Vincent here.·

She exits.

JOEY
I think it's important we talk once in a while. I have a ~roblem, and I want to find out if it's my problem -- or your problem.
17

MICHAEL

Joey -- I've taken my last percentage from your businesses. It's all yours now. I'm out.

JOEY
. (cool) Good. Then this fedend' is my problem •
18

WEGET A GLIMPSE OF JOEY'S TWO IMPENETRABLE BODYGUARDS.

19

MICHAEL

I'm sentimental about my family, Joey. The old neighborhood•. Sometimes I hear rotten things.

Michael hits his arm dramatically causing 'The Ant and Big Mike to flinch. Joey takes this as an accusation, his eyes dart around.·

JOEY
If I ever catch anybody in my .c.rewselling drugs, I'llchop ·offtheir hands. They windup dead~ We want to do legitimate business •.•
MICHAEL
What kind of legitimate business?
JOEY
Stocks. Mutual funds, things like that.
MICHAEL
There's something modern about you Joey.· That's good.

The door opens -- Connie enters with a nervous, smiling Vincen-:. Mancini. The smile turns sour when he sees Joey and his enforcers.

VINCENT
Mr. corleone •••Uncle Michael.

He says this acknowledgement of the introduction sardonically. This gets Michael's complete attention.

MICHAEL
Vincent, I would have done much more for my brother's son. But you refused my guidance. So. What's this trouble between you and Mr. Joe Zasa?
VINCENT
(on the spot)
Just trouble.
MICHAEL
That's foolish of you.
VINCENT
(temper)
Sure. FooLish of him, too.
MICHAEL
(smiling)
Just like your father. Temper.

Connie smiles; ~ichael is serious.

MICHAEL
Joe Zasa runs what used to be the Corleone Family business in New York. Out of the goodness. of his heart he gave yo,ua job in his family. You took the job contrary to my advice. I offered you something better in th.eleg~timate world, you refused. ·Now both Joey and you come to me because of bad blood. What d.oyou expect me to do?· I'm not in that world anymore. I have nothing to do with these people.
CONNIE
That was Papa'·sneighborhood, Michael, and it's a disgrace .... a .sewer. Zasa runs it with no respect.
MICHAEL
(cuts her off)
,That I s the past,Connie.
JOEY
I earned that territory, and the Commission gave it to me.
VINCENT
(to Michael,t~mper)
I'm not asking you to help me. I can just kill that bastard.

Joey laughs.

MICHAEL
So kill him. What has all this to do withme?

·VINCENT He goes around sayingbad things about the family,about you. He sars, "Fuck Michael Corleone," things like that.

JOEY
Mr. Corleone, all bastards are liars. Shakespeare wrote poems about it.
VINCENT
What am I supposed to do?

Walking closer to Joey.

MICHAEL
(quiet,cold)
Joey, what if there's some guy running around the city saying, "Fuck Michael corleone." What do we do with a piece of shit like that? He's a dog, right?

They look at each other. After a while, Joey lowers his eyes.

JOEY
Yes. Anybody who said that wouldn't be a friend. They would be a dog.

·Michael .studiesV.incentfor a long moment.

MICHAEL
Vincent. My interests don't conflict with Mr. Joe Zasa's. I'm out of things. We will not interfere with each other.
VINCENT
.Sure. But the Commission still look to you for decisions. You're like the supreme Court.
CONNIE
Michael, Vincent needs help.
VINCENT
I can.'t work for Joey anymore. I want to work for you.
MICHAEL
As what? I don't need tough guys. ·I need more lawyers.
(to Joey) . I iive up any claims to those neighborhoods. Since we have no conflicts or debts, I accept your tribute and wish you well.

He takes the engraved dish and makes a show of embracing Joey. Vincent is astounded.

MICHAEL
Now you -- Vincent, make your peace with Mr. Joe Zasa.

Vincent embraces Joey.

CLOSE TWO SHOT
Cocky Joey -- feels h• has the upper hand. He tweaks Vincent's ear.
JOEY
Bastard.

Vincent lunges at him, and ferociously bites a chunk of Joey's ear off. Joey screams, cursing, bleeding. The bodyguaFds separate them.

VIEW ONMICHAEL
Closes his eyes.
25

INT.HALLWAY/STAIRS - DAY

MUSIC plays. A photo of the occasion is being staged professionally by the photographer. Some of the press are

watching the photo being taken, some are playing Mora with Dom. We SEE them wearing new shiny watches. They never notice JoeyZasa's hurried exit .. Meanwhile, Vincent is told to wait. The little children are staged up the double staircase. The Archbishop is.brought in to it by Michael, who introduces.him· to relatives.· ··

26 VIEW Vincent is told to wait a little distance apart on the stairs. After a moment Mary sits next to him.

MARY
I rememberyou.
VINCENT
(doesn't recognize her)
Oh, yeah? Fro.mwhere?
MARY
We went to the same party together. You're Vincent Mancini, aren't you?
VINCENT
(flirtatiously)
Where? At the club?

_ MARY It was a wedding -- and you swung mearound·.the dance floor.- I was nine. You were thirteen.

VINCENT
I had a lot of·girlfriends when I was thirteen. · ·
MARY
Nine year olds?
(pause)
What's that on your jacket? Blood?
VINCENT
(his come-on style)
Yeah, it's a certain sentimental blood stain. ·
(respectfully)
Uncle Michael's daughter, you're big now. ·
MARY
I know. And so are you.
VINCENT
Cousin Mary.
MARY
Cousin Vincent.

They come for Mary to be placed in the picture.

---_.-·-·-)·

"'··...

27 VIEW ·oNMICHAEL watching Vincent, making up his mind what he should do with him. Finally, Vincent boldly approaches him ..

VINCENT
Mr. Corleone, I'm sorry. I told Connie maybe it wasn't the right time.
(respectful but slightly sardonic)
I know you are not active in the Families.

VIEW MOVES CLOSER

VINCENT
(co.ntinuing)
I know you are into banks and Wall Street. But it's a funny thing. Everybody seems to think you are the final word when the Familie• have disputes. Zasa thinks you're stopping him from rising up in the Commission. The job I want is to protect you from Joey Zasa. Lawyers can't do that.
MICHAEL
You can?
VINCENT
He's dangerous. I think you should watch out for Joey Zasa.

Michael studies Vincent for a long moment.

MICHAEL
(thinking)
Maybe, you come with me for the next few weeks, Vincent. See if you learn, then we'll talk about your future.

Vincent is emotional, moved. Connie is pleased, too.

CONNIE
All right? You like that?
VINCENT
Thanks, I appreciate that, Uncle Michael.·
28

INT. HALLWAY/STAIRS - DAY

VIEW ON THE FAMILY PICTURE A celebrity photo~rapher arranges the picture. Mary stands next to the_Archb1.shop. Next to her comes Michael. Don Al:tobellosits ·in a chair ina place of honor. Andrew and the Hagen family; Teresa,. other children,and grandchildren -- well dressed WASPS. Then the rest of the relatives in the groups they represent by the family tree. Tony prefers not to stand by his father, but near to Kay and her husband.·

Michael gets Vincent and brings him into the picture, put.ting him at his side. Many in the family are shocked. The photographs are taken.

The crowd starts to clink their 9lasses. The band breaks into music and everyone joins in, rising to their feet. A large cake is brought out.

There is more clinking of forks against glasses, and cry of. "speech." There is a spurt of applause from all generations, who stay on their feet. Italian ad~lib from the crowd. Michael waves, kisses, and thanks them all.·

DISSOLVE TO:
29

INT. MICHAEL'S APT./FOYER - NIGHT

MED. VIEW
Guests are leaving.

TWO SHOT Connie kissirig and talking to all as they leave.

Michael stands with Don Altobello, talking earnestly. Neri and Vincent are nearby.

MICHAEL
I'm going to take Don Altobello back to Staten Island •.Vincent, you drive. ·· (laughing, to Altobello) "U nicu ave a vardare.uvecchiu. 11

DISSOLVE TO:.

30

INT.MICHAEL'S CAR -NIGHT

VIEWON VINCENT
driving. Neri alongside. Michael in back with Don Altobello.
ALTOBELLO
I am your family's oldest friend; I am always chosen to bring you a message.
MICHAEL
Tell me, Don Altobello.
ALTOBELLO
Your old'partners are grateful for the money you've made them. But they want to continue, as always. once partners, always partners; friendship is forever. They feel they should be in on the Immobiliare deal. It can purify their money.
MICHAEL
.That I cannot do.
ALTOBELLO
Alas, I know, I know. But they are·unhappy.
MICHAEL
And you?

ALTOBELLO

- \ I -ask nothing for myself. Only \ peace in my old age. But I must

please the world around me. Your father was a reasonable man. Learn from him.

MICHAEL
(as a threat)
I learned many things from my father. .!pause) Call a meeting, my friend, so there are no grudges or debts. We will make the peace, you and I.
ALTOBELLO
(beaming)
You prove your greatness,. Don Corleone. (to Vincent) Observe and learn how a great man rules his world.
VIEW ON VINCENT
driving. Learning.
DISSOLVE TO:
31

EXT. THE CITY - NIGHT

'j Th~ car makes its way toward Staten Island. MUSIC IN.

32

EXT. NEW YORK APARTMENT - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING

An.apartment building under bridge. VIEW MOVES CLOSER. Mysterious MUSIC in.

DISSOLVE TO:
33

INT.·VINCENT I SAPARTMENT- NIGHT

MOVING VIEW
Professional cameras, flash unit, a dress. Vaguely outlined are Vincent and.Grace necking in'the livim1 room. There is a faint sound like the tinkling of glass. Vincent shoves Grace.
GRACE
What is it?
VINCENT
I heard a noise.
GRACE
Jesus.
VINCENT
Go see.

She gets up and goes to the balcony. She sees nothing but the curtain over the balcony door is fluttering. As Grace stares at it two hands close over her mouth. She is jerked against the wall with ';Jreatforce. Another man comes out of the foye::: and he is holding a gun. .Both are wearing stocking MASKS.

1ST MASK (whispering). Don't scream or I'll cut your throat.

2ND MASK Hold her, I'll get him.

2nd Mask goes softly down the hall to the bedroom. The door is closed but there is a light shining through the crack. He kitks the door open and rushes in with gun ready. Vincent has

been just behind the.door.holding his own gun. He hits the man ,,,,--.,. in the side of the head with his gun and when the man sags, relieves him of his gun then jerks him to his fee.t. Pushes him out in the hall a.ndmarches him into the living room. Vincent s$,es 1st Mask holdinga knife on Grace's throat. She is absolutely terrified. Vincent has his prisoner in front of him•. His gun is at the man Isneck.

VINCENT
Let her go.

2ND MASK Cut her throat.

Vincent club~ 2nd Mask to the flodr and tears off hi• mask.

1ST MASK Throw your gun down or I cut her throat.

VINCENT
(laughing)
You think I'm crazy? I hardly know·this broad.

Grace looks at him with horror.

1STMASK Throw your gun down and we'll leave. Nobody gets hurt.

VINCENT
(contemptuously)
Stop fucking around. You hurt her and I'll kill you both. Give up the knife and I'll let you go.

1ST MASK You have no choice. This lady will be dead .

28

2NDMASK .

Cut her. Show this bastard some blood.

Vincent looks down at him with almost thoughtful kindness, ·then he speaks to 1st Mask.

29

VINCENT.

I'm ~oing to do something to convince you. ·oon't get frightened. Don't make any sudd•n movement or you'll be dead. Now watch.

fS,

Vinc~nt pulls his prisoner halfway to his feet by the hair of his head. Then he puts his gun in the man's face and pulls the :) trigger. 1st Mask watches in horror as his partner lays dead on the floor with his .face.blownaway . ...__,I

VINCENT
That's how you'll look. Let her go.

1st Mask throws his knife a.way and pushes· Grace toward Vincent. She runs past him into the bedroom. Vincent looks at 1st Mask very coldly and points his gun.

VINCENT
Who sent you?

1ST MASK Nobodi. I swear, nobody (frightened) Zasa •.. itwas Joey Zasa.

Vincent walks toward him. 1st Mask holds out his arms to ward him off. Vincent shoots him through the palm of ::~c::.a~{!a:v, th'!bullet hits th'Qman in the neck. Vincent stares down at l'limfora moment then goes to the bedroom and kicks the door open. Grace is sitting on the bed holdihg a pillow to her mouth. She looks at him with fear.

GRACE
You didn't care if he killed me.
VINCENT
That's garnblin~. Call the police.
GRACE
You shot the other man too?
VINCENT
He tried to get my gun. Call the police. Lovely, a foolproof case of justifiable homicide. ·

Grace picks up a camera.

VINCENT
What the hell are you doing?
GRACE
First I have to take some pictures.
34

INT. MICHAEL'S APARTMENT - MORNING

'rtis dawn and we can SEE the sun rising through the windows.

•Maybe.play part of it on a balcony with some breakfast on the table. CLOSE SHOT on Michael on telephone. Andrew Hagen is standing, waiting. Michael hangs up.

MICHAEL
I'm sorry, Andrew. So youtre off to Roma.
ANDREW
Yes, thanks to you. I really appreciate everythin9 you've done for me, Pncle Michael.
MICHAEL
sit down, have some breakfast with me. Come on, have a cup of coffee. So, have you been brushing up on your Italian?
ANDREW.
Ho bisogno di fare un po di pratica.
MICHAEL
Your father didn't live to see you ordained. ·I did. Iwas very.proud.· Keep your own counsel, but follow your heart.
ANDREW
You don't doubt the Holy Church?
MICHAEL
No, it's the bankers I worry about.·

Michael hears some commotion from downstairs. Connie and Vincent's voices. He gets up.

MICHAEL
Excuse me, Andrew.

He .exits.

35

INT. MICHAEL'S APT./STAIRCASE - DAY

HIGH VIEW FROM STAIRCASE
Vincent, worried. Connie is talking with him.
VIEW OP ON MICHAEL
standing there.
MICHAEL
Things are happening. Let's hear your s.ide.
CONNIE
You already know?
MICHAEL
I've had nothing but phone calls since five a.m. So?
VINCENT
Two guys come into my apartment in the middle of the night. They grab my girlfriend. What the hell am I supposed to do? Kiss .them?
MICHAEL
You had a gun, they only had a knife. You could have talked them into surrendering and handed them over. to the police.
VINCENT
If I had done that I would be ashamed O·fmyself. Joey Zasa sent them, so I sent him a message.
MICHAEL
(thoughtfully, and more in sorry than anger)
Nowhe has to send you a message back.
VINCENT
I'm waiting.
MICHAEL
Vincent.
(pause)
Okay, it's done. That's your nature. Stay close to me. Keep your mouth closed. Keep your eyes open. You do nothing, absolutely nothing, unless I give you the order. Understand?
VINCENT
Yes.
MICHAEL
All right, go. FADE OUT.

-..,v

We HEAR over a loudspeaker:

~ .B.J~.(V. 0.)

•.. 800 million dollars in new American capital, invested directly in this company.•.

FADE IN:

36

EXT. BANK BUILDING - DAY - ESTABLISHING

B.J. (V.O.)
International Immobiliare is divided into three parts. It's something new, a European conglomerate •..
37

INT. BANK CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

A great hall during a shareholder's meetirtg of theNew York branch of International Immobiliare. A stage with microphone where sit the Archbishop, Keinszig, a HAMILTON BANKER, and two oth.ers. At.front of audience.floor is a podium with microphone

34

WHERE B.J. SPEAKS. MICHAEL SITS CLOSE BY IN FRONT ROW, VINCENT

and Dom next to him.

B.J.
(over microphone)
Mr. Michael Corleone has an ambitious program to expand this real-.estate holding concern into an international conglomerate with interests in everythin~ from steel to. publishing to chemicals. Already weown some of the major newspapers of Europe. With Corleone capital,we can share in the renaissance of the European economy together. Now Mr. Corleone,our group's chairman, will say a few words.

Michael gets up, goes to podium. Some applause~

VIEW ON PRESS
including Grace, her neck bandaged. Michael notices her.
MICHAEL
The Western world is threatened not by communism -- a European ideology, after all --·but by Eastern techniques of
(MORE)
MICHAEL (contd.}
efficiency, focus and unlimited cheap labor. 1f Europ~ and American can' learn to cooperate, together, we can·defeat Japan, China and the Soviets. Remember -- they have all the people, but today, we have all the money. We know that your group has an old association with the Vatican, and has annually set aside 10% of the profits ·for direct giving to the poor.

VIEW ON BANKERS

MICHAEL
(continuing} The Vito Andolini Corleone Foundation, of which my daughter Mary is chairman... will . establish an endowment in the amourit of one hundred billion lire. This money comes from my family, and will be administered- by the Vatican.
KEINSZIG
(at podium)
We will now vote on the motion. The Shareholders of International Immobiliare_vote on our chairman'spro12osal to relax rule 2, permitting Mr..• Michael Corleone to convert his share holdings into board seats to the limit of six.
VIEW ON GRACE
grabbing pictures of Michael.
VIEW ON ARCHBISHOP
His head is bowed.
KEINSZIG
According to the original Lateran Treaties, the Vatican Bank will retain the thirteenth seat.

suddenly thereis a commotion in the crowd. Aman has stood up and calls for the floor microphone. It is brought to him byan usher. .He shouts:

1ST UNRULY STOCKHOLDER How can we let this criminal run our company? With his family? He's a gangster, a big..•

commotion in the audience.

2ND UNRULY STOCKHOLDER. Mr. Corleone. Is it true you recently deposited 500 million in the Vatican- Bank,which is affiliated with International Immobiliare?

CLOS.EVIEW ON A HAND
flicking a switch. The floor mike goes dead.

Lots of commotion. The HAMILTON BANKER steps to the podium.

HAMILTON BANKER
For years, the International IInit'lobiliarehas enforceda rigid policy limiting owners t.o10% of the share capital. This has ensured.that we are in the hands of many, and not subject to .the whims of one man. Why should we change that rule now? The Hamilton Investors Group cannot . support this proposal.

The Archbishop.steps forward.

·ARCHBISHOP Times change, and we must change with them. Mr. corleone is a dynamic businessman who brin9s us vast c~pital resources which will expand the opportunities available to us. Additionally, I've knd~n the corleone family for many years, and they are a respected and worthy business partner.

The Archbishop :hasspoken wi.thauthority; .arguments are closed. one of the front row shareholders raises his hand. The Chairman acknowledges this man.

FRONT ROW SHAREHOLDER
I move we bring this motion to a vote.

2ND SHAREHOLDER I second.

l- •t.._

CHAIRMAN
All in favor?

Many in the audience raise their hands. several ushers stand at either side of the audience, each one canvas-ing different brooks of shareholders. They count. theYES votes, beginning with the large shareholders at the front. The ushers write down their totals on pads, and signal to the Chairman that they have finished counting.

CHAIRMAN
All votes against?

Many hands are raised. The vote is obviously close. Ushers retreat to a separate area for counting. A buzzing .of excitement and uncertainty amongst the shareholders. They group together and walk up to the stage. The individual ushers total sheets .are added up.

The chairman addresses the crowd:

CHAIRMAN
Our totals show that a majority has been obtained, and that the • motion is carried by a margin of 123,000 voting shares. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Michael Corleone...

The audience shouts, variously approving and disapproving.

DISSOLVE TO:
38

INT..BANK HALLWAY - DAY.

Grace waits and appears beside Michael, walking with him.

GRACE
The way I see it, Mr. Corleone, you owe me.
MICHAEL
Owe you what? And why?
GRACE
For risking my neck -- literally.
MICHAEL
What doyou want?
GRACE
Just a chance to talk to you.

Michael looks at her -- she is very winning -- he acquiesces.

·39 INT.NIGHTCLUB - DAY

Vincent with fri~nds,mostly good-lociking girls, and his bodyguard, LOU PENNINO. Mary surprises him.

MARY
Hi, Cousin Vincent. Guess what, I'm here.

He's happy she's there.

VINCENT
(toLou)
Lou, take a walk.

He exits.

36

MARY

· · (looking around) So this is your place? Do you live around here?

VINCENT
Not far.
MARY
Have you always lived in New York?
VINCENT
Before that, across the river Newark, Atlantic City. Before that Arizona -- clean fresh air, horses. It was okay. ·

Vincent is nervous with her. They realize they don't know much about each other.

MARY
I went to Catholic school until I was fourteen. Then all of a ·sudden, we were sent to live

with my mother and stepfather. That's when I became Katherine Hepburn. Really I did. (looking around club) It's exciting to come here.

VINCENT
Now that you finished college, what next?
MARY
Run my Dad's Foundation in Sicily. · (pause) Isn't itodd we ne~er saw each other? Except when wewere. little.
VINCENT
Imissed gr.owing up withmy cousins. I never.knewyou but I missed you.

A long electric pause.

MARY
I .missed you,too. I'd hear my mother talk about you ancimy father.

MUSIC. An old Sicilian love theme begins with a sad verse.

VINCENT
I'm in the family now.
(pause)
If your father ever finds out you came here, I'd be in bigger trouble than I usually am.
MARY
I wanted to come.
VINCENT
Well maybe sometime we'll go out somewhere.
MARY
Give me a call. Be careful.

They look at each other, tempted to kiss. Then he pulls her softly and kisses her on the cheek. She kisses him back on the mouth. MUSIC in.

·vrNCENT Are you taking advantage of me because I'm smashed?

MARY
I'm weighing the consequences.

She leans forward to kiss him again.

MARY
We'll lie about it. You can't be a Corleone if you don't sin.

They kiss again.

VINCENT
Good night, cugina.
MARY
Good night. I love you, cousin.

She rushes out.

A39 THROUGH WINDOW
She gets into an Alfa sportscar that some college girlfriend is driving. She waves as they drive off.
B39 CLOSE ON VINCENT
watching her with admiration.

The "Waltz" plays.

DISSOLVE TO:
40

INT. MICHAEL'S OEN - EVENING

Grace Madison is ushered into Michael's den by Al Neri. She is wearing a shirt ahd tie with jacket over it~. But she is wearing a skirt. She looks·very sexy and is carrying about four or five different cameras over her shoulder with a pouch ·11kebag for· film,etc..

GRACE
I'm really glad rou changed your mind. I'rl Just take.some pictures before we start talking.

She is shedding a couple of cameras .andstarts taking pictures with one of them.

('(,

MICHAEL
Let's talk first.

Grace disregards him and keeps.taking pictures of him and the l;,Oom.Very efficient and.chatting all the while. ·Michael doesn't say anything more but just watches her with a little smile until she finishes and then settles down.

MICHAEL
{smiling) . This talk is_off the record.
GRACE
Mr. corleone, what made you change your mind? ·r didn't even get a chance to use all my charm. I was too.desperate.

She arranges herself on the sofa to show her .charms. Unbuttons her.jacket and tries to pull down her skirt.

MICHAEL
I find you very charming. Charming enough.
GRACE
Now we can let our hair down.

Michael laughs out loud at this~

MICHAEL
In Sicily they say that a beautiful woman is more dangerous than a lupara.
GRACE
Lupara? Lupo? Wolf, right?
MICHAEL
No, it means shotgun.
GRACE
Now that I •ve metyou I can't believe all the stories I've heard about you •.In fact I ~could tak• a shot at you myself. Y'ou interested?

·shecomes over to where he is sitting and kisses him on the mouth.

GRACE
Good. You don't smoke.
MICHAEL
No. I don't.

He gives her no encouragement except an amused smile. -

MICHAEL
(looking at her)
Madison?
GRACE
Really Damiani. I heard :you liked WASPS.· Wellesley girls. Power fascinates me. So you fascinated me.
MICHAEL
What about Johnny Fontane? He.has power.
GRACE
He's too easy.

Grace waits ~hen shrugs.

GRACE
I hear you're diabetic. That makes some men impotent. Is that what it is?

He is amused and fascinated by her.

MICHAEL
No. It's true I have to work harder at it.
GRACE
(encouraged)
I'llwork harder, too. Let's go. Then we can be relaxed for the interview.
MICHAEL
I'm too old fashioned for a girl like you. You're too young for .me. No.
GRACE
Too young for what?

Michael smiles.

GRACE
You are really sweet. People warned me that I should be careful. That you are a

dangerous man. I'm not a bit afraid of you.

MICHAEL
Good. It's my pleasure to hear that.

Michael goes to the bar and pours her a drink. Gives it to her and she drinks. Michael has a smile on his face. They are standing close to~ether. Michael takes her tie in his hand and admires it. He tightens the knot around her throat so that the knot is not so big and smooths it.

MICHAEL
I really do like you. You have courage. You fight for what you want. You're not afraid of anybody. Now you enter another world.· Where people take little discourtesies -- amiss. So don't be too brash.
GRACE
I'm not afraid of you.
MICHAEL
I know you're not. But think, be careful. Don't wear ties.
GRACE
Just tell me one thing.
MICHAEL
What's that?
GRACE
Who sleeps in your bed with you?
41

EXT. ATLANTIC CITY CASINO - NIGHT

MOVING VIEW ON HELICOPTER
at night, revealing Atlantic City. CAMERA PANS tha neon rooftop, as an A9"ustatwin-engine helicopter lands o:ithe reef of an.Atlantic C.1tycasino. ·
42

INT.HELICOPTER

CLOSEON MICHAEL
Deep in thought. rt•s Vincent's first helicopter ride.
43

EXT. ATLANTIC CITY CASINO ROOF - NIGHT

MED VIEW
Michael, Vincent, and Neri step out onto the roof, are met by s~veral businessmen who escort them below.
44

INT. LUXURY SUITE - NIGHT

Hote.lpeople. are staffing the bar. Televisions are set up with basketball games ·andother sporting events. There is a large terrace, with food and .drinks;even a barbecue setup outside.

Present are members oft.he Commission: Don Altobello, LEO CUNEO, FRANK ROMANO,.the West Coast Mafia chief, MATTY PARISI who controls the Southern states and ALBERT VOLPE who controls the Midwest. There are a few women. A lot of players who are old friends getting.together.

At the center is Joey Zasa, with bandage on ear, and 'The Ant. Joey.'s suits are hand-cut and his hair israzor"".'styled. Wherever he goes he is.accorded prolific courtesies.. People hold do6rs open for him, help him put on and take off his coat and hold umbrellas over his head~

Michael enters with Vincent and Neri -- it sets a slight tremor through the room. Altobello looks like an angel in a painting. He is introducing people and playing the peacemaker. He looks up and sees Michael. The women leave with the bartender and waiters.

ALTOBELLO.
Michael -- you're here. Welcome .
42

MICHAEL LOOKS OVER THE FACES IN THE ROOM. SOMETHING IS UP.

MICHAEL
Hello Frank-~ Matty. A nice party, I hope the hotel is taking care of everyone.
ALTOBELLO
Grazie, MiehaelCorleone, a thousand blessings. We've . trusted y<:>utomanage our money in the casinos ihVegas and here in Atlantic city~ It hasn't even been twenty years. Now you've sold the casinos and we will split up our shares -- and you've made us a fortune. Bravo, Don Corleone.

Everyone in the room gives an earnest round of thank you applause to Michael, who acknowledges it.

MICHAEL
I thank you. We have. some unpleasant business for the meeting, but first I have a little surprise. Al.

He motions to Neri. Neri reaches inside his jacket and takes out a stack of very striking envelopes with names typed on · them. Michael takes the envelopes and starts handing them out to members of the Commission.

MICHAEL
(handing them out)
Leo Cuneo. Frank Romano, Matty Parisi and our dear friend Don Altobello. These are your shares in the profits.in the casinos. I cut all the red tape so you could get your money right away.

Members of the commission are ripping open their envelopes and are obviously overjoyed. Joey looks on enviously, he does not get an envelope.

CUNEO
(staring at check in awe)
Fifty million dollars.
MICHAEL
(hastily)
Not everybody gets the same. It depends on how much you invested and how long. You'll all get .the accounting and legal papers soon.

Cuneo eyes Parisi's check enviously.

CUNEO
How much did you invest?
PARISI
(defensively)
I don't remember. ·

But they are .all very pleasedwith their checks.

ALTOBELLO
Michael, you are blessed.
MICHAEL
· (clearly} Friends --I've come here to tell you· our business together is done. We have prospered, and now it is time to dissolve the business relationship between us. That's it.
(pause). Also -- you all know Joey Zasa. He is, I admit,· an important man. His picture is on the cover of the New York Times Magazine. He gets the Esquire magazine award for the best dressed gangster. The . newspapers·praise him because he hires blacks into his Family, which shows he has a good heart. He even appeared on 60 Minutes on TV to explain he only sells fish. He is famous. Who knows? Maybe he will make you .all -- popular.

There is such contempt and derision in this speech t.hatthe audience is sobered. The checks disappear, their faces become stern.

VOLPE
our .securitydepends on not being known.
CUNEO
I still live in the same house I bought forty years ago. I still drive my old Caddy. I get my suits at Barney's.
PARISI
Popular? Never show your money.
JOEY
My family has done a lot of the hard work, taken many risks. All to make.money for the. other Families.· It's true I make more of a bella figura, that's my nature. But I also want to make a move into legitimate enterprises. I want to buy a seat on the Stock Exchange.. Sure I take blacks and the Spanish into my Family, that'~ America.
MICHAEL
And you guarantee there are no drugs in thosa,neighborhoods.
JOEY
I don't guarantee that. I guarantee I'll kill them if they do.
MICHAEL
(smiles subtly) . If every drug pusher in this room dropped dead, I would be the only one alive.

Silence. They are intimidated by Michael's cold delivery.

ANGLE ON DON ALTOBELLO
A saint, a peacemaker.
43

ALTOBELLO

(gently) Excuse me, Joey is young and inexperienced. He needs sometimes to•hear some good advice about his future.

VOLPE
I agree; No one here wants to offend the Corleones.
ALTOBELLO
(sweetly)
Let Irietalk to him.

He gestures that Joey should step out of the room with him. Parisi and the others nod their heads.

MICHAEL
(smiling)
Who can refu~e Don Altobello?

Joey turns to face the group.

JOEY
(derisively)
I say to all of you that I have been treated today by all of you without respect. I've earned you all money. I've made you rich. And I asked for little. Good, you will not give? ·1 1 11take. And as for Don Corleone, he makes it clear today,.he is my enemy. You must choose between us.

As Don Altobello is about to leave room with Joey, he stopsat: the door and gazes at Michael with a sad affection.

ALTOBELLO
Michael, come with us. Let's reason together. Come. We can ·agree.
MICHAEL
No.
VIEW ON VINCENT
Nothing escapes him.
ALTOBELLO
come.

Michael shakes his head no. Vincent is watching Altobello. Altobello gives a regretful smile and he and Joey exit.

MED. VIEW MOVES IN ON MAFIOSI as they leave.

PARISI
Michael, the news flies everywhere. Everyone sars you are taking over.International Immobiliare.
ROMANO
But you won't let us draw water from the well.
VOLPE
We should wet our .beaksa little.
ROMANO
What of our friendship?

Slowly, the men feel something. The room begins to shake~ Glasses begin to ⇒ ingle;the spoons against some cups. Now the older Mafiosi beginto ~eel it, and they are terrified.

45

INT.HALLWAY,_ NIGHT

VIEW OUTSIDE THE ROOM
Hands locking doors.
46

INT. LUXURY SUITE -NIGHT

VIEW ON VINCENT
Notices, senses something, moves to Michael.
NEW FULL VIEW
Now the shaking becomes worse, as the men scurry·onto the balcony.
47

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

CLOSE VIEW
Handcuffs are snapped on two doorknobs.
48

INT. LUXURY SUITE - NIGHT

VIEW ON THE BAR
Bottles and glasses shaking.
VIEW ON VINCENT
pulls Michael under a door jamb.

The helicopter noise becomes terrible, and then. a hell fire of mach.inegun bullets rain down through the canopy of the suite's porch area, where many of the Mafiosi had run. Bodies are riddled by .machine gun fire. Btilletsstrike the food, the barbecue.

The HUGE BLACK SHADOW of a helicopter appears on the clouds.

VIEW ON VINCENT
moves Michael from the safety of the door-jam through the monstrous .carnage. Bullets continue to tear,into everyone ar.d everything. Vincent dispatches anyone in his path as he deliberately works hisway towards the door. A volley of shells tear towards he and Michael.
VIEW ON CHANDELIER
shattering, then falls.

VIEW ON·THE AGED MAFIOSI shouting, panickin~, trying to escape but to no avail -- they are cut down. Neri can't make it to Michael is pinned under a falling object.

VIEW The doo.r .fliesopen,and Don Altobello comes rushing ·in, shrieking. ·

MOVING VIEW
Vincent instantly grabs a BODYGUARD and uses him as a shield for the flying bullets. Discarding the corpse, Vincent cautiously leads Michael through the double doors of the top floor luxury suite.
49

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Elevator doors open. Inside is a WAITER, who is taken by surprise as Vincent jumps from around the open door and blasts h_im witha blow to the face. The waiter flies back against the back wall of the elevator. Vincent pulls Michael inside and jams.the "door close" button, never slowing as he turns back on the waiter. Grabbing him by the jacket, Vincent smashes his head into the elevator wall again. The waiter is out cold, never having seen Vincent's charge -- Michael Co~leone.

Quickly, Vincent removes his jacket and tie. He then pulls the waiter's attire off, revealing a shoulder holster.

VINCENT
He must get big tips.

B¥ the time the elevator reaches the basement parking area, Vincent is outfitted as a waiter. ·

50

INT. BASEMENT PARKING AREA - NIGHT

When the doors open, Michael is nowhere in sight and Vincent is behind the pushcart. Vincent finds a suitable getaway car -- kicks window in.

The lights and horn start blasting. Within seconds, Vincent waits for a response -- eerie quiet -- no footsteps -- no shouts. Vincent returns to business. A 30 second hot wire job -- .with sparksand all. Michael is placed in the back seat -I flat down. Vincent takes the wheel and follows the EXIT signs up one level then another towards "daylight".

51

INT. PARKING MAIN LEVEL - NIGHT

On the main level, there is a great deal of acti~ity. The news of the atrocity is out. Vincent races for the EXIT.

52

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT

Vincent heads i~to an alley, trying his best to keep the car in a straight..line. He is about to turn.onto a street when sirens and lights SCREAM down the street~ Instinctively, .hehits the brakes, douses the lights, and ducks down in his seat. Sirens and lights pass. Calmly, Vincent sits up, turns his lights back on and exits onto the street in the opposite direction the sirens were headed and blends into the world Michael Corleone is safe and unseen.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

53

INT. MICHAEL'S APT./KITCHEN - NIGHT

a.stormy night. Neri is searching through the newspapers like a seasoned detective. Michael doesn't seem well. He is there with Vincent and ROCCO LAMPONE, an older caporegime. They all have newspapers. Also Connie and Dom. B.J. is there as well.•

B.J..
We were lucky. No one knows you were in New Jersey -- the papers are full of names, pictures, but no mention of you.
MICHAEL
Grazia, Vincent.
NERI
The old dons were pretty much wiped out -- those who survived made deals with Joey Zasa.
MICHAEL
Altobello?
NERI
Had a stroke -- but survived. He's with his daughters in Staten Island. Going to retire to Sicily now.
MICHAEL
Joe Zasa wouldn't try this move without backing. He's just. muscle, an enforcer. He doesn't have the wit for that helicopter attack. He doesn't even have the ambition to wipe out the whole Commission, and certainly not the balls.
VINCENT
I say we hit back. Hit Zasa.

Michael turns to B.J.

MICHAEL
B.J., Vincent is a nice boy, but he talks when he should be listening. And he says stupid things. Anyway let's talk later.

B.J.

('\ sure,Mike.

\;'..:-' B.J. exits,Michael sees him out. Then Michael returns, S"tlnoyed.

MICHAEL
Never let anyone know how you feel.
(toNeri)
Send word to Joe Zasa -- I· respect what he's done, the new overthrows the old. We should talk on his turf -- I'm a businessman, I want no further ·conflict with him.
VINCENT
(temper} Tell him he can live or he can die.
MICHAEL
Shut up. Tha.t•sit.for now. J"oeyZasa was ·neverthls smart, not in the old days~ Qr operated on this•high a level. He can't be doing this alone.·

,-~ Michael is uncomfortable. His eyes wander. Turning to Neri.. r \_J: The VIEW STARTS TO MOVE IN.

MICHAEL
Just when I thought.I was out they pull.me back in.
(to.Neri)
Get the Twins.
NERI
The.two best<bodyguards•
54

W.E'LLNEED.THEM.

·.•••.fth:iAking) our.true enemy has not yet shown his.face.

The storm outside .·hascontinued throughout. MUSIC in.. Michael rises, feels sick, then sits back down and shakes his head. Ee looks very ill. 'THUNDER hits.

VIEW TIGHTENS ON MICHAEL

MICHAEL
Please help me get out.
VIEW ON CONNIE
Yery concerned.
CONNIE
Michael -- what is it? Are you sick?
MED. VIEW
Michael rises, shakes his head~ He can't breathe -- unloosens his collar.
MICHAEL
Give me something, I am so sick. Give me water, the only thing I want.

Dom bolts out to get water. Neri is on the telephone, calling· Miehael's doctor. Connie runs out of the room.

MICHAEL
(raving)
Run at thunder. Thunder can't hurt: harmless noise, bullshit. Deceitful old prick.
VIEW ON OTHERS
staring at him.

·VIEW ON CONNIE coming back in•.

MICHAEL· Neri, I am sosick now. (graspingat painful eyes} To be dreaded -- ·Fredo. Fredo.

Painfully he slumps back in his chair. Everyone .is astonished and ·intimidatedby his rage·•

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

54

EXT. PARKWAY - NIGHT

MUSIC UP. An ambulance races across the park in the distance. The sky is dramatic.

55

EXT. HOSPITAL~ NIGHT

Some press have.gathered outside, private guards.have been hired to reinforce the hospital. . Dem hands out a family statement -- "Mi.chaelCorleone suffered· a massive diabetes attack, on critical list."

DISSOLVE TO:
56

INT. HOSPITAL CHAPEL - NIGHT

Connie, Vincent and Neri. Connie is praying, N~ri and Vincent talking.

NERI
(angry} ·•F:o'r.getabout·it,.Vin.Sure I'd hit Joey Zasa but it's impossible. He's always mingling in•crowds, in front of TV cameras ~- always in his neighborhood. · It's impossible.
VINCENT
Not impossible. You think he's goinc;to l~tOne.le Michael survive this? Would you?
CONNIE
(turning)
He may not survive anyway. How can you do it;:?

•vrNCENT ·I'd do it. I'd need great drivers.

NERI
The important.thing 1$ no civiliansget hurt .
59

GUARANTEED.

VIEW to Neri, e~j.ts/and then Connie~ She lights a candle before the.statue.of the bl.essedvirgin, begins praying.·

VIEW TIGHTENS.ON·CONNIE AND VINCENT Speaking in awhispe:i:-,.shetuz-r;stohim.·

CONNIE
I raised that girl myself the. first ten·years -- the years .she didn't see her mother~
VINCENT
Which girl?
CONNIE
You know which girl. Your cousin. Mary.
(seriously)
She's young. If you fool around with her --
VINCENT
I would never do that.
CONNIE
Michael would never stand still for it. You don't really know him.
VINCENT
I never thought of such a thing. We just like to hang around together. She teaches me things •..
CONNIE
You teach her things?
VINCENT
.N_o,..no.

She kneels, looks at him. Vincent kneels.

'VINCENT What do you think when you light the candle?

CONNIE
,I prar for my fatherIs soul -- and Michael's.

Vincent·takes out a zippo lighter; lights·a candle.

·VINCENT That1.s forSonny Corleone .

60

SHE CROSSES HERSELF QUICKLY, LOOKS AT HIM .

61

CONNIE

Go on.

He crosses himself awkwardly, she hugs him tight.

CONNIE
Okay, Vincent. God bless you.
DISSOLVE TO:
57

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAYBREAK

MUSIC -- Family Theme.

vehicles and bodyguards. The Corleone family under siege hired private security guards.

DISSOLVE TO:
58

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

VIEW ON·KAY· approaching.Michael. She is smiling sincerely, happy that he will survive. ·•

VIEW ON MICHAEL
Pl@ased to see her.

She is alone. She has done everything to look well.

KAY
Michael.

,,....,,"

MICHAEL

~:. I didn't expect •...•

KAY
I.brought these for you. Very recent pictures.

She nervously puts the pictures on his table. They are ·small, modest silver frames, each with a recent picture of Michael's daughter and son.

MICHAEL
(ve:;:ymoved)· Thank you, Kay. It means so much to me.
KAY
This is the ~irst time I've seen you so halpless.
MICHAEL
(.smiling.} It was good for me. I've grown wiser, I think.
KAY
The sickeryou get, the wiser you get.
MICHAEL
I'll be really smartwhen I'm dead.

Silence.

KAY
Tony isdoing so well. He's getting wonderful.notices,and he makes his operatic .debut in Palermothis Easter.
(moved)
We're all excited.
MICHAEL
(l.ostin pleasant thoughts)
A debut? That's wonderful. What an honor•.·Iwon't miss that.
KAY
(emotional)
We·all worried about you •.
MICHAEL
(lowers his eyes)
That •.•.I'd go s,traight to hell.

Long silence from Kay.

KAY
(changing subject)
Your kids are here..
MICHAEL
Both of them?
KAY
Of course.

Michael's .f.a.c:e:.brightens~...Kaywalks. to the.d.oorandopensit,· l:>othTony·an:dMary.comeforward, relieved and .happyto see their father will make it. ·Smiling..Ad lib warm greetings to him..·Michael is·suddenly filled with a rush of emotion, so· happy tobe alive c1.ndbesurrounded by his family. He is not capable of shedding tears, he cannot speak well, so ·greatis the love he feels for them.

59

EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY

THE NEW YORK MARATHON
•in ethnic section of New York. People in the streets, blue c~llar workers, some blacks. A banner: One of the sponsors is "AMA," the "Antonio Meucci Association," with its telephone logo. · ·

Joey Zasa comes out of his team clubhouse which has an American flag outside it. He emerges with a strut, best-dressed gangster~• Has entourage of six men and a .limowaiting. Numerous people bypass others on the street and go directly to Joey and kiss him~

SPECTATOR 1
How are you, Joe?
SPECTATOR 2
Nice day, Joe.
SPECTATOR 3
You look good, .Joe.

Joey waves and nods and smiles, accepting graciously the salutes of respect demanded by his position.· He shakes hands with all his supporters, much like a politician campaigning.

Gives a wave, walks with The 'An.tthrough street to applauding crowd. Big Mike is on the alert. ·

-~· (NOTE: .Throughout.the following sequence hundreds of runners ' are passing through the streets.)

A59 EXT. STREET - DAY

Joey is encouraged to walk amid the people. The 'Ant staysi:1 the car.

B59 VIEW
A police horse is being led onto the street fer crowd control.

C59 ,INT.ZASA CAR ··~DAY

MOVING VIEW
The ·'Antis further and further away. Joey feels safe as long as he thinks The 'Ant's with him.

D59 EXT. STREET

Joey walking""."-Big Mike foilows.

E59 OVER SHOULDER
A mounted policeman working his way through stalled traffic.

F59 EXT. RESTAURANT

The mounted policeman is one block away from a restaurant. We see a guy in a nearby doorway. He's got a walkie-talkie.

VIEW Horse hooves on pavement.

G59. EXT. STREET

A bus ~wings in front of the Za~a car and hits it.

THE 'ANT
Jesus!

The 'Ant·gtl!tsout. Enraged, a .giant in the middle of the street roaring curses.

H59 VIEW ON MOUNTED POLICEMAN

A woman throws her coat over her ten~yeat~old daughter. Others· throw themselves on the ground. The other bodyguard, the driver is wounded and is not particularly good with his pistol.

I59 EXT. OFFICE BUILDING

VIEW INTO STREET
Several of the9unmen run through the fair toward a getaway car. One speaking intoa walkie-talkie.

Gunmen shoot The 'Antand Big Mike.

VIEW ON THE 'ANT
His last gasp.
J59 VIEW
Joey running,.·whenhe.HEARS the sound of hoofpeats coming closer to him. He looks up, turns around.

VINCENT AS A MOUNTED POLICEMAN COMING AT US

Suddenly, he holds out his arm rigidly and fires his revolver directly at Joey Zasa. Joey is hit and falls, al~ost getting trampled. He tries to get into an office '.building,blood splattering on the glass.

Traffic stands still on E. 46th Street and horns blare as gaping motorists and pedestrians block tr~ffic.

VIEW ON JOEY ZASA
i~ a pool of blood .onthe concrete.

VIEW Vincent galloping away.

FADE OUT.

BLACKNESS. MUSIC in, once again solo trumpet.

FADE IN:

60

INT. HOSPITAL SUITE - DAY

CLOSE SHOT
A big brass shield: "Vito Corleone Pavilion."

A very opulent penthouse hospital suite.. Millions of flowers with get well card•. We discover Michael in bed but getting into silk bathrobe and pajamas. He looks terrible. Connie is putting slippers on his feet. He can stand up but he cannot walk withouthe1p.

Vincent appears in FRAME and Michael puts his arm around him and walks very slowly to an armchair.

The VIEW WIDENS and we see Neri and Lou Pennino and Rocco Lampone. Michael.in armchair. He is in great pain but he smiles. Seems 'tobe having trouble with his vision.

MICHAEL.
Who would have thought after my life that.the .realenemy was inside my body?
CONNIE
Do ¥OU have enough pain med1.cation?
MICHAEL
.N~, L¥on't take it. It scrambles the brain. Now listen alT:of you, I have what they call adult diabetes amytrophy. A couple of weeks here on their drugs·and I'll be.okay. But they tell me I .haveto avoid stress.
CONNIE
Don't worry, we'll handle everything.
MICHAEL
I've decided. Vincent takeslily_ place during_this-crisis. He will run the Corleone Family. His orders are my orders. Neri, I know the job should be yours, but I havemy reasons.
NERI
You'remy boss. I obey.

VIEW·ON CONNIE seeing Vincent rise beyond her.

CONNIE
You'll makeVincent too big a target.

She hesitates. Michael gives hera Godfather look. She stops.

MICHAEL
_In two weeks, I'll be better. I'll makemyself better. Then we all go to Italy. We have business with .the Vatican bank.
(makinga joke)
And thenI retire and live an unstressful life.
(looking at Vincent)
Vincent,you and Neri and .Lamp.onearemy rear guard. Keep lile.safe.
VINCENT
Nothing will happen to you.
MICHAEL
Connie, Vincent,·if something should happen ·to me,remember that the International Immobiliare is to·be used as a legitimate instrument.

Bodyguards at the door allow nurses to bring in more flowers. They take Michae!,l'stemperatureand pulse. They leave ..

VIEW TIGHTENS ON MICHAEL
ravaged by·diabetes ..
MICHAEL
Neri, old friend. Be loyal~ I'll reward you.

-NERI Ju.st get well.

MICHAEL
That's it, then. Rocco?
LAMPONE
Get well, Don Corleone, that is

- all I wish.

MICHAEL.
(makesshow in front of others)
Vincent, you made the wrong move killing Joey Zasq.
VINCENT
You were too sick to make a decision.· I had the okay from N.eriand Connie.

There is a long pause.

MICHAEL
Connie?
(looks at her}
VINCENT
It was the right decision.
MICHAEL
It was not What I wanted.
(pause)
Vincent~ help me to bed. Iwant to <s,peakto you alone fora moment. ·
66

THE OTHERS LEAVE. VINCENT HELPS MICHAEL TAKE OFF HIS SLIPPERS·

and bathrobe~ Vincent sits on the bed~ He knows what Michael is going to say.

VINCENT
I had to protect you and the Family.
MICHAEL
And Neri and Connie agreed .
67

VINCENT.

Yes.

MICHAEL
.It's don~.

MUSIC in. "Waltz."

MICHAEL
(sighing} Vincenzo, that undertaker Bonasera worked all hight piecing my brother ·Sonny· together. So my mother could look at him. I didn't want you to be a man like him. (pause)
When they come, they'll come at what you love.

Viricent arranges the covers of the bed carefullyover·Michael.

VINCENT
I'm protecting what I love.
DISSOLVE TO:
61

IN'!'.HOSPITALHALLWAY - DAY

Don Altobello ·comesinto·hospital suite, embraces women who are leaving. This should be sincere. They love Altobello. He loves them. Then Altobello enters hospital bed area.

62

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Don Altobello joins Michael and Vincent.. He walks with difficulty, one,side .seems slightly paralyzed.

ALTOBELLO
(Sicilian.) . My dear, dear Michael. My poor, poor Michael. I come to help you.
MICHAEL
(moved, in Sicilian)
My beloved Don Altobello.
VIEW ON.VINCENT
stonefaced as Altobello ~nd Midhael are a~ash.in sentiment.

• .... DON ALTOBELLO. .

70

YOUR HEALTH IS EVERYTHING. THE

treasures of this world·are nothing. Let me help you. Who are your enemies,. I will destroy them. Is there work you have to do? I will do it. Do you need money? Mine i~yours. Tell .me.

MICHAEL

,,,,--..,_ Your voice, your tears, your

prayers, they are enough.

ALTOBELLO
Michael, you must lead another life. You have everything a man could desire. It is time for you·to retire.
MICHAEL
I have responsibilities.
ALTOBELLO
The International Immobiliare.
MICHAEL
Yes. What do you know about those pezzonovante in I,taly?
ALTOBELLO
I'm too old for those new people. I must accept my old age and grow my olives and tomatoes.·
MICHAEL
We're not that old.
ALTOBELLO
But you are very.ill. Let me se.ewhat can be done. Let me work to make your path a little easier.
MICHAEL
Your friendship does that always. ·
ALTOBELLO
That makes me happy.
MICHAEL
{looks athim) .J..oe·.Zasa.Youwere wrong about him~
ALTOBELLO
I trust too much~ That has always been my fault.
MICHAEL
Yes. Don Altobello, you were my father's friend. You have always been a friend of the Corleone Family. And yet in these past few years we have drifted apart.
ALTOBELLO
A lllangrows old,he lives in his memories, he grows apart from the world.
MICHAEL
But not you, you have.your hand on many strings even now. Let· us see more of each other. We go to see Tony sing in Sicily~ Join us there as my guest. Who would.have thought a Corleone · would be ~n opera singer.
ALTOBELLO
Destiny. A blessing from God. I accept. I will sei you there.
MICHAEL
In Sicily.
ALTOBELLO
In Sicily.
VIEW ON VINCENT
Stonefaced. Maybe he hates both of them. He leaves.;

MUSIC up.

DISSOLVE TO:
63

INT. MICHAEL'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM - DAY

Michael ·ismuch better. Mary. comes in to visit him.• She has a beautiful new bathrobe and pajamas for him. Michael kisses her.

MICHAEL
They are beautiful.

Michael puts on bathrobe, walks by himself to armchair.

M.1\.RY You're so much better.

I.C>I<-

MICHAEL
The drugs, the bed .rest.
(smiles} 'Andno stress. (pause)
You' re avery·warm-hearted girl, you always were. I hear you're fond of all your relatives, especially.your cousin.
MARY
Oh, Vincent, yes. I love him.
MICHAEL
He's a firs;tcousin. You can't marry..
MARY
Marr.iage? I mean, I just love him. I like him.
MICHAEL
He•s a dangerousman to love.· He's a dangerousman to be with.·
MARY
So wereyou.•

MICHAEL· And youknow what happened. Your :aether.We ruined each

72

OTHER'SLIVES •.

MARY
She doesn'tfeel that way. She I shappynow.
MICHAEL
(irritated)
Fine:It's you .I'mworried about. Don I tsee Vincent anymore.
(it'san order)
MARY
..No.
MICHAEL
He's notfor you.
MARY
You're my.father and I love you and I read all these stories about wha.tyou did. Horrible stories. Ahd.I still love you. You'll always be my fath·er. You say Vincent is dangerous, but he's no danger to me. If I can love you why can't I love him?. . .

Michael sighs and then smiles at her. He closes his eyes. She is a joy to him.

MICHAEL
Are you coming with us to Sicily?

·MARY I'm dying to see it,where the family came from.

MICHAEL
And Tony,how is he?
MARY
He'• doing great•••everyone's saying he's going to be the next .Caruso.

He hugs her,and she leaves. He daydreams.

MICHAEL
(tohimself)
In Sicily.
FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

64

EXT. PALER.~O- DAY

IIIntermezzo··"..Early morningMONTAGE:

The.city of.Palermo ona bright sunrty·day. The camera travels overits cathedrals, the Greek and Arabic architecture of its buildings,the opera house.

DISSOLVE TO:

,,.-...,

65

EXT. PALAZZO GARDEN - DAY

Behind the palazzo there is an enormous garden enclosed by a Tound curving wall and in that garden there is a huge party going on. Large tables covered with brightly colored huge umbrellas seat at least eight people at each table.

On a great marbled terrace of the palazzo sit the important characters of our story. At one table is seated Michael Corleone and his family. These include: Tony, Mary, Kay, Connie, Andrew Hagen, and Johnny Fontane. There is also Vincent who !:.itsa littleapart from the others but next to Connie. Neri sits with Vincent. Then CAMERA MOVES over the garden and we see the Archbishop at a table with his advis.ors and assistant. At another table is Don Altobello with Don Tommasino, having a great time.

66 VIEW On the side of the garden against the wall is a platform on which a SMALL ITALIAN BAND plays opera selections. The band gives a flourish and the people in the garden stop talking.

f

Michael Cor1eone gets up and addresses the people in.the garden as .heraises his wine glass.

MICHAEL
I want to introduce to you Don Tommasino, my protector·mariy years ago here in Sicil.y..The man I most admire, respect and love.

Don Tommasino raises his glass ot wine to acknowledge the compliments~ ·His.introduction is a mere formality. ·He knows most·of the people present.

VIEW ON MICHAEL

MICHAEL
I.have invited.you here to cel·ebratemy.son's first ·appearance·in.an op~ra house. ·:one week from.tonight.,·.he.will ·sing·in theTeatro Massimo. cavalleria. You will all · receive tickets.

67 VIEW . . •Michael approaches DonTommasino's table, and Don Altobello's,

MICHAEL
Don Tommasino, allow me to introduce my nephew, Vincent. He is the son of Santino.
DON TOMMASINO
A handsome fellow. {smiling) If you ever need a place to hide, come to my home. Eh, Michael?
MICHAEL
No place better.
DON TOMMASINO
Congratulations. Your son singing in the Teatro Massimo. What an honor. And you, my young Vincenzo, do you sing too?

This is good-humoredly sardonic. The Don knows very well what Vincent does.

VINCENT
No, I help with the family business.

In true Sicilian style he kisses the hand of Don Tommasino.

VINCENT
I kiss your hand, Don Tommasino.
DON TOMMASINO
Bless you. Bless you.
68

EXT. PALAZZO GARDEN - DUSK

MED. VIEW
Tony, a real favorite of the family, gets everyone's attention.
TONY
Dad... Dad. I have a present f.oryou.

Michael is happy to be with his family.

MICHAEL
A present forme. Give it to me.

Tony moves to the little combo that has been playing for the~, takes the guitar. Kay looks on approvingly from her table. He begins to play a Sicilian love song.

T-ONY
(playing harp figure on guitar} It comes from the town of Corleone. I learned it for you.

He begins to sing, to his fatheri.in a soft tenor voice.

TONY
Parra chiu' alleggiu e nuddu ni senti; u nostru a:muriu vive:mu ioe tu, Nuddu sapi a verita'•.•
CLOSE ON MICHAEL
Every.one ischarmed.,but Michael h_asan emotional reaction.
MICHAEL
No. It's nothing. I know the song. Go on,- Tony. Sing.

Tony-goes on•. The guests are moved.

TONY
Mancu u cielu chi ni vadda i dassupra, cu 'ttia io resto •.. Amuri mei, sempri accussi ...

Tony happily finishes the song. All there are very moved~ Ha looks to his father for approval.

MICHAEL
(emotional)
Tony, I'mproud of you.

Don Altobello stands up. He raises his· glass.

ALTOBELLO
Let us all drink to Sicily. And- to its children and its children's children. Let us drink to Oon Tommasino, let us drink to the memoty of Don Vito £orleone 1 may her~~t in peace. And to his son Michael corleone. And then • ·_ finally to the .fruitof all this let us drink. to Anthony Corleone, an artist, who will bring us all pleasure tomorrow night when he sings in the greatest opera house of Sicily. Drink to Anthony Corleona~ In his glory are we blessed and redeemed from the .miseryof this earth. ·
69

EXT. PALAZZO GARDEN - NIGHT

VIEW. Mj.chaelgoes to the Archbishop 1 s table.

MICHAEL
I'm very grateful you came down for this party.
ARCHBISHOP
With pleasure-. Your .son's singing warms my heart.
MICHAEL
I've sent you tick~ts for Anthony's performance. I hope you 1.11beable to attend.
ARCHBISHOP
I'm afraid not. The Pope is quite ill, and I must be in: Rome.

69 VIEW At a small table just :belowthe terrace are seated the Twins.· They are watching everything very carefully. They stand uo cas~ally as if to stretch their l~gs by walking around the· garden.

70

EXT. PALAZZO GARDEN - .ANOTHERAREA --NIGHT

Vincent and Mary leave the party to walk the part of large garden where no one will see them.

MARY
Will I see you after this is all over?
VINCENT
I want to. •Wherever you say .
78

MARY

••Hav:;e.youeverbeen to Paris?

VINCENT
No. Ihaven*t·been to Paris or Londono?:'Berlin or Hong Kong or Tokyo. I'11 g.o to any of them to bewith you. ·
MARY
Will you meet me in Paris a£ter Tony Isopera?
VINCENT
Yes. But you can't tell your father.
MARY
Why not? He'll find out.anyway.
VINCENT
I don't mean tell him now.. .That's very important. Tell him afterwards~
MARY
.I knowhe. doesn't like the idea of our seeing each other. Besides ourb~ing first cousins. What is it?
VINCENT
Well, Iwork for him.

Mary kisses and embraces him.

MARY
so do I.
VINCENT
It'~a little different. You give hismoney away. I sort of protect it.
MARY
You mean there'ssome trouble?
VINCENT .
There could be. But it should all beovet soon. I just don't want to add to his worries.
MARY.
Vincent, what is.it. What trouble?
VINCENT
Nothing we can't handle. {kisses her} In a week from now, we' 11.be together in Paris.
(kisses)
Do.n'tworry. Please don't worry •.
71

EXT. PALAZZO GARDELF- NIGHT

VIEW TABLE ON TERRACE
They all listen to the singing. A SERVANT brings a phone to - Kay.
SERVANT
Telefono,,Signora.

Kay picks up the phone. She moves a slight distance away.

CLOSE ON MICHAEL
watching her.
KAY (O.S.)
(on phone)
Oh darling,when does your plane arrive? (listens) Oh that's terrible. It would have been somuch fun to have you here. Yes, I ·dounde:t:'.stand~ I loveyou, I'11 call you tomorrow. ·

She. hangsup phone. Turns to Michael.

KAY
DouglasIjury trial will go anotherweek at least. I'm

/~ sorry. '. g '. MICHAEL ,.,..,~.

Wouldyou like to take a little trip around Sicily?

KAY
Will you have time?
MICHAEL
sure.

Tony is singing·"EVui Durmiti Ancora" Everybody. in thegarden joins in and hums along. candles are lit for the evening.

CLOSE'VIE:WON;MICHAEL

FADE OUT,

FADE IN:

72

EXT. ROME -VATICA.LFMAINGATE - BAY

Bells toll. The main gate of Vatican City inside Rome. This main gate is manned by S.WISSGUARDS in fancy uni forms.

/l•

Through these gates come Michael, Vincent, Neri and B.J. in a car. It is a border to a foreign state.

73

EXT. VATICAN BLDG. - DAY

They get out of the car. Michael sees how sob.er the guards are, listening attentively to portable radios. People are running. Press are leaving,having gotten a briefing. on the death of the Pope.

MICHAEL
(to jburnalist, Italian)
What are they saying on the radio?
JOURNALIST
(Italian)
Pope Patilhas died. The Pope is dead.

They enter the building.

DISSOLVE TO:
74

INT.VATICAN BANK BOARDROOM- DAY

The walls are covered.in a 16th century painting of the world.

CLOSE VIEW
on the painting of North America over which. is painted in fine renaissanc.e hand,· "America.1.1.VIEWLOOSENSanC:t.wesee theboa'.!:d members; GIORGIO LUPO, LUCCHESI, BERLIOSCO, KE-i'fnsizig..Also Michael, Vincent, theArchbishop, and B.J ••

I<EINSZIG Our purpose in this.meeting was to ratify the motion passed by our shareholders in New York. But now the matter has become more complex,' and... .

B.J. .
(angty) . . . :1'1y.clientwas certain .thatwe had an agreement; This meeting. was merely. aformality.
LUPO
We, too,. had an agreement --and it was made..manyyears before you were born.
BERLIOSCO
Before any of us were born. You Americans have little feeling for the way these thin9s operate. The International . Immobiliare, however, has its roots in the European traciition; ours is another. world,we do t::hings differently here.·Please try to understand.
MICHAEL
(furious} I understand perfectly. Your tactics are despicable.
LUCCHESI
That 1.s quite an indictment, coming from a Corleone.

VIEW The Archbishop, shaking his head.

ARCHBISHOP
Gentlemen, gentlemen...
LUPO
My family have been bankers in the Vatican for more than a century. My father and grandfather sat on its board bef·ore·.me.What.wereMr. Corleone~s ancestors doing for this organization -- or for the church -- a century ago?
VINCENT
·That's the past. We're talking about here and now. We own the International Immobiliare;-and we just came here to pay our respects. ·
ARCHBISHOP
·This kind of dis.cussion is llhnE:?cessa:r:y.Weneed todo what is bestf.or the future of this organization.· The PopeI sdeath has complicated matters ...I feel we-should rest, and reconvene in two weeks' time.
VIEW ON MICHAEL
Cold and steely.

,,--.....,

75

EXT. VATICAN HALLWAY - DAY

Michael ·corners Archbishop in hall outside of meeting.

ARCHBISHOP· Please, a little patience. This is a brief delay, nothing more.

MICHAEL
(verycoldly)
I have alway·srun my businesses on a very personal level. I regard my most important business dealings as personal relationships. I say this to you very clearly~ You have betrayed me on a very persortal level...Do you understand what I am saying'? .· · .

Michael re9ards him with his cold eye and the Archbishop is very nervous.

76

EXT. VATICAN -·DAY

MOVING VIEW
Michael and his group a.reshown out. They walk without - speaking, .theMUSIC building. ~.".
MICHAEL
We are back with the Borgias.·

Michael and his group walk for a while. BELLS are TOLLING. People are gathering, crying over the death of the Pope. VIEW on newspaper headlines, proclaiming the death.

FADE OUT.·

FADE IN:

77

EXT. VILLA -OF'JJON'TOMMASINOINSICILY - DAY

Michael and DON TOMMASINO are seated under the tree that is:..!"! front of Don Tommasino's house. The house in which.Michael lived in when he was in exil• in Sicily. They are seated at a wooden table which holds·a bowl of olives and. otherhuge wooden bowls and platters holding a variety o-ffood, also some bottles of wine. Don Tommasino is in his nineties, in a wheelchair. He is eating with a hearty appetiti for a man •o old, but he is also listening intentl¥· Michael.sips wine but doesn't eat much though Don Tommasino urges him on.

Off in another part of the ~arden we·can see the two Best Bodyguards and Vincent walking the perimeter of the garden. The conversation is in Sicilian.

MICHAEL
You see.the fix II min. I know the Archbishop is stalling.and something is wrong, but who can I go to? The other . pezzonovante~ of the c.hurchwill never bear anything against one of their own.
DON TOMMASINO
In my time we earned our money with our courage and we paid for our failures in the harsh .currency ofdeath. ·These new ones drain all of it with a • stroke of the pen. I.know nothing of them. I defy.~.nd defend my tiny world against them.
MICHAEL
Do you know anyone that.can help me?
DON TOMMASINO
I know one man. He is a saint on earth.
MICHAEL
And Who is that?

DON TOMMAS!NO Cardinal Lamberto. He is the Card.inal of Venice. A wise and good.man.

MICHAEL
Can you arrange for me to see him?

DON TOMMASINO· I remember him as a.boy,.he grew up in •Y little village in Sicily. Alas, our paths separated. But hewill remember. He will see you.

MICHAEL
You'll arrange it then?
DON TOMMASINO.
Of course. Michael; why don't

,.-..,,,

you buy a farm like me a.ndlive this life. Here I am, a man · over ninety, and I'm happy and healthy.

MICHAEL
(smiling)_ I wish it were that easy.

MUSIC in "Winter Theme.11

DISSOLVE TO:
78

EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE - DAY

Don Altobello and Vincent are sitting together in an.outdoor. cafe.

ALTOBELLO
Mary is a beautiful girl. And a good heart. And she's very fond of you, never thinks of you as a bastard side of the family.·
VINCENT
I like her, too.
ALTOBELLO
But your Don, Michael,_he's not _toopleased by this attachment. That's. a pity.
VINCENT
We' re just friends.
ALTOBELLO
Have you thought about your future? Ina fewyears the Corleone Family will have " nothing to do.for a man like yourself. ·

.. .. VINCENT What dce.sthat mean?

ALTOBELLO
You are a man like your father, Santino. You area man.like your grandfather, Don Vit.o ·Corleone. You belong in.their world. So, as I say, there will be no_place for you.

_VINCENT That's true.

ALTOBELLO
I can help you. After all, I can't change, not at my age. I still have work for people like you. A man who is strong,· who doesn't faint at the sight of blood. A man who can rule a Family. But now is the time for you to make a decision.
VINCENT
What decision?
ALTOBELLO
·Are_you interested?
VINCENT
Yes. I 1 minterested.
ALTOBELLO
Then you must tell me now. Are you willing to give your first· allegiance to me. Now~
VINCENT
And betray my Uncle .Michael?

ALTOBELLO· ·Never. But to help him and help yourself. Michael is ill, he doesn't see things clearly, he makes enemies he should not . make. With your help you and I can steer him in the right direction. Perhaps save him. Will you meet with me again and so~e of my friends so that we can make plans together?

VINCENT
And .ifthings go right, I will 'havemy own Family back home?
ALTOBELLO
You have my guarantee on that_. You will be like a son to me. I always ·envied the Godfather his sons. come, let's drink to our friendship. And who knows, ff you and Mary marry,..the Corleones will ba great again~

They drink. Vincent is smiling at Don Altobello. It is a wolfish kind of smile. But we don't know which way he is really going to go.

DISSOLVE TO:

~

79

EXT. VENICE CANAL - NIGHT

MUSIC, descending, journey by water. Michael stands ina solitary boat moving through the mist in Venice. With him is Don Tommasino. The twins conduct the boat.

80

EXT. VENICE CLOISTER - DAY

Don Tommasino and Michael are admitted into the cloister.

81

INT. CLOISTER/LIBRARY - DAY

They are le<iinto a small library where CARDINAL LAMBERTO is waiting for them. He is in the garb of a country priest and he greets them in the warm way of.a fellow villager, not a prince o..fthechurch. He speaks English.·

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Don Tommasino,when will I hear your confession?
DON TOMMASINO
Ah, I'm too old to·sin.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
·But not too old for virtue~ eh? It is never too late to redeem yourself.. And this young man, who is he?
MICHAEL
Michael Corleone.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Ah, yes. Your father was.an old friend of Don Tommasino.

MICHAEL , He requested thisinterview as.a. favor tome.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Let'sgo out to the garden. Soon I will have to go to Rome to help.elect·a new Pope. Who knows when Iwill be able to plant my garden again. Come. Come.
82

EXT. CLOISTER GARDEN - DAY

He leads them out into a beautiful 9arden with statues of saints and Greek fountains. They sit in stone chairs, or mavbe marble. ·The garden is full of flowers. Also present is the- Cardinal1s assistant, a young monsignor.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Speak. If I can help you I will.
LONG SHOT
as Michael tells his story of the Archbishop and the Vatican Bankers. We do not hear them. Then we come in CLOSE .onthe cardinal.• He •eems not to be listening but is playing with t~e flowers that grow around him.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
I~ what you say is true, there will be a great scandal. I am myself been very skeptical of the financial .arrangements these last years. I believe that the Church should be p9or..
MICHAEL
I will do all I can to prevent anything from being made public.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
And I.will not. I am called to Rome, the Pope is dead and we must elect a new Pope. I will personally look into this matter. And I thank you for bringing it to my attention.

NEW VIEW RUNNING WATER

Cardinal Lamberto sighs, and then reaches down to some runni~; water in the garden. He picks up a stone.

CLOSE SHOTS

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Look at.this stone -- it has b.e'en1:-yingin the water fora very long time,but.the·water has not penetrated it.

He breaks it.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Look, perfectly dry.
CLOSE ON MICHAEL
receiving the two halves of the stone.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
The same thirig has happened to men in Europe. For centuries they have been surrounded by Christianity, but Christ has not penetrated, does not live within them.

Michael is in some distress. He unloosens his collar and he is very pale. The Cardinal notices this.

MICHAEL· Is it possible that I coul.d-have a glas- of orange juice or anything sweet? I have a little trouble with diabetes~ My blood sugar goes too low.

·CARDINAL LAMBERTO Certainly.

He rings bell and a youn~ pri~st appea;-s·.cardinal gives hin an order and the priest immediately brings glass of orange juice and some candy bars on tray. Micha.el·.gulps the orange juice and his symptoms immediately disappear.

MICHAEL
(apologetically)
When I .amunder stress this sometimes happens.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
I understand.
MICHAEL
To come·to you on such a delicate matter, an accusation against your archbishop. It was difficult.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
:HowlQng l,'laveyoubeen ill?
MICHAEL
The doctors tell me for many years. But only lately has it become so severe.·
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
The mind suffers, the body cries out.
(smiles) . We have had some saints who when theirminds suffered, flagella- .ted themselves to make the body cry out. But that was in less civilize.dtimes. Now the body cries out without such help.
MICHAEL
{gazes intently into the Cardinal 1 sface} That may be true.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
(to Don Tommasino) · Could you leave us a few minutes alone together?

Don Tommasino is wheeled out by the monsignor~ The Cardinal and Michael are alone.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Would you like to make your confession?
MICHAEL
Your Eminence, I haven't made a true confession for thirty years. It would take up too much of your time.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
(smiling)
I always have time to save souls. Just because I wear a red hat doesn't mean I'm still not a priest. · MICHAEL
(also smiling)
I'm beyond redemption.
CARDINAL .LAMBERTO
That is the.sin of pride. God always ~alls, only pride refuses his forg.iveness. If you cannot behold the living God without hatrad, then your hell is voluntary.

The Cardinal rises from his chair and leads Michael to anothe~ part of the garden.

✓,..:· ~--:::

83

EXT. CLOISTER GARDEN/ANOTHER AREA - DAY

Here there are two chairs with a screen of plants between then, a weird approximation of the confessional box in church. ~ .

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
I sometimes hear the confessions of my young priests here. Sometimes the desire to confess is overwhelming and we must seize the moment.

He hands Michael a candy bar he has. palmedfrom the tray.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Maybe this will help you.

Michael is amused by this approach. ·He sits in a chair.

MICHAEL
What is the point of confessing if I don't repent?
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
You suffer, that is enough for now.

He sits down in the other chair.

MICHAEL
.It'suseless.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Do it to help me,·if I s;avea ·soul, heaven will give me a credit. I hear you're a practical. man. What •have you got to lose?

Michael unwraps t;he candybar and takes a bite. He speaks ~lmost insolently.

MICHAEL
.Ibetrayedmy wife.
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
(staring away from · Michael)
Go onmy son.
MICHAEL
I betrayed myself.

·The cardinal bows his head.

MICHAEL.
I have killed men and ordered men to be killed.

There is a long pause.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
Go on my son.
MICHAEL
I ordered the death of my brother.. He injured me.· I killed my mother's son. I killed my father's son.

Suddenly Michael is weeping. His voice breaks. The cardinil stares away impassively. Michael takes out a handkerchief and wipes his eyes.· The cardinal murmurs a prayer.and makes the sign_of the cross.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
God will forgive you, never doubt that. Your sins are terrible and it is just that you suffer. Your life could be redeemed but I know· you do not believe this. You will .not change..B.utremember this, your sins will be forgiven somewhere in eternity.

·The Cardinal rises briskly to his feet as if he had heard tha niostbanal of .confessions.

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
You •ee, you haven 1 tlost any- thing. And you feel better now. Another glass of orangeJuice?
MICHAEL
No. I'm all right. Thank you.
FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

84

INT.VATICAN BANK -DAY·

Vincent is brought by Don Ali;:.obelloto meet the Archbishop.

ALTOBELLO
This isthe hero who brought Joey Zasato his grave. If we had known of .his existence,we would not have backed Joey.
ARCHBISHOP
You understand that Michael Corleone has b•come a great danger to the catholic Church, and to the very country if Italy

·-

itself?

VINCENT
I can see that.
ARCHBISHOP
A great danger to the people around him ...and to himself.
ALTOBELLO
Ahh -- he is lost, he is hi.story.·He desires things to be put to ~leep.
CLOSE ON VINCENT
listening; his face does not betray his thoughts.
ARCHBISHOP (O.S.)
By whatever means. Do you understand? By whatever means.
ALTOBELLO
It will happen an¥Wa¥· The means is already 1ns1de his family.
VINCENT
Who?
ARCHBISHOP
(smiles, no.intention of. telling)
His money is already lost; so much money has just disappeared as though it were dust.
ALTOBELLO
It will.not ~o so far. You . could always reason with the .,2Cpr.leones.You understand, Vincent?
VINCENT
Yes. Aridyou guarantee my reward with more than words. Do you understand that?
ARCHBISHOP
There is not a man in our "thing," whether of the state, the church or business that does not believe that valuable acts must have their reward.

We REVEAL that Lucchesi has been seated in the shadows nearly behind the Arras.

LUCCHESI
The reward will be greater than you can imagine.

Vincent is in the presence of truly great POWER.

VINCENT
You can count on me~

DISSOLVE TO:·

85

EXT. VATICAN COURTYARD - DAY

Altobello and Vincent move quickly past a large grot..pofthirty young priests. One of them is Andrew Hagen, who notices and smiles -- trying to greet them. Then he stops.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

86

EXT. OUTSIDE MICHAEL'S PALAZZO -MORNING

A car is parked outsidewaiting. Ari open touring car. In the driver's seat is a nandressed in Sicilian peasant style. Cap on head, rough clothes, red bandana around his neck. He is waiting patiently.

Servants come out·of the house to put picnic baskets andwir:e in the trunk of the car. Kaycomes out dressed in picnic clothes. She looks younger than inprevious shots. Withhe:::- are her children,·Tonyand Mary. They are all next to the ca::::-.

KAY
I'll pt!.back fordinner. Where1sMichael?.

At that moment thedriver lifts his cap and turns his head to the camera.

MICHAEL
At your service,Signora.

Kay and Mary and Tony laugh as Michael goes intoan imitation of a Sicilian servitor,respectful but proud.

,-~

~J;

MARY

~ Have a good time.

Tony, his throat wrapped in a scarf, waves goodbye. Michael a~d Kay drive away in the snazzy touring car with its top down. Kay looks back and waves.

87

INT. CAR"'."DAY

The¥ are driving in the countryside and Kay takes a long look behind them. She is thoughtful. Michael looks at the mountains, sheep grazing, colorful flowers, lemon trees.

MICHAEL
Beautiful.
KAY .
Michael, we're really alone. I don't see any bodyg'l,lards.
MICHAEL
(laughing)
I sneaked away. I wanted to have one day, just you and me like it was before the family troubles.

NOTE: .:\11 through this day MichaelandKay spend together the audience should be reminded that Michael is in danger. We see a band of men with Luparas but they are only hunters etc. The threat is always underneath the romanticism of the scenes.

KAY
Isn't that dangerous?
MICHAEL
Kay, I'm finally out of· everything. Too late for you and m- but finally I'm out.
88

EXT. ROAD - WEDDING - DAY

They come ,toa l.ittle village and theycome upon a peasant . wedding in progress. Mi.chaelstops the ,carfor the procession and then drives on. A priest on a bicycle appears in the

98

DISTANCE PEDALING FURIOUSLY TOWARD THEM. WE CANNOT SEE HIS

features under his hat. There is a long sheath on the handlebars which could be a gun.

Tl?,e priest approaches.them on a narrow.r9ad~one of his hands picks up the sheath·and suddenly we see it .isa long bouquet of flowers which he waves at them in greeting ?).She passes by. Ee is obv.io.uslyonhis·way to the wedding,in the village~

89

INT. CAR - DAY

~

KAY

t-! Did you have a wedding like that "!"' when you were married in Sicily?

MICHAEL
Somet;hinglike that.

They•drive on without looking at each other.

90

EXT. LEMON GROVE - DAY

Then .Michael parks the car beneatha grove of lemon trees. They get out of the car~ Michael takes the picnic basket out of the trunk and leads Ka.y toa place deeper in the orchard where there is a marble fountain.

91

EXT. FOUNTAIN - DAY

Running water and flowers growing all around. There is also a Greek statue, almost in complete ruin but still beautiful.

KAY
Oh, Michael, it•s lovely.

Michael unpacks the picnic basket, throws aside his cap.

MICHAEL
'That' swhyI r~membered it after all these years.
KAY
Did you come here often?
MICHAEL
Yes, I used to go for long walks with my bodyguards and we rested·here.

They arrange themselves on the ground to eat and drink the bottle of w:ine··that Michael· has also brought.

KAY
Why didyou get married. here? Were you madly in love?
MICHAEL
I didn't know if I would ever be ablgto go home. I didn't know if Iwould ever see you again. Iwas sure you would never want. to see me. And Iwas lonely .
103

KAY

Was shebeautiful?·

MICHAEL
Yes.
KAY
You toldme she died. Was that true?
MICHAEL
Yes.
KAY
Was sheill or was it an accident?
MICHAEL
Somebody planteda bomb in my car. She drove it before I did.
KAY
It's sucha beautiful country and.·soviolent.
MICHAEL
Yeah,.they have more killings in one little.village here than ~n the whale·state of New Hampshire in itshistory. New Hampshire, I always loved that we knew each other when I was in college.
KAY
I remember when your biggest worry "Vas passing·yourexams.
MICHAEL
I was really worried.

They are both silent. Then Michael accidentally spills some food on hi.sclothes. Kay lau9hs. Michael takes off his shi:::-: and goes to the marble fountain. Very carefully he washes his face and arms and scrubs his· shirt. Then he comes back·to where Kay is sitting and watching.

MICHAEL
Clean enough?
KAY
It will have to·do.
92

INT. TOURING CAR -DAY

Michael and Kay inthe open touring car.

MICHAEL
I'd like tomake one more stop before we go back to Palermo. Okay?
KAY
Where?
MICHAEL
Iwant to visit Don Tommasino.
KAY
We have to be back iriPalermo for dinner.
MICHAEL
We will.

They drive on into the hills of Sicily until theycome to the guarded.villa of Don Tommasino.

93

EXT. DON TOMMASIN0 1SVILLA - DAY

Guards at the gate of the villa recognize Michael and let hi~ through. Inside the gates on the steps of the villa, they a:::-e greeted by another well dressed guard, CALO, Michael's old bodyguard :whenhe was in Sicily•. He recognizes Michael and greets him with a warm hug. Michael introduces Kay.

CALO
Don Michael. What a surpri,se. Unfortunatel¥ Don T.ommasinois out but he will return soon. Will you wait?
MICHAEL
Kay?
KAY
We can wait a little bit. I 'Coulduse a cold drink.
CALO
Certainly. Don Tommasino will be heartbroken if he doesn't see you.

They enter the villa.

94

INT. VILLA/SITTING ROOM - DAY

·A huge.sitting room which has a large glass window through which we see the countryside. A woman servant brings in jugs o.fwine and glasses and a tray of Sicilian food appetizers. The servant leaves. Kay and Michael..are alone.

They sit at table looking at the mountains of Sicily through big glass window.

KAY
This is the first time we've been ciose together since we were both in college. Really close.
MICHAEL
That was the whole idea.
KAY
No bodyguards?
MICHAEL
Do you.see any?
KAY
No. Does that worry you?

It's worth it.

KAY
Why?
MICHAEL
·(smiling,kidding yet serious) Do you "dread" me today?
KAY
No. Bbt I don't forget.

She taps her fo~ehead irtimitation of Vito.Corleone~

MICHAEL
Yeah, my father used to do that~
KAY
This is dangerous for you. God, this is.Sicily.
MICHAEL
I love this country.
KAY
Why?

)

MICHAEL

t:<

All through history, terrible thin~s ha~pened to these people. Terrible injustices. But they still.expect good rather than bad will happen to them.

KAY
That's dumb. Sort of like me and you.
MICHAEL
How so?
KAY
I'm here, right? We have a bad history,and I'm still here.
MICHAEL
A.i.11,but with"dread."
KAY
ForgetI said that.
MICHAEL
I can't.
KAY
It's justa word.

Michael picks upa knife and puts it.to his.heart.

MICHAEL
(kidding)
Give the order.
KAY
That's supposed to make me not dread you?

Michael puts the knife.down.

MICHAEL
Opera. We're in Sicily. So. What do we do?
KAY .
Let's try to be sensible. Let's not hurt each other again.

MICHAEL

,,,-- (seriously)

I want you to forgive me.

MlJSICin. "Michael's Theme."

KAY
For what?
MICHAEL
For everything.
KAY
Like God?
MICHAEL
Ineed something a little closer. · (pause) · . You couldn't understand back in those days. I loved my father. I swore I would. never be like him but I loved him. And then he was in danger. What c.ould I do? And.then later you were in danger, our children were in danger. I did my duty. You were all what I valued most. And now I'm losing you anyway. I've lost you anyway. Then it was all for nothing. You have to understand, I planned a different destiny. No, I '.11 stop. This was supposed to be a happy picnic. ··
107

KAY

(coolly} I won't hold it against you. It was a lovely day.

MICHAEL
That's it?
KAY
(laughs)· That•s·the best I.can do.
MICHAEL
(very agitated)
I've changed.
KAY
(very quietly)
For Christ's sake, Michael. What do you want from me? We're old. I have a husband. You have your Family. What in Christ's name do you want from me?
MICHAEL
I love you --
(half jokingly)
Don'.t"dread" me anymore.
KAY
Okay.

Michael pauses. He is on the brink of complete surrender.

MICHAEL
I want you to love me, I think.
KAY
You think?
MICHAEL
I haven't got anything else.

Kay doesn't answer.

MICHAEL
No, that's it. Ihaven't got anything else.

Kay gets up and Michael leads her upstairs and down a hall to the corner bedroom.

DISSOLVETO:
95

INT. VILLA/BEDROOM - DAY

It is quite large and full of light, the.soft light of very late afternoon~ Michael is overcome by memories of Appolonia. Kay goes to the window to lookout. Michael sits on the bed.

MICHAEL
This was the room I lived .infor two years -- thinking of you.
KAY
And then you got married~
MICHAEL
(quoting} Better to marry than to burn.

Michael get up and stare? out the window for a long moment.

MICHAEL
I never forgot you. I still dream. about you.

Kay is touched. She puts her arms around Michael and they gently kiss.

MICHAEL
Take a little nap, I'll go downstairs and wait for Don Tommasino.

Kay goe~ over to the bed, takes off her shoes and lies down. Michael lowers the .shutters of the window so theroom is dark. He goes o:ver to the bed and kissesKay gently on the cheek.· She reaches up and .holdshim and finally they are in each other's arms. They lie down on the bed together.and make love. The love scene shouldpe more in remembrance of the tragedies they shared than anything else.

FADE OUT..

FADE IN:

96

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

The square of a small village. A festival going on~ Don Tommas.ino is, attending the baptism party ina small Sicilian village. He is the patria.rch and the babyis brought for his inspection. He blesses.it and kisses the parents, accepts the respectful homage of the crowd .andthen hands over a gift for the baby. . .

Then his two bodyguards wheel his chair to a waiting car and put him into it. · ·

97

EXT. ROAD - DAY

The car with the Don and the two guards goes down a lonely road. As it makes a turn it is stopped by a flock of sheep just at a<.cros:sroads.one of the bodyguards .gets out.to shoo the sh;eepout 'ofth'eway.. When he does ·.so he..iscutdown by gunfire. At the same time about ten men appear to surround the car. :Moscais 'theirlead.er. They are all carrying luparas. Mosca opens both doors of the car so that the Don and his remaining bodyguard can get out. Don Tommasino refuses toget out. The bodyguard is dis.armed and ledaway into the surrounding forest. Another car pulls.out of a sideroad. The car.stops. The door opens and Don Altobello steps out.

98

INT. DON TOMMASINO'S CAR - DAY

Altobello gets into the back seat of the other car so that he is sitting beside Don Tommasino. Meanwhile Mosca gets into -driver's seat of car.

ALTOBELLO
DonTcimm~sino, it breaks my heart that after such long lives we have come to opposite sides.
DON TOMMASINO
We were never on the same side. You were a friend of the Godfather, may he rest in peace, but I never trusted you.
ALTOBELLO
You were always too old- fashioned. I moved with the times.
DON TOMMASINO
Another name for treachery.
ALTOBELLO
I come to you with a proposition~ Withdraw your support for Michael. Tell your men not to work with the bastard Vincenzo.

DON TOMMASINO· And what is the carrot ·.onyour stick?

ALTOBELLO
Anything you ask.

DON•·.TOMMASINO I ask that your soul burn in hell forevermore.

ALTOBELLO
Y·ouknow, Don Tomm~sino, you are not with the times. .There 1 sno loyalty anymore. Your men will come over to us. . (pause) What are.you, ninety-two? It's a shame, you could live a good many more years.

(-, '

DONTOMMASINO
(laughs) · · It's long enough.

Don Altobello leans over and kisseshim on the mouth.

ALTOBELLO
Good-bye,Don Tommasino.
99

INT.VILLA/LIVING ROOM- DAY

Calo enters the villa and findsKay and Michael waiting for him in the living room.

CALO
I'm sorry. Don Tommasino has not returned.

MICHAEL· That seems to upset you.

CALO
He left the baptism an hour ago.• He should have been here by now.
MICHAEL
Have him call me in Palermo when he returns.
CALO
Yes, Don Mic·hae1. But I 'm worried.· PerhaJ?sI should send some men with you back to ·Palermo.
MICHAEL
That's not necessary. Nobody knows where I am. ·

The preceding dialogue is in Sicilian so that Kay is again shut out and walled off from the.family troubles.

100

EXT. VI.LLA- DAY

Calo escorts Kay and Michael to their.car and the Villa Gates swing open. As Michael's car goes through we SEE two cars down the road. In them are the two·Best Bodyguards .whowait until · Michael's. car passesand then swing in behind it.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:·

101

INT. PALAZZO/LIBRARY - NIGHT

Michael, Neri and Vincent are meeting. Also present are the Twins and Dom.

VINCENT
We 9"0tthe news just before you arrived. They found Don Tommasino in the mountains.
MICHAEL
Dead?
VINCENT
Yes. Shot.
MICHAEL
At the age of ninety? Christ.
VINCENT
Maybe we'd better look hard at those friends who are close to us.
MICHAEL
(*xasperated. With . a note of comedy)
I kept trying to go up in society. Where everything higher up would b.elegal. Straight. But the higher I go.the crookeder it becomes. Where the hell does it end?
NERI
Once weget past this, you'll be in the clear.

Michael looks at Neri. Then turns to Dom.

MICHAEL
Dominic,do Ihave what I asked you to buy?
DOM
Yes, hereit is.

He hands him a smallwhi.tebox. M.ichael handsthe box to Neri.

MICHAEL
This is for you;Al.
NERI
Thanks, Mike. What is it?
MICHAEL
Open it.
NERI
.Is ita watch?
MICHAEL
No, it's not a watch.

Neri opens the box:. Inside is a dead canary. He looks at the canary, then at Michael. Michael motions to the Twins to frisk him.

MICHAEL
.I thoughtyou'd be the last person to betray me, Al. You break my heart. You stab my soul.
NERI
I was loyal to you for thirty years,Michael .

·MICHAEL You shouldn't have stopped.

NERI
You letZasa take over the. old neighborhood. rt·should have been mine ..Now you pick Vincent over ;me.

MICHA:EL I had my reasons.

NERI
After thirty years, you put a kid·over me.
MICHAEL
That•~ no reasori forbetrayal~ •Th·e·re'sno reasonfor betrayal, Al..

Let's go, Al.

The Twins firmly get ahold of Neri .

..NERI So this is how it ends?

MICHAEL
This is how it ends.
NERI
How about if I just retire?
MICHAEL
You I re going to·.retire,that'sa certainty.

The Twins exit with Neri.

MICHAEL
Let's be very careful now. Vincent, have the opera house covered with a lot of your men. And instruct those bodyguards, no show of force unless absolutely necessary. I don't want Kay to be. • •Idon't want her to remember.
VINCENT
They'll be like ghosts. ·, MICHAEL
(joking)
Good ghosts.
VINCENT
Yes.
MICHAEL
And I want Don Altobello, our old friend, to be most welcome and secure.
VINCENT.
I take care of everything.

MUSIC in.· "Godfather Waltz II with mandolin.

MICHAEL .
Somedav I want us all out of ·.this.-You too, Vincent.
VINCENT
I don't want out.
MICHAEL
Nobody does..WhatI want them to.
VINCENT
I like this life.
MICHAEL
You're your father'sson.
VINCENT
Yes. I'll do everything you

·-

want neto do. I want only one reward. When you really retire, you·helpme keep the Family. That's allI want.

MICHAEL
II m telling you it's the wrong thing. You don't know what it costs.
VINCENT
I'llpay.
MICHAEL
You'resaying that. isone of the prices Ihave to pay.
VINCENT
No. I do this because of what I am. I want to fight them all. Iwant the power.
MICHAEL
(resigned)· A man has only one destiny. Maybe my father was right. I promise you the Family. (emotionally)
•••ba:t.call yourself Vincent Corleooe now.
VINCENT
(moved)
Thank you, Uncle Michael.
(pause)
I respect you above.al 1 other men. I grew up without a ·father,..butIalways thought of you as my father~ My ·mother, all .myaunts and.unc.les;.those that spoke to the b~stard, ·told me ~tories of how you saved the family, how you avenged my true father. I have always loved and admired you for that. So I want .tosay this~ I am your ~on, command me however you will.

Michael smiles through his tears. Then:

MICaAEL Give up Mary.

VIEW MOVES IN on Vincent.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

102

EXT. CAFE - DAY

Mary and Vincent are sitting at.the table of an outdoor cafe near the m.arket. They are a beautiful Italian couple and attract attention.

MARY
What a day-~ what a wonderful day. Didn't we have fun?
VINCENT
Yes, we did.
MARY
Will roumeet me in Paris after this is all over?
VINCENT
I don•f know, Mary if.I can.
MARY
Got other plans?
VINCENT
(thougntful} I don'tknow. Hey, I have one final treat. I've been saving this. Something really weird. But you have to promise you won't get. all girly and faint.
MARY
I promise.
VINCENT
In Italian •.
MARY
Io ti prometto.
DISSOLVE TO:
103

EXT. CEMETERY JUST OUTSIDE OF PALERMO - DAY

Vincent and Mary get out of car that holds driver and bodyguard. Another car with two other bodyguards behind them. V_incentand Mary go into the Capuchin Convent.

104

INT. CONVENT - DAY

·A.MONK is collecting money. Vinc.entpays and they descend into the catacombs.

~----,l-0-S-I-N-~-CllACOMBS...~~~-----

VIEW IN VAULTED CHAM~ER The mummified bodies of those who have been the most .powerful people in Sicil.y. The mummies are attired in costumes of the.ir day. A prince of the. church,a Cardinal in full regalia. Beautiful women in elegant gowns. Some are encased in glass coffins or glass boxes, young women, young men. Children . dressed formally. It is.a startling sight. .Maryseems focused on·their troubled love.

VINCENT
Do people still do .this? Have themselves buried this way?
MONK
No, not anymore. But people still come to see their ancestors. To pay their respects.

They leave.

106

EXT. CONVENT. -DAY

They sit together on a stone bench in the convent grounds.

VINCENT
I'm sorry. I thought you'd like it.. The real. Sicily.
MARY
You•-regoing to give me up·, aren't you? I can feel .it ·coming -- for my own g<:>od.
VINCENT
Why do you say that?
(bows. his head)
MARY
What's the point? Why? To. honor something that's dead'?
VINCENT
I must.
MARY
You really loved that room down there. You really loved the .whole idea of it.
VINCENT.
Yes, I did. I thought you'd like it.
MARY
I didn't.
VINCENT
(pause)
I'm going to stay here for a while. In Sicily. Maybe it's a good time to not see each other.

She becomes emotional.

MARY
Oh no, no, no. Iknew it would happen.
VINCENT
It had to
MARY
Iknow what will happen. You'll finda wife .here, just like my father. You don't have to live it out again. I hate these things, your bodyguards, the way you love Sicily.

She runs away. Vincent is left in the cemetery.

MUSIC in.

DISSOLVETO:
107

EXT. SICILIAN HILLSIDE - DAY

Two men and a teenage boy are out hunting. We see the boy up ahead of them, motioning for them to come look. We see themen approach a body on the ground, look, then tu.rnaway.

We SEE Neri dead, with the canary in his mouth. Its feathers blowing in the wind.

FADE OUT •.

FADE IN:

108

EXT. PALAZZO GARDEN - NIGHT

Kay is sittin9" alone playing an upright piano. She is looking at the mountains around Palermo. She stops playing, as Tony approaches.. She rises up from her bench to greet him. She puts Tony's scarf around·his throat. She is the fond mother overcome by memories.

KAY
All these years and this.is•the first tim~ I've seen Sicily.
TONY
Where it all began.

He takes Kay's arm, and they walk, linked together.

KAY
such a beautiful country.
TONY
Yes. I worry about my fa.ther. He's in trouble, isn't he? I.thought that was all over years ago.
KAY
That's what he always said.. Through all the years of our marriage, that it would be over. I waited.and waited and it never was.
TONY
Did I do the right thing? It. seems foolish to sing.
KAY
(laughing)
Your grand.fatherwould a~prove. If he had.been able to sing we. wouldn't be in this fix~ How's Mary?·

TONY· Still·crying in her room.

KAY
Does she talk to you about it?
TONY
No.

Michael and Vincent approach them.

MICHAEL
Good luck·tomorrow. Cover your throat.·.The _nightair won't do it any good.

He embraces his son. Vincent remains off to the side.

TONY
So, cousin, aren't you going to w.ishme luck?·
VINCENT
Good luck, with ali my heart .
122

TONY EMBRACES HIM. CONNIE APPROACHES THEM.

CONNIE
Don't let me interrupt anything, this will just take a second.

Michael starts to walk off with Connie.

MICHAEL
·(toothers) Hurry back; we'll talk. We'll talk.

Tony goes on his way to the house with Kay and Vincent.

109 NEW VIEW Michael and Connie sit down. She takes out a small needle, and begins to prepare it.. She begins to give Michael the shot.

VIEW MOVES IN SLOWLY

CONNIE
·:z;heardaboutVenice. That·you met thenf:IWPope and made your· confessionto him.

·MICHAEL It seemed a good idea. After all these years.

CONNIE
We all dependon you, Michael. We always have.You don't have to confess your sins to a stranger.
MICHAEL
There was something about him.
CONNIE
Michael, what is it. Are you that ill?
MICHAEL
No, I'm all right. I feel lousy but that's the diabetes.
CONNIE
Then il:;I.there something eise wrong? Are you afraid of something?·.
MICHAEL.
Connie, we can't be lucky forever~
CONNIE
You were lucky, I wasn't.
MICHAEL
Okay, then I can't be lucky forever. As I said, he was an imp;l:"essive.man.Hehelped·me.

Suddenly Connie reaches over to embrace Michael.

CONNIE
Sometimes I think of.poor Fredo's accident -- drowned, it was God's will. And Lake Tahoe is very.cold. They say if a person drowns in it, that the body· willrema.in mid-suspended -- perfectly preserved. Some say it will remain forever.

She finishes th~·shot:,·putsher things awa,y.

CONNIE
Those were terrible times, maybe it could have been different. But that's all finished. Just be strong now. we·can•t let the family be destroyed.
FADE OUT.

(fL.I

FADE IN:

110

INT. VATICAN CHAPEL - EVENING

MONTAGE OF PAPAL ELECTION:

CLOSE VIEWS ONLY
The conclave of CARDINALS, including cardinal Lamberto, are sitting in rows of chai:r;sin the chapel. The results of the fourth ballot are read:

CLOSE DETAILS OF SISTINECHAPEL

CARDINAL
99 votes for Lamberto, 11 for Siri, l forLorscheider.

As the totals are announced,there is a tremendous burst of applause from the gathering. The CAMERLENGO cardinal approaches Lamberto.

CAMERLENGO
(toLamberto)
Do you accept your canonical electionas supreme pontiff?.

All eyesupon cardinal Lamberto. He.is astonished that he has been elected Pope.

VIEW MOVING CLOSER

CARDINAL LAMBERTO
May God forgive you for what you have done.in my regard.
(pause)
Accepto.
CAMERLENGO
By what name do you wish to be called?
CARDINAL LAMBERTO
(pause). John Paul the First.

the voting,ca·rd·s:arestuffed into the antiquated stove,and t::e bianco (white)han¢lleis pulled.

111

VATICAN.- EVENING

VIEW from st. Peter's square.. White smoke comes from the chimney. Bells RING. A new Pope has been elected.

DISSOLVE TO:

Al.10CLOSE UP Cardinal Lamberto. The new Pope.

(AUTHORS' NOTE: IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE SURPRISE ENDING TO THE STORY, THE NEXT 10 PAGES ARE AVAILABLE ONLY ON A NEED-TO-KNOW BASIS. M.P. & F.C.)

)

J14-•.

FADE IN,

125

EXT. PALAZZO - NIGHT

Kay is sitting alone playing an upright piano·.She's looking at the mountains around Palermo.· "

Tony comes in through the far corner of the garden and Kay rises from her bench to greet him. She puts Tony's scarf around his throat. She is the fond mother overcome by memories ••

126

KAY
All these years _andthis is first time I've seen Sicily.
TONY
where it all began.

He takes Kay's arm and they walk linked together

KAY
Such a beautiful country.
TONY
Yes, I worry about my father. He's in trouble, isn't he?
KAY
He's seen worse. Hell, I've seen worse.
TONY
Did.I do the right thing? It seems foolish· tosay.·
127

KAY

(laughing) Your grandfather would approve. If he had been at the scene, we wouldn't be in this fix. How's Mary'?

128

. TONY

Still crying in her room.

KAY
Does she talk to you about it?
TONY
No.,

Michael and Vincent approach them.

MICHAEL
.Good luck tomorrow •
129

MICHAELEMBRACES HIS SON. VINCENT LEANS OFF TO THE SIDE.

~ony looks at him. Tony smiles.

TONY
.So cousin, aren't you going to wish me l.uck?.

·VINCENT ,Good luck. With all my heart.

He embraces him•..Music continues

FADE OUTs

FADE IN1

130

EXT. PALAZZO/GARDEN - DAY

The garden outside the house. Connie and Michael are sitting beside each other. Michael ls looking very tired and ill, 7 1

131

,.. CONNIE IS ALIVE WITH ENERGY.

CONNIE
I heard about Venice. You met the new pope and made your .confession to him.
MICHAEL
Seemed like a good idea after all these years.
CONNIE
Why? You think you're dying, Michael, d.o·n't·yo·u?Weall.dependon you, we always have. You don't have to confess your sins to a stranger.
MICHAEL
There was something about it. It somehow seemed the proper time.
CONNIE
Michael, what is it?

,f\Co,

....

MICHAEL
No, I'm alright.· I feel lousy bu1;that•s the diabetes. ·
CONNIE
Is there anything else wrong? Are you afraid of something?

Connie, we can't be -luckyforever

CONNIE
You were lucky. I.wasn't.
MICHAEL
Kay and I can'.tbe lucky. As I said, he was an impressive man. He helped me.
CONNIE
I forgive you,·too. I married a man who betrayed the family and I was used so they could kill Sonny. We can't weaken now. We can't let Vincent. we can't let anything ha-ppen.tJecan•t let the family be destroyed. We can't let the guilt weaken us. Those were terrible times. Maybe it could've been different. You did terrible things, I know. Just be strong now.

Michael kisses Connie and embraces her.

MICHAEL
That's all done. Don't worry, I won't weaken • .(laughs) I'll take care of everything.·
CONNIE
I'll help. Vincent will help.

132

\LL,

-· MICHAEL (smiling) Ah, Vincent. You know, the old man was right about ·something. He said, every man has one destiny. Now 'that·is true about Vincent. But you know, a long time ago, I believed I had another destiny. The cardinal made me believe that again for one moment, that's all, finished. de can·make believe it all never ,;happened.Now we can be happy. Our children are safe and tomorrow we'll hear Tony sing. We'llall grow old together. And we '.11 just think of the times when we·were happy. That's all we have t.o do. (laughing) It's a cinch.

133

EXT. TEATRO MASSIMO - NIGHT

Outside the opera house, Streets are jammed with people and cars. riesee armed men in some of the cars in the corners of the sq.uare •.

Vincent goes to each of the cars to give last minute instructions. He keeps watching the people in the square. He ts .veryalert. Me goes to the final car containing four men in police uniforms.

VINCENT
Remember, no shooting. Arrest them only and we' 11 get ridof them outside Palermo.

More cars arrive. D>n ,Altobello's car pulls up.He gets out and go•.es upthe.steps.Vincent watches cl_osely..

VIEW,

Michael, Kay, Johnny Fontaine, Connie and Mary get out ·of their long limousine. The driver of the limo is also very alert. Michael leads his party up the steps of the opera house.

KAY
(to Michael)
I keep making plans for him to ·become a lawyer or a professor or some kind of scientist. The one thing I never imagined him to be ·wasan opera singer.

Connie waves at Vincent.when she sees him in the street.

Connie· Hurry, Vincent, the opera will start soon.

VINCENT
I'll be right in.

As he speaks, a flock of about twenty young priests come up the steps, led by a big burly monsignor. we see that this .isthe hired killer. Moska, who under the pretense of the young priests is giving the square a quick study. He sees the cars parked so they block all the entrances to the square. He sees Vincent studying his ta.ce, suspicious of him, so he hurries in but notes the four policemen get out of one of the cars, taking their posts on the steps of the opera house. The other police on duty seem a little different from these four. Mosca enters the opera house with his flock of priests, who chatter with eager anticipation. They are obvJ.ously what they seem to,be, not part of any plot •

134

,EXTERIOR,VATICAN CITY ~ EVENING

INTERIOR. POPE'S BEDROOM - EVENING

From over his shoulder, we see Pope LQmberto's hands folded together on the desk. Glasses are nearby, there is a cup of expresso and a glass of water on the table, His hands unclasp and he picks up his eyeglasses and turns them over and then puts them·down. His fingers drum the table,

INTERIOR, OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT

CJ People are settling into their seats. Michael and his :Rartyup.front. Vincent comes in 1iosit b~side Conni!9• 1,:wosectJ.onsaway,Mosca is ushering his innocent priests into their seats. · •.· .

r Mosca observes Michael and gives him. a speculative look. He sits down.

Vincent is seated so that he's guarding Michael's row of seats. He leans forward to see the man seated at the opposite end of the row. Their eyes meet and Vincent leans back.

BACKSTAGE.

Tony with conductor in theatre wings waiting for cue.

Tony is·sing,inghis opening serenade to Lola.

We watch the opening of the opera. Shots of Michael, Kay and the rest of the family applauding. Shot of Mosca and the priests. Camera on Vincent as at inter- mission he slips out.

CUT TO

INTERIOR, OUTSIDE POPE !Al.VlBERTO'SBEDROOM -EVENING

Two priests walk towards the end of the hall, ~~ey walk fast, they're hunched over. There is tension.

INTERIOR, _POPELAMBERTO'S BEDROOM· -.EVENING

c.u. ~ Pope L@berto's hands resting on the desk. We hear a knock at the door. After a moment, the hands unclasp and with the right hand he makes a movement . to wave them in.

POPE
Sister, please come in.

The two priests come in, look at the sister. She points ·to two chairs and they.sit down.

POPE
The matter is in the hands of those we trust.

He pauses, looks again at the other priests and then at the sister. She stands up as if to leave. Lomberto's hand rises to ask her to stay. She sits down.

PRIEST 2
(very quietly)
withi.ntwenty tour hours.

CU -..onSlster's face. She is pale with·fright. Sounds of shuffling and we see the two priests get up and leave. The door clicks quietly shut. .·•.

Tight shot of the very front of Pope's face. We only see his eyes and his nose on the thumb and forefinger of his right hand. This is a gesture of sadness and resignation. The sister quietly stands up and leaves the room. Then we see Lambert's left hand coming down slowly on to the desk. This is a gesture of'finality. we see the Pope'.s profile one last time in the evening light.

EXTERIOR, PALEh.MO,ORFEO:BANK BUILDING - DAY

Camera pans sl'owlyupward, exterior of the building, pausing high on the window of the eighth floor. Vanni's face becomes visible through the net curtains. de see that he is clutching the edge of the,·.curtainsasif to protect himself.

EXTERIOR, VATICAN BALCONY - D!\Y

We mov~ in over'.avast crowd of people to see Pope Lamberto stepping out slowly on the balcony. He begins the reading of the :F)asterMass

INTERIOR,·TF.ATRo·MASSIMO- VIEW. ONOPERA

The villagers come from church. Terito invites them to the tavern to drink. He lifts his glass to a toast.

INTERIOR, ORFED BANK - D!\Y

Vanni is asleep, snoring. Hired bodyguard watching him · attentively. He rises slowly, bringinJ a string of nylon twine out of his pocket. He slips this gently over Vanni's face and around hi.s neck withoutwaking him.

EXTERIOR, VATICANJl\Y - D!\Y

135

.

CU - On Pope Lamberto. He raises his right hand

POPE

i (Latin)

I nommeni •••

INTERI~R, 1.2!,TROMASSIMO- NIGHT

View of family present1 Michael, Kay, etc.

View on opera.

Terido left alone with Alfio admits his guilt. Alfio

136

DRAWS BLOOD ON TERI DO'S EAR. CU - ON BLEEDING EAR.

EXTERIOR, VATICAN BALCONY - DAY

Pope Lamberto continues mumbling in &atin. In this·and each suocesive shot we get closer to him.

EXTERIOR, fEATRO - NIGHT

Mosco rai·ses his right hand holding the revolver. He aims at Michael.

EXTERIOR, VATICAN BALCONY - DAY

CU - On Pope Lamberto. The pope's hand falls slowly.

·INTERIOR,BANK - DAY

The door bursts open. Vanni starts to wake up. Bodyguard pins him down. Two men seen only from behind leap on Vanni and cover his face with a pillow.

EXTERIOR. VATICAN BALCONY - DAY

CU.;.On Pope. His arm to the left.

POPE
Espiri.tuSanti •••

( \ l

/22..

•·

INTERIOR, BANK - DAY

Hired bodyguard using all his strength lifts the blue cord, hoisting Vanni halfway out of the bed killing him.

EXTERIOR, VATICAN BALCONY - DAY

CU - On Pope. we see his left hand come down flat on the rail of the balcony making the same gesture we saw earlier in the bedroom. This is the gesture of finality.

POPE
Amen.

EXTERIO:k,TEATRO - NIGHT

137

ILESEE MICHAEL'S FACE THROUGH THE CROWD, HIS EYES OPEN.

His bodyguards materialize and we see them both shoot· Mosca simultaneusly.

EXTERIOR. VATICAN BALCONY - DAY

CU - On Pope who is now waving to loudly cheering crowd and turning away. As he retreats. withhis'back to the crowd he enters the shadows of the Vatican. It is n~arly 8 evening. we hear less and less of the crowd and more ·and more of footsteps of the inner sanctums of the Vatican. The footsteps lead us to

EXTERIOR, BRIOOE - EVENING

we hear footsteps of people walking on the bridge. we reveal Vanni's body hanging from the scaffolding with ·the blue nylon cord·hanging around his neck.

EXTERIOR, TF..liTRO--NITE

Intermezzo

EXTERIOR, PALERMO STREETS - NIGHT

Vincent"s men at different points in the •City under the interrmeza

EXTERIOR, ~F.ATRO- NIGHT

ci;rs,tra~.f'ic,excitement after big operaper.f'ormance. Vincent-comes down the stairs and addresses the intruders.

·VINCENT we know why you'rd here. You're very lucky men• .Ifit were my decision you'd already be dead. I'll let you go in peace with this warning, don't try it again. Now get back in your cars ana I ..:adviseyou to drive a long way

138

F'ROMPALERMO •

The·intruders get back in their car.and drive away. Vincent goes back into the Opera house.

INTERIOR, TF.ATRO- Night

View on Ndchael. Shouting is heard in the distance. Some women come rushing into the square with the news that Torito has been killed.

INTERIOR, VATICAN, POPE'S BEDROOM - DAY

We see the shadow move out of the room. ~he sister enters ·the room. She looks, the new pope, Pope Lamberto is ·dead- She rushes out crying.

Close shot of the dead pope, mouth open, spectacles still on,

INTERIOR, TF.ATRO- NIGHT

Finale of opera. Performance ending with a cry. Big finale A:pplause.Tony taking his bows withhis other cast members. Michael and Kay applauding, faces happy. Connie and Mary· are weeping with joy. Johnny Fontaine is yelling "Bravo"

Connie leans over to Vincent

CONNIE
Is everything all right?
VINCBNT
Everything is fine. D:>n'tworry.

He applauds but heis watching the crowd of people milling to get out of the opera house. The two Best Bodyguards are aleo standing up and watching everything very carefully.

FADE IN

EXTERIOR, CATHEDRAL - DAY

The cars arrive at the cathedral. Everybody gets out. They go .upthe ste,p.s.Vincentlags behind in his.eye search for the bodyguards. Michael is on the .topof the steps. He lets the others go by as he waits for Vincent. Old women sing a Sicil.ian song in dialect.Theo and Michael on the steps. He sees a little girl, the grandchild on the steps. He takes several steps to reach for her and picks her up. New View on Mi9hael with the little girl. He stumbles on •thesteps, staggers and falls. The child cries. Kay leans over. Michael lays on the pavement looking at her.

KAY
Michael, what is it? Are you eying?
MICHAEL
(Pause)
No.

'\ Michael is dead,

MARY
·No,Mikey •••
139

VIEW ON CONNIE, SHE LOOKS AT VINCENT, HE LOOKS AT HER.

Slowly, she nods her head.

mSSOLVE TOa

EXTERIOR, PALERMO - DAY

Music, tragic theme. A funeral procession is forming. A long ·line .ofhorse drawn vehicles,. the hearsecontaining the body, th.ewagons. We see the Corleone family, Vincent, Connie, Kay, Tony and Mary come ou.t of the house. Again the different characters are around. Black horses leading the way behind them, people from the country with their painted carts. 'lieseethe funeral procession go to the cathedral to be blessed by the archbishop himself.

EXTERIOR, ROME, KEINSZIG'S HOUSE - DAY

Keinszig leaving his palatial home with his driver, He waves to his wife. He's in a cheerful mood. He.gets into the car and drives off.

INTERIOR, KEINSZIG''SCAR - DAY

Keinszig gets busy with his briefcase checking papers. He finally looks up and is surprised to see an unfamiliar section of Rome he does not recognize.

Keinszig Drive.-,driver? This is not the way to the Vatican.

DRIVER· I thought you might like to see whe.re,thepoor live, the ones your banks have robbea.

Keinszig i.sa.mazed.Car stops. Immediately two cars pull up alongside. Four men get out. They open the door of

_)

Keinszig's.car and get in with him. we see a struggle as the men hold the banker and stab him to death. Then the men get out, so does the driver who throws his chauffeurs hat back.

CUT T01

EXTERIOR, CATHEDRAL - DAY

Funeral winding its way to the cathedral. The mourners are going up the steps to the cathedral.

INTERIOR, CATHEDRAL - DAY

Mass is being said and ritual is being performed. Vincent is staring bard at the Archbishop. Connie and Kay are there dressed in black.

CUT TOa

EXTERIOR, MOSCA'S FARM AND VILLA ...DAY

Mosca ls outside as before when ·the.long carcomes up. Then gunfire comes from the car and Mosca is riddled with bullets.

CUT TOa

EXTERIOR, CATHEDRAL - DAY

Funeral procession leaving Cathedral to go to the cemetary. There are shots of the family and Kay. Mary is there, somber.

EXTERIOR, ROAD - DAY

Funeral procession. View of the oemetary, maybe it is winding it's way through Sicily to the town of .Corleone, which is an hour from Palermo. The whole countryside pays homage with their carts, etc.

Now on this cut to the·funeral procession, we must notice an ominous things Vincent has disappeared. Nacy looks back ·andsees Connie walking alone •

140

MARY

Where's Vincent? ..

-· CONNIE

0 He'll meet us again at the cemetary. •I

CUT T01

INTERIOR, CATHEDRAL QUARTERS - O\Y

The archbishop in his full regale is walking'down a

141

LONG MARBLE CORRIDOR BEHIND-THE ALTER OF THE CATHEDRAL.

He is on his way to the living quarters. Along the quarters are niches which hold holy statuesi These niches are in darkness. we just barely see the saints · in them•.

The archbishop walks past the first niche. He.glances around uneasily. He feels something is wrong. He passes the second. niche and then he turns his head.There is a dead body in the niche where the saint should be. It is I:bnAltobello. .

The archQishop stands absolutely still and c·rosses himself and faces the third niche. Vincent steps out. The archbishop makes the sign of the cross a_gain.

VIEW

The shadow his hand makes.

Vincent fires thre.e times, the archbishop fal.ls.Vincent runs down the marble corridor.

EXTERIOR, CEMEI'ARY- ~y

Shots of the casket going into the ground. Then camera on Connie and suddenly Vincent appears besides her. Then the·reeremonyis over:.andthe order~y line of mourning break up as.people go away.

DISSOLVE TOa

INTERIOR, CAP'1.1CH:C:NCONVENT-DftY

The catecomes of Palermo. Revealing view of mummies. There ia full regale is the corpse of the archbishop.

EXTERIOR, CEMETARY - MY

Final Shot

...

The mountains. An ancient town of Palermo with its crooked streets.

CU~ On Kay in widows veil walking slowly

FADE OUTa

THE END