The Godfather Theories That Change EVERYTHING!

[@nicholasspevak4952]

While I think Michael being a Marine in the Pacific theater (which was particularly brutal) helped play a part in his tactical abilities as a mob boss, I would also add the fact that he was college educated which also gave him a unique advantage over many of the other gangsters. While all those guys certainly had street smarts, Michael's greater knowledge of subjects like politics, history, philosophy, economics, etc likely helped him see things in a different perspective that gave him an edge over other mafia guys who only knew that life.

[@nicholasspevak4952]

Also he has probably killed people in WW2, he may not have killed anyone at point blank range mafia style but he certainly saw alot of gore up close since he was wounded on a beach assault, and as a Captain in the infantry he certainly "ordered" the deaths of many Japanese via command of his troops. He was likely nervous about killing Solozzo and McCluskey because he had never actually murdered anyone illegally, not because because he felt bad about killing them.

[@newtoncountry5937]

Very good points and I would also add that part of his Marine training likely dealt with psychology, like how to interrogate captured enemy soldiers, for example. Also, how to combat psychological tactics/torture if he were captured. Tactics in outsmarting/intimidating the enemy in battle, etc. Had to have helped when planning his move on the other families.

[@molasorrosalom4846]

I'm sure being a Marine in the Pacific, he did kill people up close.

[@frankjesusd]

@Nicholas Spevak the marines in the pacific were killing and getting killed and mutilated very up close

[@SantomPh]

Mike never finished college, but he had the strongest academic potential of all of the siblings and was easily the smartest Corleone even before he signed up. He is the thinker, the one who waits for the right time. His time in the Marines exposed him to a ruthless, efficient system of order and respect for authority. He knows the effects of propaganda, as when he suggests Tom get a newspaper guy to print muck on McCluskey to soil his reputation. Most of the thinking is done by Michael's own cunning mind, rather than Marine doctrine. In the mafia you don't get air support, heavy MGs or naval landings

[@billymuellerTikTok]

Anthony Corleone opened the drapes under Fredo’s orders. Anthony drew the picture of his dad and showed it to his uncle Fredo. Fredo told Anthony to put it in his parents room and open the drapes up so it will be bright enough for his dad to see it.

[@lusmas99]

I like this theory.

[@mattkoch692]

Great theory, makes alot of sense.

[@emmalewisart641]

Niiiiice :)

[@mjBossy3737]

. . . whitch would put a lie to Freddo’s later arguments “I didn’t know it was a hit! I only thought there was something in it for meeee . . .” Sniveling b*** Awsome actor

[@ajadomonique]

Ooooooo, this is a sound theory…..

[@MrOldboy360]

The fact that Good Burger & The Godfather exist in the same universe just blew my mind...Liked & Subscribed after that for sure!

[@thebeatnumber]

I know right?😂 It was such an unanticipated segue!😂😂😂

[@CevicheGato]

Apparently a bullet to Tessio’s head would be too merciful of a way for the traitor to go out. Stripping away his wealth, name, reputation, and exiling him to the west coast. Making him work at Good Burger is a fate worse than death itself.

[@joelbosso1331]

I'm glad that you mentioned his military experience. People miss that he was a Marine Captain with a Silver Star among his awards. Its likely he saw more combat in the Pacific than most of his fellow gangsters ever saw on the street.

[@molasorrosalom4846]

That's what cracked me up when Sonny and the rest laughed at him. Like, "MF'RS, DO YOU KNOW WHAT I DID OVER THERE???!!!!"

[@cosmicskates7721]

@@molasorrosalom4846🤣.... i know ur right... C'MON! 👍🪖 💚💛

[@pitbullsami1741]

Then why was he so scared in the restaurant scene. That was his first body.

[@oldsalt524]

@@pitbullsami1741 he could have been incharge of serving spaghetti in a mess tent or a motor pool supply trucks. We don't really know that he did any fighting in ww2.

[@roy19491]

Michael had a Navy Cross, not a Silver Star

[@thomashamilton2506]

Michael states in the third movie , "they loved him, but they only fear me." Referring to his father.

[@carlrood4457]

One of the movie's problems is the compressed timeline, which is where Luca's murder comes into play. The movie plays out like everything up until the Don's shooting happens in a very short time, but it's several months in the book. During that time Luca is getting close to the Tataglias. Note how Connie's wedding is an outdoor wedding. The meeting with Sollozzo is scheduled for the following week. Michael and Kay are Christmas shopping when they learn of the shooting. An outdoor wedding on Long Island in late November/early December simply wouldn't happen.

[@lordsod69]

Blame it on 'climate change'

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Yes, too rushed and compressed. One of the biggest mistakes of the movie IMO was making Luca look like a giant clown and nothing more. Just a big moron, stuttering his words, then incompetently getting himself killed. Honestly, I think that scene only served to make Don Corleone look weak and dumb.

[@manifestingthebestalways]

@@lordsod69 😂🤣

[@ralphwilliams2396]

Good point on the compressed timeline

[@alexanderjordan9522]

"Timeline got fucked up"

[@galesito1733]

I have always believed that Sonny had superpowers. When he punched Carlo his fist was nowhere near Carlo's face yet Carlo reacted as if he'd been punched really hard. How else could you explain that apart from superpowers?

[@georgechacon2648]

Hilarious!! Like Ali's "Phantom Punch, " I too believe in one's ability to spontaneously possess Super Powers 😃😆🤣

[@seanmetro3496]

The Force punch

[@janestones323]

Any actual ideas for real analysis?

[@Red-Brick-Dream]

@@janestones323 You sound fun.

[@tedwojtasik8781]

You don't F with Jimmy Caan, plain and simple.

[@paulholman2841]

Rocco 100% pulled those drapes open, and I know it as a fact. This is because the dead assassins were found with an extremely particular weapon of the era, the swedish made m50 sub machine gun. The assassins has an array of machine guns to choose from of the era, you can see several guards running around with thompson smgs, but the assassins were found with the same exact weapon that Rocco used in Godfather 1 to kill Phillip Tataglia. In my opnion, it's a smoking gun that the film put there on purpose, for anyone paying close enough attention to realize it.

[@terrajae9629]

Ha ha… smoking gun 😂

[@merkury06]

Good point. Also, they were found with their throats cut.

[@jram4617]

GREAT point!

[@TTJJCC]

Wouldn't that had been covered in the movie? Also, didn't Fredo admit to doing it?

[@seriesscratchx9807]

In one of the anniversary interviews with the cast & Coppola, he said that his sister, Talia Shire who played Connie, came up with the idea that Kay had an abortion. Back in the 50s, plenty of women had secret abortions. With Kay's upper middle-class family and her ivy league college pals, she would have had the necessary connections to get it done--especially since it was against the law.

[@michaelwilliams369]

😮 Never thought of that. Nice 👍🏾

[@eddieschwab864]

There were plenty of places where it was perfectly legal even by the sixties.

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

Yes. Also, I’m sure Kay had prenatal medical appointments that she was “allowed” to go to, I srsly doubt Tom would have questioned her going to those appointments and wouldn’t have asked any questions even if she was escorted to & from those appointments. I imagine she could have organized the abortion under the guise of a prenatal appointment without the men being any the wiser.

[@AK13133]

@@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever and this also falls in line with the times. Men had zero to do with women and their OBGYN appointments or really anything at all with the children. They weren’t changing diapers and feeding babies during that era so it’s not a stretch that Michael and Tom would have zero to do with any prenatal care in any way making fairly easy for Kay to get the abortion.

[@sandranorman6451]

Fredo opened the drapes and killed the assassins. Abortions were easily obtained before they were legal. Heard about one of my parents friends getting an abortion. Was told by someone who worked in the Clinic that it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to perform an abortion. Solozzo (in the book) lies to Michael’s face and Michael knows just by looking at him. Michael thinks of Solozzo as a pesonovante.

[@JapaneseJim]

Thinking about the events of the 90’s film Good Burger being canon in The Godfather Universe is a thought I’d never imagine I’d be having

[@MRCLEAN84420]

"I don't understand you"!!🤔

[@mitchelmodine9197]

Nice line: "The whole point of sending Luca in the first place was to fish around..." Luca Brasi later slept with the fishes.

[@izzem]

The Rocco theory makes complete sense. I always wondered why he sent him in that suicide mission in the 1st place??? I guess Rocco was the new Paulie

[@malabikaroy3176]

OMG that tessio and window curtains theory was mind blowing

[@teksnotdead902]

I don't know why I never considered but I love the idea that Kay was lying about the miscarriage being an abortion just to spite Michael knowing it would drive him mad and further a wedge between them.

[@otherworlder1]

I’ve always thought that. It just seems so odd that she would do this without anyone knowing.

[@bradwinston4670]

It's would have not been possible for her to have abortion remember Tom wouldn't let her leave to go shopping and if she had a doctor's appointment he would have sent some guys with her.

[@onlyalisaawilliams]

Kay’s abortion is easily explained. Throughout history women have/has alway’s known how/ where to get it done . Rich women during the time when abortion was illegal would have them done at a doctors office… Theres alway’s been some doctors throughout history willing to do a therapeutic abortion/D & C .. Tom wouldn’t have been the wiser , all he would’ve known she had a doctors appointment.

[@Anne-pv9cb]

@@bradwinston4670 women have been using herbs since the dawn of time to do this. If she had some celery powder in her cupboard, or enough oregano she could do it to herself.

[@wadeduffy9101]

@@Anne-pv9cb Read Puzo's novel. There is a character in it with a fairly large role that is not in the movie. He's a physician named Jules who performs abortions.

[@teejaye6226]

there's a lot of vids about the Godfather films on youtube. I would bet money that CR is the only channel that has connected Godfather & Good Burger. Nice.

[@merkury06]

I agree with the Rocco being a traitor. Also, after failing to keep the compound safe from the hit, Michael keeps Rocco close, so close in fact that he has his feet up and casually eating fruit in Michael presence before the Roth hit. Has anybody been that casual is Michaels presence? The Sicilian bodyguard who betrayed Michael and Apolonia. Rocco is super comfortable, despite the failure to protect the compound and family from the hit or keeping the assassins' alive as Michael directly ordered Rocco to do. Only thing I disagree, I think Rocco got Fredo's wife to enter Kays bedroom to open the drapes.. Rocco couldnt risk getting found in Kays bedroom. Rocco was sleeping with Fredo's wife. . Shes a drunk and not above cheating on Fredo. Or selling out the Corleones. That is why we have the scene where Rocco carries away the drunken Mrs Fredo at the party.

[@jasonleetaiwan]

Are you saying Michael knew Rocco was the traitor for most of GF2, but he waited until the very end to send him on a suicide mission to kill Roth in front of the press? Why would Rocco agree to that? So his family would he taken care of?

[@samuelramsumair520]

Wow good point

[@Frankie5Angels150]

It was me! I opened the damned curtains. I was an extra in GF Part II.

[@samuelwoods164]

I can't imagine a situation where Michael hasn't killed someone up close and personal in battle.

[@marcfalsetti9381]

Fredo was incapable of murdering the two veteran killers sent to assassinate Michael.... It Was Rocco "Difficult, Not Impossible" Lampone.

[@TheMotz55]

Vito had been grooming Michael since he held him as an infant on the steps of their brownstone. This is just after Vito gunned down Don Fanucci. Vito's great talent was his ability to choose people with leadership qualities. (Genco, Clemenza, Tessio, later Hagen.) As the "favored" child, and Michael knew it, he grew strong willed, but bullheaded. Vito understood Michael's intelligence but he misread Michael's heartlessness.

[@andrejones5441]

That part.

[@dc6461]

Michael was not heartless. Wtf are you talking. Dude literally got diabetes and aged over night when his wife left him.

[@johndavesco]

people keep saying that MC is heartless, but look at everything that happened to him. Imagine being betrayed that many times by the people closest to you. By family. And that's AFTER you pulled off the all time legendary move at the end of GF1. I mean eventually, when betrayed enough times by people close to you, how much heart are you going to have left. How warm will your heart be when you find out your bro helped set you up. That your wife had an abortion to spite you

[@glassslide]

Great video!!! Very thought provoking!! Like the Rocco one the best, that really does fit. Id always thought Fredo, but Rocco, as bodyguard, would not have been out of place in their bedroom.

[@hahajones]

Don Corleone always knew he would have to have Luca put down. He was a rabid dog, and as the Don states in the book, he belonged to him. I believe he sent him to The Turk knowing he was not up to the task, and he would be killed. This would eliminate Luca, ensuring he could never ho rogue or do something to shame the family, but also it would lull The Turk into a false sense of security thinking he outsmarted The Don and weakened the family by eliminating Luca. He would never have sent Luca as an undercover traitor, as Luca was not at all known for his wits nor his cunning. I always thought this was somewhat implied…

[@cristiansaucedo4707]

I didn't think about it, but, what you're saying makes sense. Must not have been the easiest move to make but not the hardest either. Necessary though.

[@bkatbamna]

The only reason Vito survived the first shooting was luck(or the script). The Turk had won and did outsmart the Don.

[@Jjkal899]

I like the theory about Rocco and the curtains. That makes sense. Freddo couldn’t have killed the assassins that quickly.

[@monicameltzer3376]

How Could ANY girl NOT FALL In LOVE W/Mike C.? The Second they Showd MIKE 'BACK' Frm 'Sicily'! That's When 'i' Fell In LOVE W/Mike C.! . .N 2 Months Later . .i Just Turnd '11' a couple months Later! . .Xoxo .To MIKE C.!🥰🗽👍💒😁❤

[@matthewcastleton2263]

What if the assassins committed suicide?

[@mrrictus]

Michael Corleone possessed the mind of a serpent. He thought 3 dimensionally in regards to family, business and the execution of his enemies. He never let personal issues interfere with the running of his empire after becoming Don. He was always cool, calm and collected. Sonny and Fredo existed on opposite ends of the emotional reaction spectrum while Michael stood in the middle and above it looking down in control. Yes, I believe his military background helped in his eventual elevation as Don. The training and mental conditioning prepped him for what was to occur in his future.

[@dc6461]

Personal issues played very important role in his decision making. He killed Fredo bc of his family

[@micahrutland991]

When Solozzo says "Let me worry about Luca." He has his back turned to Tom with smile a smile on his face. This to me says that in the movie's timeline that Luca was already killed. Just watch the part. Any mobsters with the balls to whack Vito Corleone would be have done their homework on the Corleone family's muscle.

[@raffaelecorrente1123]

luca was still dead. The sequence is so clear: Luca meets Brazilian, kills Brazi. Than he kidnapped tom and, in the meantime, his men tried to kill vito. luca was semply cheating.

[@adderblack39]

What a great video, well done sir👍🏻

[@CineRanter]

Thank you

[@tedwojtasik8781]

I believe the reason Michael lost his family, was so single-minded in GF1&2 was due to the loss of Appollonia, his first wife. It was made obvious Mike really loved Appolonia and was devastated by her loss and the betrayal of his bodyguard. I don't think he really loved Kay, she was more a back up plan to shoot out some kids. Mike was dead inside. Only in GF3 do you see Mike's humanity, him reconciling, or trying to reconcile with his past and move beyond Appolonia's murder.

[@jasonleetaiwan]

Coda removed the flashback to Michael dancing with Kay in GF2 and Appolonia in GF1. The ending had less depth without those two scenes.

[@thomasthomas2418]

Agreed.

[@wadeduffy9101]

Appolonia's death was Michael's final loss of innocence. Watch his "proposal" to Kay. It's a business negotiation devoid of emotion.

[@michaelhill3305]

I agree. You can tell in the scene where he first meets appolonia. He was smitten, like a bolt of lightning. He absolutely loved her. Kaye was someone he thought he loved early on because she was nothing like the rest of his family. Remember, when he met kaye he didn't want a mafia life. Later, after he was the Don he wanted children. Kaye was just comfortable for him and it wouldn't look bad to marry her because of their history together

[@dc6461]

Apollonia was a manipulative goldigger who married an older man who she found ugly for money. He conned her into marrying him at the hight of the danger and practically killed. And then moved on as if she never existed. He turned himself into a savage animal to protect Kay so what happened in Sicily wouldn't happen to a woman he actually loved

[@Barfbagdontsag]

They never mentioned that Michael had the makings of a varsity athlete. He had big hands.

[@lusmas99]

LMAO, please don't turn this thread into an Uncle Junior thread. LOL

[@genghiskhan9269]

Al Pacino is a dwarfism 5ft. 7

[@jahmd8377]

In regards to Michael and Solozzo, Michael may have been trying to give Solozzo a way out because Michael knew that if he proceeded with the current course of action, he would not see Kay for a long time, possibly ever again. And at this time, they were madly in love.

[@lusmas99]

This is a good theory, but I'm stuck on Michael's earlier comment "They gonna kill Pop. It's the key".

[@mahmoudibnemir8704]

I really like the Rocco theory because you are correct that an attempted assassination is not only made on Rocco's watch but the assassins just happen to have their throats cut on it as well. And I always thought that Fredo would never have been able to do that given how in the first film he bobbles his gun when he goes to shoot at the gangsters that are shooting his father - he just wasn't that good at fighting.

[@jasonleetaiwan]

I wish GF2 explained that Rocco was in on it instead of just seeing him go assassinate Roth at the end.

[@mahmoudibnemir8704]

@@jasonleetaiwan Excellent point!

[@NelsonStJames]

The Rocco theory makes a lot of sense, because I could never figure out why Micheal would throw away Rocco's life like that.

[@jasenweitekamp2036]

As far as the theory that Kay lied about having the abortion, the actual concept of her having an abortion was kind of last minute idea thrown in while filming. The idea of Kay having an abortion was suggested to Coppola by Talia Shire. FFC didn't like the idea initially because he thought it was "too weird", but then decided to go with it as explained during the DVD commentary of The Godfather Part II.

[@VinnyBracco]

Tom would’ve helped. She couldn’t leave compound

[@carlrood4457]

The Rocco theory is an old one because Fredo, as portrayed in the movies, simply couldn't have taken out the two assassins. He also couldn't possibly tried the "I didn't know it was a hit" story if he'd been the one to open the curtains. There's no way Michael would believe it since he knew exactly what was going on the moment he realized they'd ben opened. It also explains Rocco's suicide mission, which is otherwise bizarre. It explains Michael's speech to Tom about Rocco's and Neri's loyalties. He flat out stated they could be bought.

[@pedropistorius701]

Also, he was kinda distracted after the attempt, like he's scared because Michael survived

[@AntonioPerez-wf2lf]

Gotta remember, Rocco was brought up in the old regime under clemenza. He probably had the same mindset as Pentangeli and would've hated to see his mentors legacy

[@cosmicskates7721]

Cineranter ur so awesome TY 4 all these impeccable vids!

[@margaretkerr4591]

I think Kay went to her parents, then had a doctor come to the house as a guest, when her parents were out. The guards would be outside, and unconsciously relaxed, it may go right past them. Don't forget - Kaye got the best free lessons on coldness and calculation from Michael himself. And never underestimate a scorned woman 💗

[@dc6461]

Kay wasn't a scorned woman. She was protected woman, everything Michael did was for her safety. She left bc she didn't wanna be married to mafia and bc she wanted to get her child out. When he lost her he got diabetes,aged over night, stopped smoking drinking killing, never took the ring of his finger or touched another woman for the rest of his life

[@johndavesco]

@@dc6461 she knew exactly what she was marrying into. she is the worst character in the entire film series imo

[@dc6461]

@@johndavesco she is the best character of the story. So beloved and respect that Puzo put her on a pedestal. A woman Michael called his Don In a book. " You are my Don" And Kay didn't know what she was marrying. Michael told her he was working for his father " who was no different than president or Senator " but he is not going to be like his father. " My father's way of doing stuff is old and finished. Give me 5 years and Corleone family will be legitimate "

[@dc6461]

@@johndavesco And what exactly did she know.....that he was gonna become goddaddy., that he was commit Mass murders, kill his brother in low, extort the casino, got her nearly killed in her own house bc of his slow brother, that she was gonna be locked up in that same house, that Michael was gonna be investigated by The government, .....what exactly did she know ?.....None of those things...... Interestingly he did all of those things bc he had to.. he killed all the families and even Carlo himself not out of vengeance but safety for her and his family. He turned himself into a savage animal to protect Kay so what happened in Sicily wouldn't happen to a woman he actually loved. After his father gave him advice " Women and children can be careless men can not "... But she didn't understand that until he explained it to her in gf3 " Kay , I did what I could to protect you from horrors of this word " " You were in danger, what could I do. Later out children were in danger, what could I do "... The only person that kinda knew what she was getting herself into was Apollonia. She knew Michael was a criminal hiding from the police, coming from the mafia family and still, she married him for money and only for money..... yeah she thought she got herself a daddy but daddy got her....literally. Which is why Puzo blew her up in an act of unbelievable irony..... a goldigger who married a mafia for money blew up in a car. Now Michael, on the other hand never told her about Mafia war. He chased her at the hight of the danger, conned her into marrying him in the middle of the mafia war and killed her with the wedding..... that is bc he didn't give a fuck

[@johndavesco]

best character in the story huh? we're done here

[@Dancin_Dave_Riverstone]

I too like the miscarriage theory. Regarding Tom Giving up Luca; 1. If Vito had been shot first, the meeting with Bruno and the Turk would not have happened. 2. Luca had to be taken out before going after Vito. 3. It was Barzini that tipped off the Tattaglias, after seeing Luca at the wedding. Re: Al Neri killing the girl; 1. He was kicked off the police force and charged for murdering a man that abused women. 2. If he was able to kill the girl, he would not have returned to the scene. Mob hit and all. 3. Drugging someone that's into bondage is a minefield of possibilities. It was never going to end well, and the senator may well have done it Re: the look Tom gives Al; 1. Tom did not like Al Neri. He felt threatened by him from the moment he settled in. 2. GF1 ends with Al closing the door, privy to a meeting, in the absence of Tom. In GF2 we see him sitting in on a meeting with Frank Pentangelli. Once again, in the absence of Tom. He wasn't just an enforcer. He was full time guard, confidant, and when not in Michael's company, his eyes and ears. He is also Sicilian, and his police background complimented Michael's military background. Perfect consigliere. Tom was not happy. 3. To Tom, especially while stand in boss, he's nothing more than enforcer, and he treats him with utter contempt for trying to be privy or spy at the brothel. 4. Al turns the tables when Michael gives Tom the ultimatum of stay or go, after the trial. By now Al has pretty much become consigliere. As it is him that updates Tom on the movements of Hyman, in a subtly smug manner, while reclined right back and eating a peach or something. Thus emphasizing the status he now holds in Michael's presence, and making it clear he doesn't have to look down on someone to be a bad ass. Confirming the tension between the two all along. Then again, it's just a theory.

[@jasonleetaiwan]

In GF1, Tom complains about Rocco setting up a secret regime. This was his concern and not Neri being a bodyguard of Michael. I never felt any tension between Hagen and Neri.

[@sandranorman6451]

Number 3-was Rohipnol out at that time. Maybe he slipped him a “Mickey Finn”

[@sandranorman6451]

Was rohipnol out by that time? Of course maybe he slipped him a “Mickey Finn” ?

[@jimlittle5769]

IMO, as you suggest, Rocco was sent on that suicide mission cause Michael knew Rocco was the traitor that helped with the assassination attempt on Michael.

[@maryc530]

The Tom Kidnapping & Veto shooting…Michael finding out in newspapers before Sonny knows all seems out of order…

[@ArcherSuh4721]

Here's a theory that I have about Part II, though I doubt I'm the first person to think of this... Michael genuinely did not know if Frank Pentangeli was involved in the hit at the Lake Tahoe complex until he came to see him. Michael was well aware of how Pentangeli goes into his "drunk confused old man" routine any time he's backed into a corner (as he did when confronted about welshing on the Rosato Brothers and later as he does at the hearing when he reneges on his testimony). This is why Michael had to see him in person. This is also it's one of the few times Michael loses his cool, which he allows himself to do to see how Pentangeli will react. And when Pentangeli sat silently and didn't go into performance mode, Pentangeli confirms his innocence. (And when Roth sees that Michael didn't immediately have Pentangeli killed, he knows he has a slim window of opportunity to frame Michael for the purposefully-botched hit... damn, Roth really did play that one beautifully!)

[@knicknack4511]

It’s hard to believe Solozo would go after Vito before killing Luca. Regarding Micheal giving Solozo an out- Micheal said it himself “I don’t care what he says about a peace, the key for him is killing pop (Vito)” So Micheal wasn’t given him an out- it was more him throwing Solozo off by having a realistic conversation with him.

[@johndavesco]

agree. It was part of making them feel comfortable. like "I'm here to get a guarantee on my father's safety and am def not here for another reason"

[@user-iy6rm6pm4j]

I agree that Kay couldn't possibly get an abortion without Tom knowing it. Even if she slipped the bodyguards, Tom would have talked to her doctor about the miscarriage. Also, Kaye's line "I wouldn't bring another one of your sons into this world!" doesn't ring true. It implies that she thinks Tony and Mary are abominations. Of course she doesn't think that, nor would she be racist against her own children ("this Sicilian thing!"). She was just spitting as much venom at Michael as she could. But here is my theory - it was so vicious psychologically, was Kay capable of imagining such a ghoulish idea on her own? Or did Hyman Roth somehow get to Kay and coached her on the nastiest psychological attack on Michael? Michael would choke on his rage because he couldn't kill the mother of his children. He waited until his mother had passed away to kill Fredo, but he could never kill Tony and Mary's mother. So despite all his power, for once Michael was powerless. Roth very likely had spies inside the Corleone Family. He could have paid Rocco a million bucks to convey his diabolical message to Kay. The psychological warfare is so twisted and vicious, it has Hyman Roth written all over it.

[@cdub828]

I think Vito and Michael coordinated that 5 family hit together. That's why they made the decision to restructure the family and move to Vegas. I think they put everything on the table. In the uncut Godfather chronology, Michael said what about revenge for Santino? Vito said but what about my promise to the other Don's? Michael said that's your promise, not mine. Then they strategised. Plus I think Vito actually figured out what Carlo did too

[@dc6461]

Vito and Michael did coordinate everything. It's 4 families not 5.

[@dc6461]

And when Michael said " What about Sonny, what about Sicily ".... he ment Barzini declaring was on them, killing Sonny and nearly killing him.

[@Madstsone]

The idea that Michael's military experience led to the downfall of the Corleone family certainly ties in thematically with the flashback scene at the end of The Godfather, Part II

[@MrSmokincodz]

I really dont think Mike looked like he was going to crumble when killing Sollozzo or the Police Captain. The whole scene with the train and sound fading out is pretty much showing his rage building up before he merks them both.

[@lane6216]

I love the theory that Kay really did have a miscarriage, but lied about it. It never sat right with me that she would have gotten an abortion. No matter how much she didn’t want her children involved in Michael’s business, she’s too maternal to have gone that route. Not to mention, there are other ways to keep them out of it, as evidenced by her two children that aren’t really involved as adults.

[@kemperboyd1209]

Ugh I hate this theory

[@seanmetro3496]

APPOLLONIA would have been the absolute perfect mob wife. Playing her position and having a bushel of babies for DON MICHAEL, unlike baby killing KAY.

[@lane6216]

Sean Metro, I go back and forth on this. On the surface, Appollonia (sp) was more like Michael’s mother. That traditional Italian woman. But I think she was spunkier than he knew. She just died before he saw her fully. Kay always had that modern American woman thing going against her. She was never going to be submissive enough for Michael. I think the healthy part of him chose her. But as the unhealthy part eventually won out, there was no way their relationship was going to make it.

[@MaryLou913]

Well there are a lot of women that are very nurturing and maternal whom aren’t ready or don’t want another kid. Many people have abortions not because they don’t love the idea of a child but because they are concerned about the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well being of the child when it gets here. When Kay spoke to him about the ‘abortion’ she spoke with a lot of hatred and resentment. So who knows if she did or not? It was clear she had been holding back a lot of her anger though.

[@lane6216]

@@MaryLou913, good points. :)

[@micahrutland991]

Part of me wants to see a prequel movie or a TV series about the olive oil war featuring a younger Vito Corleone building his empire. But part of me doesn't trust Hollywood not to screw it up and ruin classic Godfather lore.

[@theoverthinkingalien224]

With how woke Hollywood is now i wouldn't be surprised if a younger Vito was played by Lizzo. Oh, and Michael's reserved behaviour is because he's a closet non-binary furry.

[@walterulasinksi7031]

Regarding Kay’ abortion. Anyone who knows the 50’s, in Nevada, prostitution was legal and many prostitutes would become pregnant and while doctors were forbidden to perform abortions, it did not forbid their dispensing of medications that would cause miscarriages. ( spontaneous abortion) Also at that time, even for Kay, no man would have been in a gynecologist’s inner office, so for any medications received, they would have no knowledge and she could take it at home. Doing it this way, she could even deceive Tom Hagen and still tell Michael the truth. Geary was set up as he was attempting to enforce receiving continuous bribes from Michael as well as demanding a major bribe for the gaming license.

[@user-iy6rm6pm4j]

But Tom would question Kay's doctor after she lost the baby. Is it possible the doctor didn't know his patient was Michael Corleone's wife, with the bodyguards right there? However, it is possible that Hyman Roth had spies inside the Corleone Family to communicate with Kay and Roth's spy could deliver the abortion drug.

[@walterulasinksi7031]

@@user-iy6rm6pm4j Tom would not have been with her as Michael had put him in charge of everything while he secretly went to see Roth. The body guards would not be told nor tom as even then doctors respected patient confidentiality. Even then intelligent women like Kay would already have known about ways to bring about a miscarriage and possibly ask for a tranquilizer( not suspicious) especially since the attempted assassination attempt) and mix it with an over the counter cough syrup, many of which contained Codine, and an alcoholic drink from at home. While individually, not harmful, the combination while not harming her could be fatal to an embryo especially if it was early in the pregnancy. It was not until the mid 60’s that cough medicines containing Codine was put under prescription only after it was found how addictive Codine was. Most doctors and pharmacists were not aware of drug interactions as they are now. Since at that time, most prescriptions were still compounded in the drugstore and the ready made drugs were just coming on the market mostly through doctors giving out the new heavy duty tranquilizers, not a pharmacy. This I know as my first job was as a delivery boy for a drug store in 1959, and all three druggists in the New York neighborhood prepared all the Rx’s personally,even though it was a well iff neighborhood. While the families knew if drugs like cocaine, opium, Heroin, and marijuana, even they were nit aware if the new drugs coming from the fledgling pharmaceutical companies except for some. Antibiotics like penicillin,and streptomycin. Things such as Gamma Globulin were shots given by a doctor. Even things like Diethyl- stilbesterolwhich was given to women at that time could cause a miscarriage even though it was said to be a drug to prevent miscarriage. This drug that was first given in 1940,in the US, was first given to women that had difficulty in maintaining a pregnancy. It was nit until the 60’s that the Effects if giving it to women in their first trimester was harmful to the fetus, and then only after many miscarriages, stillborns, and deformed children were born. -

[@bentencho]

Should have used the "Poppers and Weird Sex" line for the Pat Geary portion.

[@carlrood4457]

I'd say the comment in Good Burger was a nod to the fact that Abe Vigoda often played older than he was due to how he looked. For example, he was only 56 when is character, Fish on Barney Miller, retired. His "elderly" status had been a running gag throughout his time on the show and on the spinoff.

[@WarTheory]

As far as the Tom theory and Luca goes nope not happening...The Don already Sent Luca To try to get information on the Turk...So The Turk Knew Luca wasn’t being honest...Great video like always

[@patrickfennell6372]

Vito should have known having Luca go under cover would never work. The Turk was a very smart man. Luca was too loyal, as said in the book.

[@brendanmuller7301]

I like your theory about the miscarriage. Makes WAY more sense.

[@donalny]

WRT to abortion: they were legal depending on the state. What Roe v Wade did was prevent any state from preventing a woman from seeking an abortion. They were more common than you might think. She could have easily just gone to her or any OBGYN and had it done. Kay aborting the baby probably would have never entered Tom's mind, so he wouldn't think twice about any doctor's visit.

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

I always thought Michael wasn't sure about Carlo until he said, "It was Barzinni." He set him up for the confession and made it appear as though he already knew. But the look on his face after the confession looked like tge truth smacked him in the face. Carlo could have denied it and Michael might have believed him.

[@valmarsiglia]

Good point about Kay finding the time to sneak away, but I suppose she could've said she had a regular gynecologist appointment. However, Rocco killing Roth is just an unfortunate plot weakness. You're right that it was a suicide mission, but it would've been a suicide mission for Michael and the whole family as well. Imagine an IRL mob boss sending his number three guy to kill a rival in front of a bunch of reporters. Like Gotti sending Sammy the Bull to kill Giuliani during a press conference. That would never happen, because obviously then the feds would've had everything they needed to put the boss away for life and to dismantle the whole organization. I rationalize it in my own mind by saying that the assassin just happened to look a lot like Rocco, lol.

[@jasonleetaiwan]

Yeah, the senate committee would call Michael in for another hearing. If Rocco some how survives after shooting Roth, he would give up Michael for giving the order. It seems Michael assumed Rocco would be shot and then deny later that he gave the order.

[@dc6461]

Rocco was the betrayer

[@tapoemt3995]

Why was Al Neri wiping his hands off as he passed by when Tom scooted him away out of sight? Nah, that was Neri that took her out. Under the alternate theory, that means the Corleone Family sat back and waited and hoped the Senator they needed would do something very stupid like brutally murdering a woman, having no recollection of doing it and swooping in so they can save him. Oh and doing it at an establishment they own. Those are long odds...

[@tsiqueido]

The Brasi part is interesting... One of the themes in the novel that would come up on more than one occasion is the unknown wealth and power of the Corleone family. This is even mentioned more than once in "The Family Corleone" prequel. Even Michael had no idea of the family's power & influence when he first started learning the family business after his return from Sicily. Having Luca killed would've given the appearance of a weakening in the family. In the GF novel, it was Vito ( in a mafia-technical sense) that brought in Al Neri to the family,...as he was still The Don at the time. And the book also states that the attacks against the other families were planned when Sonny was still alive. 🤷‍♂️👍

[@jck5989]

I would like to add that there is a second line by Otis in good burger, when they are all rejoicing at the sauce that Ed had made himself, Otis shouts out - "It makes me glad I am not Dead!"

[@darkos1510]

Kay's abortion is probably nod to legalization of abortion in 1973. a year before the film was released.

[@bryanklein6428]

The godfather and the godfather are not just 2of the best gangster movies made they are. 2 of the best movies made period

[@FormerGovernmentHuman]

I was in 2nd Rgr batt with 3 deployments 1 to Iraq 2 to Afg, I have seen more than I wish and I have done things I would rather not have. I have taken lives. It doesn’t really bother me and other than one particular incident I rarely think about it. During that time I was more of a lizard man, cold blooded doing what I had to do to live. In many ways I had grown used to war and in some ways enjoyed it. I wasn’t fearless, but I wasn’t really scared either after a certain point. If it happens it happens. However, killing someone at home, in cold blood, illegally in front of witnesses like Michael did would definitely have me a little shook and concerned. It wouldn’t necessarily be the actual killing that would be anxiety inducing. It would be the consequences and what that turning point would mean for my future. Unfortunately, just like warfare, Myself and others like me would start getting accustomed to the gangster life of murder and money as well and that anxiety wouldn’t last long. So I find Al Pacino’s performance in that scene believable and accurate and I don’t see it as weakness or him cracking. It is a large piece of his humanity gone in that act though, many of us like to tell ourselves we were only killers because we had to be, it was our duty. But after that, a killer isn’t your duty, at that point it is who you are in every aspect, not just your past.

[@SwamiraiJack]

Michael's needing to use the bathroom is him saying "I have some turds that I need to flush."

[@robbone4]

2:50 I didn't realize that was a look telling Al to get lost. Always wondered what it meant. Thanks

[@marbro8872]

fredo had michael's son open drapes when he drops off drawing-- who else can go into wife's room while she's half sleep

[@Three_Sevens]

Kay could have easily faked a regular Dr appointment as an abortion with a phonecall

[@Holdit66]

Regarding the last theory, I don't think Michael looked like he was about to choke, more he was waiting for the right moment, and he pulls the pistol as Sollozzo turns his head to address the waiter. It's also possible, however, that he was finding out that Sonny was at least partly right and that a mob hit and a battlefield aren't the same thing. The Pacific isn't Broolyn, and not many of of Michael's battles would have taken place with him and his enemies sitting at a restaurant table in civilian clothes. There's also a racial element (although I very much doubt that this occurred to Puzo); American soldiers in the PTO found it easier to hate their Japanese enemies than their comrades in Europe did with the Germans. We can be sure that nobody Michael killed in the Pacific war was a westerner, let alone Italian, so the Brooklyn hit is the first time he's been confronted with having to kill "his own kind". General point about the novel: The pieces of dialog where Michael discusses his wartime experience seem particularly weak.

[@jameslane2402]

Godfather 3 is underrated.

[@Brandon-a-writer]

I intend to try to get in touch again sometime after i've finished up all the series again to watch them with your video oeuvre in mind. thanks for speaking with me, hopefully i can find time to rewatch sopranos, the wire, goodfellas, etc. no need to rewatch Godfather 1&2, as I could watch either any day. these are some great films. It is an absolute truth that the woman was killed by one of michael's button men, and it is probably Neri or Rocco. That we don't see who do it allows us to see that it truly is Michael who does all of this, all of these horrors. Great analysis, don't forget to stay in touch segnor!

[@_unforgiven]

Watch the detailed analysis of the Godfather on my channel!

[@joeybarksdale556]

Don Corleone sending Luca to his death is false. The book said that this was not the 1st meeting between Luca and the Tattaglia's.

[@molasorrosalom4846]

But the mission itself made no sense.

[@john.john.johnny]

Absolutely love your channel.. In fact I don't even know what it's called what you're doing lollll But i love it.. It's like a very productive massage for the brain.

[@CineRanter]

Thank you!

[@big_beak]

Re: Theory 5 (Rocco was the one who opened the bedroom drapes) - This makes more sense to me than what I had assumed, that Fredo opened the drapes. If Fredo was the only inside man in on the plot, Fredo would have had to be the one who killed the shooters, and that doesn't sound like something Fredo would have the guts to do himself. Fredo also doesn't appear to be lying later when he tells Michael he didn't know it was going to be a hit. This theory also explains why Rocco would be willing to go on the suicide mission of killing Roth (with his bad leg, there's no hope he could run away afterwards). I don't think Rocco would agree to a suicide mission unless he was under duress.

[@Kevinhamradio]

Imagine how powerful, “The Godfather Part 3” would have been if it had been if it was a war between Tom and Michael and the big reveal was Tom’s betrayal regarding Kay’s abortion.

[@lumer2b]

That would suck balls

[@bradwinston4670]

Couldn't happen nobody would follow Tom and plus he was a lawyer, not a killer and he could never become the real Don he wasn't Italian.

[@galesito1733]

Here's a hypothetical question for you: If Appolina hadn't been blown up in Sicily and had returned to the US with Michael, would that have changed him? I don't think Michael loved Kay anywhere near what he felt for Appolina. Would Michael have been more compassionate if Appolina had lived?

[@georgeorwell4534]

Apollonia would have been the perfect wife for Michael. There would never have been the strain in the marriage he had with Kay. Apollonia would have had a half-dozen children (at least) with Michael and taken care of the family while loving Michael unreservedly. With a happy family life Michael would have been a different man. I feel his marriage with Kay hardened him and made his life worse. But it wasn't Kay's fault completely; Michael simply shouldn't have married her. When you listen to Michael, he doesn't say he loves her until the end, almost throwing that in at the end, when in fact (in my own opinion) he simply wanted companionship.

[@bumpyjohnson_3rd973]

I don't think Apollonia would have changed Michael but at the same time Apollonia would have fit into the Sicilian scheme of things... Kate was a wasp and I really believe wasp culture is totally different from Sicilian culture... In terms of questioning your husband's actions.. but I really believe if Apollonia would have made it back to the United States as Michael Corleone's wife there would have been less drama

[@Barfbagdontsag]

All I know, she wouldn’t have asked him about his business.

[@MisterGolda]

Truly great question sir!

[@lusmas99]

Agree. With Apollonia, Michael was hit with "Thunderbolt". With Kay, no "Thunderbolt".

[@kathrynaston6841]

Back when the film came out, the abortion claim by Kay was thought to be a historical claim by Kay to hurt Michael. The scene would have been equally compelling if she had said she was relieved or even happy that the miscarriage happened, but needed a reason for Michael to let her leave. . Kay’s character would NEVER had an abortion far enough along in the pregnancy, and when she talks about it to Michael before he leavies for Cuba, she is already attached.

[@Void7.4.14]

I actually do think it's true that Michael's military training made him immediately effective when he entered the life and lead him to excel in certain situations while it was also his downfall. He was trained to be a hammer so everything looked like nails. It also taught him to cut off his feelings which makes self-examination next to impossible which allowed his worst predispositions to grow unimpeded. His ego was a constant problem, he couldn't negotiate, he wasn't good at compromise, he had some ability to look several moves down the road but it was within a limited scope (arguably what cost him his daughter in III), he seemed to really struggle to stop and smell the roses til it was too late, he treated every deal with hostility and aggression, he was either too blind to see that what he was doing wasn't working to actually protect his family and actually had to opposite effect much of the time or too blind to see that it wasn't a very good lie to cover up his power trip, etc. Either way, in many ways he was the man the military made him so even if ya somehow think it wasn't as all encompassing, it's ridiculous to think it didn't have a significant role in the story we see.

[@dc6461]

Michael was good at negotiating. He wasn't stubborn at all and as Don he was fer Except when it came to his family/ his wife .... he destroyed anything that threatened his family

[@judycater2832]

With regards to the abortion, Kay would have had regular prenatal appointments and the bodyguards would not go in with her. Las Vegas was the Wild West in many ways in the 1950’s and her doctor might have been able to “make an accommodation” for her. I’m also intrigued by the idea that it was a real miscarriage and she told Michael the other story to get away from him once and for all.

[@jasonrobinson9524]

At the airport, Rocco was fully visible to Roth while posing as a journalist. If Rocco had been a double agent working for Roth, surely he would have been recognized.

[@PedanticGaming]

Theory: Moe Green was on the Corleone's side the entire time, but was tragically possessed by the ghost of Don Fanucci to betray the Corleones. This is shown when his voice changes on the "I talked to Barzini" line, that was the daemon briefly coming out.

[@timfurnier7061]

A couple points: I think Kay DID have a miscarriage and then messed with Michael's head by telling him it was an abortion. How, as you proposed, would she get away from Tom's men so she could have an abortion? Also, your thinking that Tom was too enmeshed within his "Sicilian upbringing" to have helped her is logically sound. Furthermore, by the third film, Michael clearly pines for her, so it's apparent that he forgave her. How could he if she did this dastardly thing? I think it's possible that had Kay known of an attempted hit on Michael that she would have co-operated enough to open the blinds; remember she said in the third film how much she "dreaded" him. She would've asked about them being open in order to throw off suspicion had he survived. However, this is unlikely because I can't see how she would've been able to have contacts with Michael's enemies in order to scheme with them to do it. Don Vito probably took the risk of sending Luca because he trusted in HIS loyalty more than that of Clamenza, perhaps. He felt that Luca wouldn't hold back any information from the Don in order later to use it against him as he feared Clamenza might.

[@tedhursh7672]

It's interesting that you mentioned the "Rocco Theory" for the opened drapes.......at 71 y.o. and seeing the GF and GF2 at their initial openings, I've had decades to ponder the GF 2 Bedroom scene, and only in the last 10 yrs, eliminated all other characters for the slaying of the hired assassins, and only Rocco stood out for the very reason you pointed out, that Michael secretly knew or suspected that Rocco was guilty of assisting in the assassination attempt at Tahoe. Thanks, for the personal confirmation that I'm not too far off......

[@dc6461]

Rocco did it

[@Anthonycheesman33]

Never thought I’d get a good burger reference on this channel lol.

[@findlesplurb]

I think the Good Burger theory seems most viable. 😆 Kidding aside, I enjoyed the vid. (The Good Burger theory got me to subscribe!)

[@cleophuspuckett1996]

Rocco was not a traitor, it was fredo that opened the blinds

[@jamespfp]

19:00 -- RE: "Why would Don Vito get rid of his Best Weapon?"; A: What if Luca isn't his best weapon Now? Using Luca in this manner isn't really risky because Luca has a death wish (anyhow) and can be trusted to carry out the attempt even if he knows its is hopeless. It is the same as sacrificing a high value piece in a game of Chess. The piece must be of a high enough value and present a threat that necessarily must be addressed immediately, which changes the tempo of the game in the favor of the person making the sacrifice. Vito knew his opponents and also, they knew him. Luca had always been expendable.

[@big_beak]

Re: Theory 6 (Tom arranged with Solozzo to have Luca murdered by Tattaglia) - Not only is it (IMO) a more obvious explanation that Solozzo had Luca killed, because he had motive and Tom didn't, but this more obvious explanation doesn't require any jumping around in time in the movie. When Luca goes to the prearranged night meeting at Solozzo's bar, we see the smile evaporate from the face of Solozzo's bodyguard/bartender and become a sneer when Luca looks away, and resume as Luca looks at him again. This makes me think Solozzo's bodyguard despises Luca for being unfaithful to his Godfather - breaking the unspoken moral code of a crime family bodyguard. That makes it a little more plausible to me that they had not conspired with Tom on the murder - but rather Solozzo's bodyguard only learns the reason for Luca's wanting to meet a few seconds before the killing.

[@alffralf5319]

Mate, your videos are unreal.

[@CineRanter]

Cheers

[@alffralf5319]

@@CineRanter could you do a video on Mean Streets? It really shows that scorcese was the master even before taxi driver. Edit: and thanks for the response.

[@chistability5405]

I agree with the Rocco opened the drapes theory👍🏽

[@upinsmoke2897]

The book mentioned that Tessio had a knack for making a "Good Burger" and that his West Coast ties had introduced him to a "Sicilian rise of Nickelodeon."

[@edwardprice8019]

“Not everything needs to be explained in films.” Amen. I wish this was understood by those who make them! Expansions of cinematic universes so very often shrink them, removing counterfactuals, wonderment and the space for imagination. Just think of how mysterious any number of seminal characters were until all the prequels and re-makes and spin offs.

[@johnnyreb2456]

Marine my friend, the greatest Don of all time was a devildog. Now I truly love this idea, and being a captain, he would have been a company commander. Even if we assume he was promoted with his Distinguish Service Cross (Army award, which did happen on occasion, Medals being awarded cross branch, and there were USMC/Army combined actions on multiple campaigns across the Pacific), he would likely have been XO of a company at least, responsible for logistics, training, and execution of the COs orders. Given the occasional chaos, it is possible, though unlikely he would have risen to battalion command. We also know he was (likely at least) a grunt officer vice a remf type from his awards for valor and his wounds, then again, just because one was a staff officer in the pacific campaign, doesn't mean they didn't get plenty of trigger time. I'm curious if this has ever been expanded in any of the other books that others wrote of the Godfather's world.

[@101southsideboy]

you brought up mike' military ties in many hge miea does also the word "capo" also means "captain"

[@BigBoss-zi5ss]

Also can we acknowledge that Tom says in the meeting right b4 Sonny gets the " Sicilian message" that " Sollozzo is the key. If we get rid of him everything falls into line". Michael says the same to convince Sonny and the rest later that he has to kill Sollozzo. So Tom was at first a good war time consigliere but Michael was really protecting him by keeping him out of his moves at the end of 1 and they are very similar

[@blorac9869]

Enjoyed, TYVM!

[@dandavis8300]

Luca Brasi simply failed in his mission. Not fearing death and escaping tight spots was his stock in trade. He made the wrong move when Sollozzo asked him to kill Don Vito. He might have tried to negotiate a better price. He might have agreed. He might have drawn his gun and killed Sollozzo and maybe Tattaglia if he'd lived that long. Pondering it over a drink was the wrong move. It had been 20 years since the Olive Oil War and maybe he had lost a step. Also, it was probably a tripwire if Luca went missing, but the hit on Vito was simultaneous.

[@blakeharris58]

Sollozzo never mentioned killing Vito. He was vague about the business because he never intended to do anything but kill Luca.

[@dandavis8300]

@@blakeharris58 --True but he didn't need to mention killing Vito. If he took the money, he'd kill who Sollozzo told him. The Turk would have preferred to hire him, though Bruno Tattaglia was keen for the hit.

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

At the time in the film when Vito choses to send Luca on the mission to do opposition research for him he has to be sure of 2 things: that the man would be loyal and unlike the "business men" around him - Tessio as the shining example - the only person who is unquestionably loyal to Vito apart from his children is Luca. Vito is unwilling to sacrifice one of his own children to so dangerous a mission. He cannot trust his business partners because the risk of betrayal is too great so he sends the one person who meets both criteria A: is not one of Vito's children and B: is known for his absolute loyalty to Vito personally - perhaps based on his intellectual and emotional limitations most likely caused by brain damage / substance abuse / history of terrible psychological trauma.....it is because of these limitations that Luca does not think like a "business man"..... finally the only person who CAN control Luca is Vito.....my theory: Vito choses Luca because he cannot trust his associates leaving only his children and Luca that Vito would expect to be loyal to the family....like the last one standing after the music stops only Luca's loyalty can be trusted and only Luca can for Vito be sacrificed given the alternatives......G

[@FLHamExtra]

If you watch closely the scene with Sen. Geary in the brothel, you will see Al Neary cleaning up, obviously the blood out of his nails and hands.

[@charliethegent]

Theory 8 is interesting if only for the fact that Al Neri’s implied actions in the film, cutting up and murdering an innocent girl stands in direct contrast to his character in the novel, where he beats a pimp to death for cutting up and murdering innocent girls, and even loses his job as a cop and is sent to jail for it.

[@Ar1AnX1x]

Michael wasn't going to give Sollozzo a pass in any shape or form before they even set the whole thing up Michael even says "as long as Sollozzo is alive my father will never be safe"

[@johndavesco]

yup. "No matter what Sollozzo says about a deal, he's gonna kill pop. That's the key for him"

[@OrchestrationOnline]

Of the theory of Geary, I'm leery - it was Neri.

[@marius1004]

Spot on mate.

[@lastpme]

I don’t think Rocko opened the drapes because the movie never provided a hint why he would betray the family. Paulie complained about money at Connie’s wedding, Carlo was mad the family did not include him in the business and was embarrassed Sonny beat him up, Fredo was upset for being passed over, Tess was upset that Barzini was moving into his territory and Michael told him to stand down, and Roth was upset that Michael killed his friend Moe Greene. The film gave a reason for each person to betray either Vito or Michael and there was never a reason provided why Rocko would want Michael dead. The film does point out that Connie hates Michael for killing Carlo. As a woman I think she could enter Kay’s bedroom with Kay in the room. I think Roth used both Fredo and Connie. Fredo for information on the business and Connie for the hit. I don’t think either sibling knew the other was working with Roth. For Connie it will give her revenge for killing Carlo and Michael’s death would give access to the family money. I think she changed once she saw how Michael treated Fredo when he found out Fredo betrayed him and was afraid of having the same fate. When she knew Michael killed Fredo, I think she just played along that Fredo drowned. Michael’s weak spots were his mother, Kay, and Connie. He would not hurt his mother by killing Fredo while she was alive, Kay even told Michael he was blind with her regarding the abortion, and he tolerated Connie when she was sleeping around with men and embarrassing the family.