The Godfather Quotes
[ at midnight, Don Corleone walks into his office and finds Tom Hagen taking a drink ]
Don Corleone : Give me a drop. [ Hagen hands the Don his glass of anisette ]
Don Corleone : My wife is crying upstairs. I hear cars coming to the house. Consigliore of mine, I think it's time you told your Don what everyone seems to know.
Tom Hagen : I didn't tell Mama anything. I was just about to come up and wake you so that I could tell you.
Don Corleone : But you needed a drink first. [ Hagen nods ]
Don Corleone : And now you've had your drink.
Tom Hagen : They shot Sonny on the causeway. He's dead. [ the Don accepts this news without any sign of emotion, except to close his eyes and remain silent for a few minutes ]
Don Corleone : [ speaking at last ] I want no inquiries made. I want no acts of vengeance. I want you to arrange a meeting with the heads of the Five Families. This war stops now.
Don Corleone : Give me a drop. [ Hagen hands the Don his glass of anisette ]
Don Corleone : My wife is crying upstairs. I hear cars coming to the house. Consigliore of mine, I think it's time you told your Don what everyone seems to know.
Tom Hagen : I didn't tell Mama anything. I was just about to come up and wake you so that I could tell you.
Don Corleone : But you needed a drink first. [ Hagen nods ]
Don Corleone : And now you've had your drink.
Tom Hagen : They shot Sonny on the causeway. He's dead. [ the Don accepts this news without any sign of emotion, except to close his eyes and remain silent for a few minutes ]
Don Corleone : [ speaking at last ] I want no inquiries made. I want no acts of vengeance. I want you to arrange a meeting with the heads of the Five Families. This war stops now.
Movie: The Godfather
Tom Hagen : I have to get back to work. It's part of the wedding. No Sicilian can ever refuse a request on his daughter's wedding day.
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : Call Bonasera. We need him now. [ Tom Hagen calls Amerigo Bonasera ]
Tom Hagen : [ on the phone ] This is Tom Hagen, calling for Vito Corleone at his request. Now, you owe your Don a service. He has no doubt that you will repay him. In one hour he will be at your funeral parlor to ask for your help. Be there to greet him. [ as ordered, a nervous Bonasera meets the Don at his parlor ]
Don Corleone : Well, my friend, are you ready to do me this service?
Bonasera : Yes. What do you want me to do? [ the two walk into the embalming room, where a corpse lies on a table... ]
Don Corleone : [ staring at the table ] I want you to use all your powers, and all your skills. I don't want his mother to see him this way. [ he draws back the sheet to reveal, to a horrified Bonasera, the bullet-smashed face of Sonny Corleone ]
Don Corleone : [ breaking down for a moment ] Look how they massacred my boy...
Tom Hagen : [ on the phone ] This is Tom Hagen, calling for Vito Corleone at his request. Now, you owe your Don a service. He has no doubt that you will repay him. In one hour he will be at your funeral parlor to ask for your help. Be there to greet him. [ as ordered, a nervous Bonasera meets the Don at his parlor ]
Don Corleone : Well, my friend, are you ready to do me this service?
Bonasera : Yes. What do you want me to do? [ the two walk into the embalming room, where a corpse lies on a table... ]
Don Corleone : [ staring at the table ] I want you to use all your powers, and all your skills. I don't want his mother to see him this way. [ he draws back the sheet to reveal, to a horrified Bonasera, the bullet-smashed face of Sonny Corleone ]
Don Corleone : [ breaking down for a moment ] Look how they massacred my boy...
Movie: The Godfather
[ as Tessio and Hagen walk to Michael's house, they are met by a bodyguard ]
Willi Cicci : The boss says he'll come in a separate car. He says for you two to go on ahead.
Tessio : Hell, he can't do that; that screws up all my arrangements.
Willi Cicci : Well, that's what he said.
Tom Hagen : I can't go with you either, Tessio. [ as bodyguards materialize around them, Tessio understands everything ]
Tessio : [ to Hagen ] Tell Mike it was only business, I always liked him.
Tom Hagen : He understands that.
Willi Cicci : [ removing Tessio's gun ] Excuse me, Sally.
Tessio : Can you get me off the hook, Tom? For old times' sake?
Tom Hagen : [ shakes his head ] Can't do it, Sally. [ Hagen watches sadly as Tessio is led to a waiting car ]
Willi Cicci : The boss says he'll come in a separate car. He says for you two to go on ahead.
Tessio : Hell, he can't do that; that screws up all my arrangements.
Willi Cicci : Well, that's what he said.
Tom Hagen : I can't go with you either, Tessio. [ as bodyguards materialize around them, Tessio understands everything ]
Tessio : [ to Hagen ] Tell Mike it was only business, I always liked him.
Tom Hagen : He understands that.
Willi Cicci : [ removing Tessio's gun ] Excuse me, Sally.
Tessio : Can you get me off the hook, Tom? For old times' sake?
Tom Hagen : [ shakes his head ] Can't do it, Sally. [ Hagen watches sadly as Tessio is led to a waiting car ]
Movie: The Godfather
Tom Hagen : The Senator called, he apologized for not coming but said that you would understand; also some of the judges. They've all sent gifts. [ raises his glass to the Don ]
Tom Hagen : Salut. [ Both men are suiddenly startled by a huge roaring cheer ]
Don Corleone : What is that, outside? [ Both look out the window and see famous singer Johnny Fontane has arrived ]
Don Corleone : He came all the way from California to the wedding. i told you he was gonna come!
Tom Hagen : It's been two years. He's probably in trouble again.
Don Corleone : He is a good godson.
Tom Hagen : Salut. [ Both men are suiddenly startled by a huge roaring cheer ]
Don Corleone : What is that, outside? [ Both look out the window and see famous singer Johnny Fontane has arrived ]
Don Corleone : He came all the way from California to the wedding. i told you he was gonna come!
Tom Hagen : It's been two years. He's probably in trouble again.
Don Corleone : He is a good godson.
Movie: The Godfather
Michael : [ to the Don, quietly ] Just lie here, Pop. I'll take care of you now. I'm with you now. I'm with you. [ he takes the Don's hand and kisses it, the Don begins to cry ]
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : We have known each other many years, but this is the first time you've come to me for counsel or for help. I can't remember the last time you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt.
Bonasera : I didn't want to get into trouble.
Don Corleone : I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.
Bonasera : I ask you for justice.
Don Corleone : That is not justice. Your daughter is alive.
Bonasera : Let them suffer then as she suffers. [ the Don is silent ]
Bonasera : How much shall I pay you? [ the Don turns away dismissively, but Bonasera stays on ]
Don Corleone : Bonasera, Bonasera, what have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? If you'd come to me in friendship, this scum who ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And if by some chance an honest man like yourself made enemies they would become my enemies. And then, they would fear you.
Bonasera : Be my friend... Godfather. [ the Don at first shrugs, but upon hearing the title he lifts his hand, and a humbled Bonasera kisses the ring on it ]
Don Corleone : Good. [ He places his hand around Bonasera in a paternal gesture ]
Don Corleone : Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a serv
Bonasera : I didn't want to get into trouble.
Don Corleone : I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.
Bonasera : I ask you for justice.
Don Corleone : That is not justice. Your daughter is alive.
Bonasera : Let them suffer then as she suffers. [ the Don is silent ]
Bonasera : How much shall I pay you? [ the Don turns away dismissively, but Bonasera stays on ]
Don Corleone : Bonasera, Bonasera, what have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? If you'd come to me in friendship, this scum who ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And if by some chance an honest man like yourself made enemies they would become my enemies. And then, they would fear you.
Bonasera : Be my friend... Godfather. [ the Don at first shrugs, but upon hearing the title he lifts his hand, and a humbled Bonasera kisses the ring on it ]
Don Corleone : Good. [ He places his hand around Bonasera in a paternal gesture ]
Don Corleone : Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a serv
Movie: The Godfather
Connie : What's the matter, Carlo?
Carlo Rizzi : [ punk sore at the world ] Shut up and set the table!
Carlo Rizzi : [ punk sore at the world ] Shut up and set the table!
Movie: The Godfather
Michael : Fabrizzio, where are you going? [ Apollonia hoots the car and starts to drive it; Fabrizzio gives a quick, furtive movement... ]
Michael : NO! NO APOLLONIA! [ the car explodes ]
Michael : NO! NO APOLLONIA! [ the car explodes ]
Movie: The Godfather
[ Michael gets ready to leave the house ]
Sonny : Where're you going?
Michael : To the City.
Sonny : [ to Clemenza ] Yeah? Well, send somebody with him.
Michael : No, I'm just gonna go see Pop.
Sonny : I don't care, send some bodyguards with him.
Clemenza : He'll be all right. Sollozzo knows he's a civilian.
Sonny : Yeah? Well take care, all right?
Michael : Yes, sir. [ Michael leaves ]
Sonny : Send someone with him anyway...
Sonny : Where're you going?
Michael : To the City.
Sonny : [ to Clemenza ] Yeah? Well, send somebody with him.
Michael : No, I'm just gonna go see Pop.
Sonny : I don't care, send some bodyguards with him.
Clemenza : He'll be all right. Sollozzo knows he's a civilian.
Sonny : Yeah? Well take care, all right?
Michael : Yes, sir. [ Michael leaves ]
Sonny : Send someone with him anyway...
Movie: The Godfather
Clemenza : The negotiator's at my house playing pinochle with some of my men, he's happy. They're letting him win.
Movie: The Godfather
[ Sunday dinner at the Corleone home... ]
Sonny : Niggers havin' a real good time up in Harlem...
Carlo Rizzi : I knew that was going to happen as soon as they tasted the big money.
Connie : Papa never talked about business in front of the kids.
Carlo Rizzi : Shut up, Connie.
Sonny : Hey, don't you EVER tell her to shut up, you got that?
Mama Corleone : Santino, don't interfere. [ Silence reigns around the table for a while ]
Carlo Rizzi : Sonny, Tom, I'd like to talk to you after dinner. I think I can do a lot more for this family...
Sonny : We don't discuss business at the table.
Sonny : Niggers havin' a real good time up in Harlem...
Carlo Rizzi : I knew that was going to happen as soon as they tasted the big money.
Connie : Papa never talked about business in front of the kids.
Carlo Rizzi : Shut up, Connie.
Sonny : Hey, don't you EVER tell her to shut up, you got that?
Mama Corleone : Santino, don't interfere. [ Silence reigns around the table for a while ]
Carlo Rizzi : Sonny, Tom, I'd like to talk to you after dinner. I think I can do a lot more for this family...
Sonny : We don't discuss business at the table.
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : My godson has come all the way from California. Give him a drink.
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : [ to Luca Brasi ] I'm a little worried about this Sollozzo fellow. I want you to find out what he's got under his fingernails. Go to the Tattaglias, and tell them you're not too happy with our Family, and find out what you can...
Movie: The Godfather
Michael : You gonna kill all those guys?
Sonny : Hey, Mikey, stay out of this, all right?
Sonny : Hey, Mikey, stay out of this, all right?
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : I like to drink wine more than I used to... [ pause ]
Don Corleone : Anyway, I'm drinking more.
Michael : It's good for you, Pop.
Don Corleone : Ah, I don't know...
Don Corleone : Anyway, I'm drinking more.
Michael : It's good for you, Pop.
Don Corleone : Ah, I don't know...
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : I hope you don't mind the way I keep going over this Barzini business.
Michael : No, not at all.
Don Corleone : It's an old habit. I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men.
Michael : No, not at all.
Don Corleone : It's an old habit. I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men.
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : How's your boy?
Michael : He's good.
Don Corleone : You know, he looks more like you every day.
Michael : He's smarter than I am. Three years old, and he can already read the funny papers.
Don Corleone : [ laughs ] Read the funny papers...
Michael : He's good.
Don Corleone : You know, he looks more like you every day.
Michael : He's smarter than I am. Three years old, and he can already read the funny papers.
Don Corleone : [ laughs ] Read the funny papers...
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : Oh, I want you to arrange to have a telephone man check all the calls going in and out of here because it could be anyone...
Michael : I did that already, Pop. I took care of that.
Don Corleone : Oh, that's right. I forgot.
Michael : What's the matter? What's bothering you? I'll handle it. I told you I can handle it, I'll handle it. [ the Don rises as if to leave, but changes his mind midway and seats himself closer to Michael ]
Don Corleone : I knew Santino was going to have to go through all this and Fredo... well, Fredo was... But I, I never wanted this for you. I work my whole life, I don't apologize, to take care of my family. And I refused to be a fool dancing on the strings held by all of those big shots. That's my life, I don't apologize for that. But I always thought that when it was your time, that you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.
Michael : Another pezzonovante.
Don Corleone : Well, there wasn't enough time, Michael. There just wasn't enough time.
Michael : We'll get there, Pop. We'll get there. [ the Don kisses his son on the forehead ]
Michael : I did that already, Pop. I took care of that.
Don Corleone : Oh, that's right. I forgot.
Michael : What's the matter? What's bothering you? I'll handle it. I told you I can handle it, I'll handle it. [ the Don rises as if to leave, but changes his mind midway and seats himself closer to Michael ]
Don Corleone : I knew Santino was going to have to go through all this and Fredo... well, Fredo was... But I, I never wanted this for you. I work my whole life, I don't apologize, to take care of my family. And I refused to be a fool dancing on the strings held by all of those big shots. That's my life, I don't apologize for that. But I always thought that when it was your time, that you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.
Michael : Another pezzonovante.
Don Corleone : Well, there wasn't enough time, Michael. There just wasn't enough time.
Michael : We'll get there, Pop. We'll get there. [ the Don kisses his son on the forehead ]
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : [ to Michael ] Listen, whoever comes to you with this Barzini meeting, he's the traitor. Don't forget that.
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : [ to Michael ] So, Barzini will move against you first. He'll set up a meeting with someone that you absolutely trust, guaranteeing your safety. And at that meeting, you'll be assassinated.
Movie: The Godfather
Sonny : Did he... did Clemenza tell you to drop the gun?
Michael : Yeah, a million times.
Michael : Yeah, a million times.
Movie: The Godfather
[ Tom Hagen goes Christmas shopping, and meets Sollozzo ]
Sollozzo : I want to talk to you.
Tom Hagen : [ stepping aside ] I haven't got time...
Sollozzo : Make time, Consigliore! [ Hagen finds himself trapped between Sollozzo and a hood ]
Sollozzo : What are you worried about? If I wanted to kill you you'd be dead already. Get in. [ a car drives up ]
Sollozzo : I want to talk to you.
Tom Hagen : [ stepping aside ] I haven't got time...
Sollozzo : Make time, Consigliore! [ Hagen finds himself trapped between Sollozzo and a hood ]
Sollozzo : What are you worried about? If I wanted to kill you you'd be dead already. Get in. [ a car drives up ]
Movie: The Godfather
[ Paulie enters the Corleones' study ]
Sonny : What is it?
Clemenza : Hey, Paulie, I thought I told you to stay put.
Paulie Gatto : The guy at the gate says there's a package.
Sonny : Yeah? Hey, Tessio, go see what it is.
Paulie Gatto : You want me to hang around?
Sonny : Yeah, hang around. You all right?
Paulie Gatto : [ coughing ] Yeah, yeah...
Sonny : You hungry? There's a little food in the ice box.
Paulie Gatto : Nah, nah.
Sonny : Well, how about a drink? Some brandy, it'll sweat it out of ya. Alright, babe... [ Paulie leaves ]
Sonny : [ to Clemenza ] I want you to take care of that sonofabitch right away. Paulie sold out the old man, that stronz. I don't want to see him no more. I want you to make that first thing on your list, understand?
Clemenza : Understood.
Sonny : What is it?
Clemenza : Hey, Paulie, I thought I told you to stay put.
Paulie Gatto : The guy at the gate says there's a package.
Sonny : Yeah? Hey, Tessio, go see what it is.
Paulie Gatto : You want me to hang around?
Sonny : Yeah, hang around. You all right?
Paulie Gatto : [ coughing ] Yeah, yeah...
Sonny : You hungry? There's a little food in the ice box.
Paulie Gatto : Nah, nah.
Sonny : Well, how about a drink? Some brandy, it'll sweat it out of ya. Alright, babe... [ Paulie leaves ]
Sonny : [ to Clemenza ] I want you to take care of that sonofabitch right away. Paulie sold out the old man, that stronz. I don't want to see him no more. I want you to make that first thing on your list, understand?
Clemenza : Understood.
Movie: The Godfather
Don Corleone : [ crying, staring at Sonny's body ] Look how they massacred my boy!
Movie: The Godfather