The Godfather (1972)
Al Lettieri: Sollozzo
Photos
Quotes
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Sollozzo : Bene, Don Corleone. I need a man who has powerful friends. I need a million dollars in cash. I need, Don Corleone, all of those politicians that you carry around in your pocket, like so many nickels and dimes.
Don Corleone : What is the interest for my family?
Sollozzo : Thirty percent. In the first year your end should be three, four million dollars. And then it would go up.
Don Corleone : And what is the interest for the Tattalgia family?
Sollozzo : [smiles at Tom] My compliments.
[Hagen gives a formal nod]
Sollozzo : I'll take care of the Tattaglias, out of my share.
Don Corleone : So, I am to receive thirty percent for finance, for legal protection and political influence. Is that what you're telling me?
Sollozzo : That's right.
Don Corleone : Why come to me? What have I done to deserve such generosity?
Sollozzo : If you consider a million dollars in cash merely finance...
[raises his glass]
Sollozzo : Te salut, Don Corleone.
[the Don gets up to take a drink and sits closer to Sollozzo]
Don Corleone : I said that I would see you because I had heard that you were a serious man, to be treated with respect. But I must say no to you and let me give you my reasons. It's true I have a lot of friends in politics, but they wouldn't be so friendly if they knew my business was drugs instead of gambling which they consider a harmless vice. But drugs, that's a dirty business.
Sollozzo : No, Don Corleone...
Don Corleone : It makes no difference, it don't make any difference to me what a man does for a living, you understand. But your business is a little dangerous.
Sollozzo : If you're worried about security for your million, the Tattaglias will guarantee it.
Sonny : Whoa, now, you're telling me that the Tattaglias guarantee our investment without...?
Don Corleone : Wait a minute.
[the Don gives his son a cold stare, freezing Santino into silence. The others fidget with embarrassment at this outbreak, but Sollozzo looks slyly satisfied...]
Don Corleone : [dismissive] I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen. Anyway, Signor Sollozzo, my no to you is final. I want to congratulate you on your new business and I'm sure you'll do very well and good luck to you. Especially since your interests don't conflict with mine. Thank you.
[Sollozzo leaves]
Don Corleone : Santino, come here.
Don Corleone : What's the matter with you? I think your brain is going soft with all that comedy you are playing with that young girl. Never tell anyone outside the Family what you are thinking again. Go on.
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Sollozzo : I don't like violence, Tom. I'm a businessman; blood is a big expense.
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Virgil 'The Turk' Sollozzo : He's still alive. They hit him with five shots and he's still alive!
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[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]
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Sollozzo : [to Michael, in Sicilian] I am sorry. What happened to your father was business. I have much respect for your father. But your father, his thinking is old-fashioned. You must understand why I had to do that. Now let's work through where we go from here.
[Michael tries speaking in Sicilian, but can't express himself properly, so with a quick look at McCluskey they both switch to English]
Michael : What I want... what's most important to me is that I have a guarantee: no more attempts on my father's life.
Sollozzo : What guarantees could I give you, Mike? I'm the hunted one. I've missed my chance. You think too much of me, kid. I am not that clever. All I want is a truce.
Michael : I have to go to the bathroom. Is that all right?
Capt. McCluskey : You gotta go, you gotta go.
[Michael gets up, but a suspicious Sollozzo probes Michael's crotch, to Michael's offense]
Capt. McCluskey : I frisked him. He's clean.
Sollozzo : Don't take too long...
[Michael heads to the bathroom]
Capt. McCluskey : [to Sollozzo] I frisked a thousand young punks.
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Sollozzo : I'm glad you came, Mike. I hope we can straighten everything out. I mean, this is terrible... it's not the way I wanted things to go at all. It should've never happened.
Michael : We'll straighten everything out tonight. I don't want my father bothered anymore.
Sollozzo : He won't be, Mike. I swear on my children he won't be. But you gotta keep an open mind when we talk. I mean, I hope you're not a hothead like your brother Sonny. You can't talk business with him.
Capt. McCluskey : Ahh, he's a good kid. I'm sorry about the other night, Mike.
[Shakes Michael's hand]
Capt. McCluskey : I gotta frisk you, so turn around, on your knees facing me.
[Michael turns around, McCluskey frisks him]
Capt. McCluskey : I guess I'm getting too old for my job. Too grouchy... can't stand the aggravation. You know how it is.
[to Sollozzo]
Capt. McCluskey : He's clean.
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Capt. McCluskey : How's the Italian food in this restaurant?
Sollozzo : Good. Try the veal, it's the best in the city.
Capt. McCluskey : I'll have it.
