I always thought this was an interesting scene. I assume it was filmed with the intention of being used differently. Were there any other scenes filmed that would have taken place during this particular time in the story? If not why would this have been filmed unless FFC knew ahead of time it would serve as an ending (and a pretty cool one, in my opinion)?

Also, any opinions as to this ending's significance? I have my own but I'd like to hear some others.

I always saw this scene as a way to show a contrast to how Michael turned out at the end of GODFATHER II. It demonstrated that wasn't always a cold, calculating, business-like Don. He used to be an idealistic and moral young man. The whole movie was a study of contrasts of Michael Corleone and young Vito Corleone. Since we don't see Vito as an evil man in the film, bringing him in at the end (and at a friendly family celebration yet) reinforces how Michael changed. Instead of being a family man, he became a killer of a member of his own family (Fredo).

no, FFC filmed it specifically for the ending of Godfather II. a brilliant ending. it's also significant that Michael ends up at the table alone, and then it switches to hinm alone but older.

Excellent scene on a number of levels:

Fredo was the only one backing Michael up in his quest.

Sonny was yet again too quick to react to something.

Tom was stuck in the middle of them all.

Michael was adament that he wanted to be his own man and not follow into the family business.

etc.etc. Very clever scene cleverly reworked when Marlon Brando pulled out of filming at almost the last minute!

As Ant said: It was filmed specifically for the ending of GFII, it was never conceived for GF.
One other point: notice that when Tom says to Michael, "Your father and I have discussed your future many times..." Michael gives him the first of those chilling, deadly "Michael Corleone" stares that became so familiar to us in his later life. He says, "You discussed my future with my father..." Reminds me of the scene in GF where he says to Moe Green: "You straightened out my brother?"

Ya know, when I saw that flashback scene at the end of GFII, I got real confused as to what it was all about. Then with you guys revealing the relevence betwen the changes that occured between Michael and Vito, the contrasts, I understood now what it somewhat.

I saw that lonliness that Michael had to suffer when he didn't want to be in the family business, and then when he became he new Don.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Also, IMO, Brando was too greedy when FFC asked him to play a small role in the flasback, just to complete the life story of Vito Corleone in part II, cz I know it would've have felt just a little more complete with the whole series.

I assume that Clemenza was orignally written into the scene before his contract dispute that led to the introduction of Frankie Five Angels.

Contrast the mood at the somewhat cramped, emotional table with Michael alone in the plush Nevada property. All of the people closest to Don Vito are at the table. Yet Michael killed Tessio, Fredo, Carlo and (I assume as originally written) Clemenza. The family business killed Sonny and he has a poor relationship with Tom and he ruined Connie by killing Carlo.

What a great scene.

I don't know if Michael had anything to do with Clemenza's death, you might have sources that I don't have, though...

I thought in Godfather Part II, Clemenza they said he had a heart attack. Clemenza was prospering with his own family, when the Corleone family left New York.

It seems the OP and a few others here think that this scene was filmed around the time of GFI. It was always my opinion that it was filmed during GFII and thats why they couldn't show Vito - coz Brando didn't want to come back. Caan did which was great though. I also like the contrast in Michaels hairstyle. He was the only one who dramatically changed not just mentally, but physically as well!

the OP?

Well, Michael wasn't the only one to change mentally and physically. Connie became tamer and aged somewhat. Tom started hinting that he wanted out and he started losing his hair. And also the scene worked out beautifully in showing how Michael began to lose his family.

Sorry for the confusion -- I assumed that, absent the contract dispute with Richard Castellano, the storyline with Frankie Five Angles would have involved Clemenza instead and that he would have killed himself in the bathtub.

I presume that, if Castellano had remained in the movie, the final scene at the kitchen table would have also included Clemenza. It makes more sense with Clemenza, especially given the flashback scenes in GF II which make no mention of Frankie yet feature Clemenza (as well as Tessio -- who also appears in the final scene). It also would add to Michael losing "his family"

oh okay, i thought you meant michael was the one who had clemenza killed between I and II.