I'm sure most all of us have heard this-that Don Corleone's character in GF1 was based on Carlo Gambino. I've heard it several times and read it from several different sources as well.

However, I was watching some Mafia show on TV where some guy was acknowleding that myth, but stated that it was false, and that Don Corleone was actually based on several different real-life mobsters (I don't think he actually said any names), and I read the same thing somewhere online shortly after.

So, is this just a myth, or is there, in reality, truth to it?

Morello, this is a subject that has come up many times on these boards.
Vito Corleone was a composite of several NY Dons. He was the biggest importer of olive oil in the US--like Joe Profaci. He was the victor in a 1930's war with another Don, who he left dead with bread in his mouth--like Salvatore Maranzano. He was the unofficial top Don in NYC, with virtual immunity to arrest--like Gambino. He wanted his son to succeed him, and had two top caporegimes, one of whom betrayed the son--like Joe Bonanno.

But he is most like Frank Costello. Like Costello, he eschewed drugs, "had all the judges in New York in his pocket," was the biggest in gambling and labor, and was a political powerhouse. And, like Costello, he retired after an unsuccessful attempt on his life, and died peacefully of natural causes.

There's said that Mario Puzo was making him after Joe Bonanno.. i dont know the truth in it, but ive heard it several times..

You just heard the truth (above).

ok then :p

I think you are right Don Alberto. Yes, Vito was partly a composite of dons, but I think Puzo did base Vito's strong familial aspects on Joe Bonanno.

Turnbull has told you above who Vito Corleone is based on.

The only real similarities that I see with The Corleone's in general and Bonanno, is Connies wedding. The wedding scene is based on Bill Bonanno's marriage to Rosalie Profaci.


Don Cardi

True, Cardi. But keep in mind other similarities such as both of their origins in the 30s, the Castellamarese War, son succeeding father, the turncoats (DiGregorio and Tessio), the plot to kill the family heads and Bonanno's plot to kill Genovese and Gambino, and their out west activities.

I think Don Vito also had some relation to Paul Castellano connected with the beating's off both the character's daughter's by their husbands.