Altobello an olive oil businessman was in league with Luchese the pezzanovante. Presumably both of them supported Joey Zasa
who Vincent killed. While Altobello was supposedly an old Corleone friend, he must have been aggrieved by Michael's refusal to rise up in the commission, just as Luchese was oposed to Michael rising up in Immobiliare. Given all this, when Vincent "betrays" Michael, Altobello introduces him to Luchese as the "hero" who killed Zasa, and they say something to the effect that had they known about Vincent there would have been no need for Zasa, to which Luchese says, "No one wants another Joe." HUH? Am I missing something or is this just more lazy, sloppy writing and continuity?

Just what you said, dt.
I never understood Altobello or his motivations. Maybe he had something going with Zasa. But after Zasa's murder, what was in it for Altobello to hire the assassin? Seems as if Lucchese could have taken care of Michael by himself, given his power.

I never understood Altobello or his motivations. Maybe he had something going with Zasa. But after Zasa's murder, what was in it for Altobello to hire the assassin? Seems as if Lucchese could have taken care of Michael by himself, given his power. [/quote]

The only thing I can think of is that Luchese promised Altobello money or power if he could get rid of Michael. If Luchese wanted Michael dead, then Altobello was his buffa.

I've always felt that Altobello, and Eli Wallach's overacting (as a Mafioso, he wasn't nearly as convincing as Tesio, Clemenza or Frankie Five Angels), was a bigger weak link in GF3 than Sofia Coppola.

I'll second that.

I'll third it. Incredible how a distinguished actor like Wallach could have been so unconvincing.

Wasn't Wallach trained by Hyman Roth?

That scene where he goes chasing after Joey in Atlantic City makes me cringe, his acting is so terrible.

The only scene where he is convincing is when he is negotiating with Donkey Boy's father (Mosca?). That old, evil Mexican character comes out - a little psycho-glint in his eye.

Is he called Don Altobello because he is the Don of a family, or is it a title of respect for his age?

Actually his name was Donaldo Altobello. BTW "Altobello" means "beautiful high," so maybe he was some kind of aged stoner, hence the wild Joe Cocker like gestures.