Originally posted by Don Zadjali:
[b]*NOTE:
-The character of Vito Corleone in The Godfather was clearly based on Frank Costello, from the voice, political pull, failed hit, no drug rule, regal style, hating mob war, and retirement.[/b]
Yes. Vito Corleone is a composite of several NYC Dons, but Costello is the one he most resembles. Like Costello, he had "the gambling and the unions," was all-powerful politically, and eschewed drugs.

-!!Hyman Roth = Arnold Rothstein!!
The character of Hyman Roth from the film The Godfather, Part II mentions Rothstein as his inspiration and modeled his surname after Rothstein's in honor of his part in the Black Sox Scandal.

[b]*Don Zadjali* [/b]