Originally posted by Turnbull:
You raise an interesting point, Deathkiss: what would have happened to Clemenza had Tessio succeeded? Both the novel and the film omit Clemenza from Barzini/Tessio's plans. I'm guessing that Tessio would have had Clemenza killed at the same time as Michael because Clemenza might have remained loyal to Michael and sought revenge. Even if he didn't, he'd have been a rival to head the post-Michael Corleone Family.
Note to BofB: Don Molinari of San Francisco was Fredo's protector in the novel. But in the film, Michael mentions Don Francesco.
He probably becomes an enemy of Tessio. So in that point he would kill him. But they were also good friends. They did a lot together, and it isn't easy to kill your best friend.
