I aways thought that "Fat" Clemenza was his nickname, I always read that Fat was his nickname
On the FBI's Family Organization Chart, Peter Clemenza's nickname is Fat Clemenza. Sollozzo's use of the nickname could have just been a way to show Tom that he was familiar with the street names and habits of the Corleone family. In a small way a show of strength - knowledge is power.
hey... that's a really good observation and assessment. I think this is the answer! I never recognized that his name is "Fat Clemenza" on the chart (despite it being my screensaver for so long lol) although that could, very well, be a back-filled reference to relate to the audience who's familiar with the infamous speech by Sollozo... hmmm???
"From now on, nothing goes down unless I'm involved. No blackjack no dope deals, no nothing. A nickel bag gets sold in the park, I want in. You guys got fat while everybody starved on the street. Now it's my turn." (King of New York)
