What about Merle?

Did Merle ever get to marry Connie and take the cruise? I think I sensed a love connection between him and Fredo's wife Deanna.

At Anthony's party, it looked to me by the way they held hands after Michael told Connie to tell Merle goodbye that they were getting married. But by the time of Mama's wake, it looked like Connie was by herself because she told Michael (on her knees, nice touch!) that she wanted to stay closer to home, take care of things, realized he was being strong for her, etc. Of course, Connie seemed to have a penchant for dumping husbands quickly because in the earlier scene, Michael said, "The ink on your divorce isn't even dry and you're marrying again?"

After the "Cent Anni" toast and explanation of the meaning, Merle ran for the hills. He couldn't handle the thought of another 100 years with Connie!

In some version of a sequel or perhaps a draft, or even Weingertner, there was something to the effect that Connie and Merle did marry and they got on some fancy ocean liner. Michael found out and cut her line of credit and they were thrown off the boat and brought back to the US on some really crappy liner. After that Merle saw he wasn't going to get money out of Connie and he disappeared.

Wasn't his last name Norman. Didn't he start a cosmetic firm? In fact, during the Senate hearing, didn't Questadt ask Mike "Do you have control over cosmetics in Nevada and New York?"

I think that was from "Godfather Returns."

Wouldn't it have been something if Michael had Merle whacked? Then he would have killed two of his sister's husbands.

Michael should of had him shot right there and then. What a marmaluke that guy was.


"Could I have a drink or something?"

It was in the script; I liked this scene a lot.

EXT. ITALIAN LUXURY LINER - DAY

The luxury liner making its way across the Atlantic.

INT. ITALIAN LUXURY LINER - MED. VIEW - DAY

The PURSER followed by several white uniformed associates
knocks on the door of something designated the "Leonardo
Suite." He is holding a telegram.

The door opens, and a tanned Merle peeks out of the door.

PURSER
(holding up the telegram)
I'm terribly sorry to disturb you
but we have received two telegrams.

MERLE
(reluctantly)
Well...come in.

This entourage enters the suite, an impressive and
beautifully spacious luxury suite. Connie is relaxing.

CONNIE
What is it?

PURSER
Yes. One is from our office in New
York. The check that you wrote for
your passage has been returned.

CONNIE
Can't be...

MERLE
Why don't you wire your bank?

PURSER
The other telegram is from your
bank. Your account has been closed
and the company is warned not to
extend any credit.

CONNIE
I'll take care of it in Naples.

PURSER
The company hopes so. But for now,
we have orders to change your
accommodations.

And with that, the men in white begin to pack Connie and
Merle's luggage.

CONNIE
That son of a bitch!

INT. ITALIAN LUXURY LINER - TINY THIRD CLASS CABIN - NIGHT

Connie and Merle are attempting to sleep in the miniature
cabin in bunk beds. The little space is crowded with their
trunks and luggage. Merle can barely hang onto the bunk,
the boat pitches so violently below.