This post arises from another thread about Robert Duvall not being in GF III. I think FFC and Puzo's hands were tied without Tom. He was a far better lawyer (and even consigliere) than the George Hamilton character,Harrison. Below are imagined sections of the script which take advantage of Hagen's superior skills. Hasgen would never have allowed the Immobiliare deal to hang by a technicality, and Michael could then have concentrated on the future of his family instead of Immobiliare.

I. MEETING IN MIKES OFFICE REGARDINNG JOEY ZASA

There is no question that Hagen would have battled with Michael over the Zasa thing and also over Vincent Mancini coming into the fold and rising within the family so quickly.

I imagine the latter dialogue thus:

Tom - Mikie, just hear me out. You moved to New York and you sold your interests in the casinos. You're cashing out with all the remaining Dons in Atlantic City. You are close to becoming the controling shareholder in the largest real estate holding company on earth.

Mike - I have to protect my family.

Tom - (getting angry and statrting to raise his voice) - Protect your family? Who are you protecting Mike? Kay is remarried, Anthony has gone off to be an opera singer,
As I see it the only one in danger is Vincent because of Zasa.

Mike - He is my nephew. Sonny was my brother.

Tom - I was just as much a brother to Sonny as you were, now be reasonable! Now you want buy yourself out of the casinos without paying a dime to Zasa?


Mike - Tom,you surprise me. After all these years you still don't understand how these people think.

Tom (Shouting) - I was consigliere to your father! I was consigliere to Sonny and when he ignored my advice look what happened! And you know as well as I that Vincent has the same temper his father had. For once, just try to be reasonable!

Mike (gets that dark look and says in a very soft but angry voice) - You boast about what you did as consigliere to my father who was shot, and to Sonny who wass murdered? Cause if you want to tell me about your skills as a consigliere, maybe you should think about how you underestimated Geary and how you never saw Roth's Senate hearings coming. Now are you going to go weak on me again? Cause if you are, you can just retire now, go to Rome and watch your son say Mass while you sneak off to the Riveria with your mistress. Now are you with me in these things that must happen with Zasa?

Tom - Si, fra.

Mike - Bene.

FADE....

II MEETING IN NEW YORK WITH ARCHBISHOP GILDAY

Gilday - Six hundred million.

Mike (Looks to Tom) - Tom?

Tom (Nods)

Mike - Six Hundred Million.

Tom (to Gilday) - We have the money in an account in Zurich. It will be wired to the Vatican Bank in conjunction with the ratification of the Immobiliare deal. We send 200 million now, another 100 million on the approval of the shareholders in New York and the rest when it is ratified in Rome.


Gilday - I see your attorney has done his homework.

Hagen (nods slightly)


Gilday (takes a nervous draw from his cigarette) - It is not as easy as that. There are special procedures in place that require notification and waiting periods. The board cannot formally ratify this for several months, but it is a mere formality.

Michael- Tom?

Hagen - Your excellency, with all due respect, something cannot be a mere formality and something requiring formal notification and waiting periods all at the same time. According to the Immobilare by laws the board can waive notice and a formal meeting and the deal can be ratified by the Pope within a day of the shareholders' meeting here in New York.

Gilday - You overestimate my power.

Michael - You want the six hundred million or do you want the world to know what we know about the condition of the Vatican Bank? (He stands to leave) Think it over. Our offer is on the table for a week.

Cut to Michael's office. Tom, Neri and Michael are there.

Tom - You think he'll go for it?

Mike - I learned many things from my father, and one of them is that any dishonorable man will choose a bribe over disgrace. Now, this archbishop cant get away with the excuse that he only relied on friends for very long.

Tom - Our people in Rome say the Immobilare Board could stall this for some time, and even find a way to deny ratification. They say a Don Lucchese who has known connections in industry, and secret connections in the drug trade is joining a Swiss banker to form a consortium of European Catholic businessmen against our control. But overall the Church's hand is forced, and I believe it will probably go through.

Mike - If we don't get get ratification, the deal will be off .

Neri - Maybe we should send a message to Lucchese.

Mike - Its an option, but I'm gonna wait. Tom?

Tom - My guess is that the waiver will go through. Too many people on that board are implicated in the bank scandal. Your real problems will come after you take control. They will be looking for a way to move you out.

Mike - By then, I'll be ready for them. Now is there anything else.

Tom - Something personal Mikie.

Mike - Al?
(Neri gets up, leaves the room and closes the door)

Tom - There's something going on between Mary and Vincent.
She's been seen going into his club in Little Italy and staying there for hours on end. We have to put an end to it.
If the word gets out that he and Mary are involved, then she is in danger too. Now Vincent has already Killed Zasa, and you had to pull some strings with the Commission, so you need to be careful.

Mike - The Ant succeeded Zasa, and he doesn't have the power to hurt my daughter.

Tom - Unless he has permission from someone higher.


Mike - All right. I'll have Connie talk to Mary, and then I'll deal with Vincent. We can't afford to have anything interfere with this Immobilare business right now.

Tom - I'll arrange a meeting for you and Vincent.

Mike - Not yet. I havent decided how I wish to contact him.

Cut to Terrace at Michael's Apartment. ( Tom is handing papers to Michael for his signature. They are having breakfast. A large bowl of oranges is on the table)

Mike - Pop hated foundations, and now look what we're doing.

Tom - Pop always wanted you to bring the family to prominence in the legitimate world. He'd understand.

(Andrew enters)

Andrew - Off to Rome.

Tom - I'll see you there next month. (They hug)

Andrew - Godfather, thank you. (He hugs Mike)

Mike - We're so proud of you Andrew.. all of us ...can you join us?

Andrew - No, I have to run but thanks just the same.

Andrew leaves

Tom - Who'd have guessed , my son a priest.

Mike - He always had the faith, Tom.

The telephone rings.

Mike - Yes?
(He listens)
Good. Good. It will be taken care of.

(He hangs up)

Tom - What was that?

Mike - The Archbishop,he and evidently the Pope himself have seen the merits of our offer. It seems the ratification in Rome will occur the day after the stockholder's meeting.

Tom - It was almost too easy...

Mike -- It is too easy. They're gonna come after me. Altobello is nothing more than another Tessio.

Tom - Altobello? You mean the Ant.
Mike - The Ant was Zasa's muscle, nothing more. He doesnt have the wit. Until this moment I didn't realize it, but its been Altobello all along. Altobello is in league with this Lucchese.

Tom - What are you gonna do?

Mike - Nothing now. You do something to postpone this Atlantic City meeting for a while all right? And whatever I may do later is of no concern to you. Where's Neri?

FADE


III AFTER THE STROKE


(Michael is recovering from his diabetic stroke. He has learned that his son will have his operatic debut in Sicily.


Tom - Mikie, its too dangerous for you to go to Sicily.

Mike - So what am I supposed to do? I'm supposed to hide here like a woman because I am afraid of somebody? I'm supposed to dishonor my only son who already thinks I hate him? Is that your advice?

Tom - Mikie....

Mike - Tom, it may be easy for you. Your kids did not suffer as mine did. You kept all of it contained. You involvement with the family, your mistress...all of it.

Tom - Is this necessary Mike?

Mike - Hiding isn't the answer Tom. I've already made my plans.

Tom - What Mike? Is there anything I can do?

Mike - It's all been arranged through Neri. Some of it you don't need to know about. Some of it I will tell you, because I need your help. Don Tomassino's organization has word that the one pulling the strings in Europe is, in fact, Lucchese. He is very scared right now because the pope is dying. If he doesnt control the next papal election, and word is he won't, the whole thing is going to collapse around him. Now all we are gonna do is speed things up. This Pope will outlive Altobello, Lucchese, the Archbishop, and that Swiss Banker.

Tom - Mike, you already control Immobiliare. Dontomassino can provide security in Italy and now you want to get rid of Altobello, an Archbishop and two of Eurpoe's top industrialists?

Mike - You surprise me, Tom. You act as if these people deserve anything more than say, Moe Green, or Hyman Roth, who would still be alive if I'd listened to you.

Tom - But if you're found out, there could be a shareholders' revolt in Immobiliare, and trouble with the commission here.

Mike - Tom, my father taught me many things, and one of them was that people who invest their money have no loyalty to anything but a return on their investments. With that in mind, they only care about how much they make, not who is making it for them. As for Altobello, the Comission won't care about him any more than they cared about Zasa.

Tom - But in the hospital you told Connie and Vincent you disapproved of the hit in Zasa. You said you were upset about that.

Mike - That's what I wanted Vincent and Connie to think.

Tom - So where do I fit in?

Mike - I want you to make this business with Vincent to go away. Now, Connie is pushing him to succeed me, and he's acting like I am half dead and about to turn things over to him. And then there is this business with my daughter.

Tom - Its infatuation. She'll...

Mike - You talk to me about my DAUGHTER? (in full gravel voiced Pacino rant mode)

You talk to me about Mary?
You talk to me about how she grew up without a strong father figure?
You talk to me about how needy Mary is?
Ohhh I hope not, Tom, I hope you arent telling me how my daughter feels....or how she thinks.
Mary is a searcher.
A seeker.
She is looking for something permanent to hold on to, while all the time she is grasping at Vincent who is no more solid than Santino.

Tom - So you want Vincent out of the picture but you want it done in a way that Connie doesnt know, and Mary doesnt turn on you.

Mike - I want Vincent out of the picture before the Opera in Sicily. That's the only thing that can guarantee my safety and the safety of my family.

Tom - How do you want it handled?

Mike - (not irritated, but now using flattery) Tom, you are my older brother. You are as wise and as cunning as Pop. When there was no way anyone could get that Hollywood producer to give the role to Johnny, Pop sent you. He didn't give you any instructions, and you delivered. When we needed to reach out to Frankie Five Angels, who did I choose? Neri? He's muscle. Loyal but not creative. Think about it Tom. Come up with a plan.

FADE

IV. TOM MEETS WITH VINCENT

Scene: Daytime, inside of the front door of Vincent's club in Little Italy. One of Vincent's people opens the door. We see Hagen talking to him and

Tom - I am Tom Hagen, here to see Vincent Mancini.

Hood - Wait here. (goes upstairs and knocks on a door) Vinnie a guy says he's Tom Hagen here to see you.

Vincent - Bing him up. I'll see him alone.

(Cut to indside of club. Vincent and Tom are seated.)

Vincent - Tom, anything I can get you? Something to eat? A drink? I have some gnocchi...

Tom - Thanks Vincent, no.

Vincent - Mike sent you here (more than a statement than a question)

Tom - nods.

Vincent - Mike sent you to tell me something he doesn't want to bring up himself.

Tom - You always were bright, Vincent.

Vincent - He wants me to do something.

Tom - More like something he wants you to stop doing.

Vincent - Tom I wont do that.

Tom - Its dangerous.

Vincent - Yeah, so what. So I should be scared?

Tom - Its not your safety that concerns Michael.

Vincent - I can take care of Mary.

Tom - Vincent, Michael says part of your learning will be to study the ancient myths of Zeus and Hera, Oedipus and the biblical accounts of Sarah and Abraham.

Vincent - Yeah, whats that stuff gotta do with me?

Tom - They are old warnings that say its dangerous to love people within your family the way you and Mary love each other.

Vincent - So Uncle Mike wants me to give her up? Is this some test of loyalty, because if it is...look tell Uncle Mike if there is anything I can do other than this...

Tom - I don't know Vincent, I don't think he takes any refusal as an act of loyalty. I have never known him to ask a second favor.

Vincent (pleading) - Anything, Tom, anything but what you ask.

Tom - Well there could be something...

(Cut to Michael's office)

Michael - So he went for it.

Tom - Yeah, Mikie, he's making preparations now.

Michael - Good. Now lets get Connie in here. (He lifts the phone and pushes a button) find Connie and ask her to step in.

Tom - How are you going to handle this?

Mike - Let me do the talking.

(Connie enters)

Connie - Michael, what is it?

Mike - Connie, sit down. (She sits)

Mike (leaning forward at his desk) Connie I know how fond you are of Vincent, and I respect how far he's come. Today I sent Tom here to talk to him about Mary, and he refuses to give her up.

Connie - Michael, I know its wrong, but maybe it should just run its course.

Mike - Connie, Connie Connie, Connie...you have such a good outlook....Vincent has proposed an alternative. He says he will go to Sicily now, and put down all this trouble as a show of loyalty.

Connie - Michael, give him the chance.

Mike - You know, Pop always said never ask a second favor. Why should I do anything differently?

Connie - He's your nephew, Michael, your own blood.

Mike - I know.

Connie - Your own blood as much as Sonny or FREDO.

Mike (winces) - All right. Just this once. I will allow him this favor. But on one condition. You tell Mary she is not to interfere with this trip.

Connie - Thank you Michael. (she gets up and leaves).

Tom - So is it all in place?

Mike - No.

Tom - What is left for me to do?

Mike - I want you to pay a visit to our friend Altobello. Tell him that Vincent knows that he backed Joey Zasa, and that he knows there are people in Immobiliare that Altobello himself answers to. I want you to convince Altobello that Vincent is out of control. That his temper has got the better of him, and that he is going to Sicily without my authorization, and without my permission. Tell him what happens to him in Sicily will not be of my concern.

Mikie -- You're...

Mike (interrupts) - You said you were with me in these things, Tom. If you dont have the stomach...the guts...(in full throated Pacino rant) ....the character....the very essence of what made my Father strong...what makes me strong...what has made the Corleone family strong...then walk out the door right now.

Tom - Mikie....

Mike - Then you'll do as I ask.

Tom (resigned) consider it done.


(Two months later. It is late at night. Tom is in Michael Corleone's kitchen mixing a drink. Mary enters)

Mary - Tom! What are you doing here?

Tom - Actually Mary I am here to see you.

Mary - At this hour? But you are here in the kitchen. Why didn't you call, or wait until tomorrow.

Tom - It can't wait Mary.

(almost involuntarily she sits)

Mary - Then tell me.

Tom - Vincent's dead. He and a set of twins he had as body guards were shot on the steps of the Opera House in Palermo.

(Mary breaks down)

(Tom hands her a handkerchief, she dries her eyes and TOm takes her hand)

Tom - I'm so sorry Mary.

Mary - My father sent him there!

Tom - No Mary. He volunteered to go. He died for the family. I've already told your father about this, and he will know what to do.

Mary - (crying) It never stops.

Tom - Mary, I love you like you were my own daughter. There are things that must be done to settle what's happened to Vincent. He died for your safety, Mary, and for the family. Talk to Connie about this.

Mary - I loved him.

Tom - In time Mary, in time, you will love somebody else.


SO THERE IT IS. Vincent would be dead. So would Altobello The Archbishop and Lucchese. Michael would remain the head of the family (and Mary would still be alive).
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Mi scusato, ma Io sono stanco, sono imbigliato, and I want everyone here to know there's gonna be no trouble from me. Cicci -- a port'!

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Posts: 2216 | From: florida | Registered: Feb 2005 | IP: Logged |

I think there is alot of things that might've happened differently in GFIII had the Tom Hagen character been available.

It also would've probably been a far better movie.

Sofia Coppola I could've handled. But unfortunately, it took the absence of Robert Duvall in the GFIII cast, and to add insult to injury replace him with a manequin B-level actor - to prove how crucial a role Duvall had played in the trilogy.

Apple

I like the dialogue, DT.

Some of it, I think, may be a little bit too derivative from the other films (altho there's no reason to think that the characters would change their manner of speaking over the years), but on the whole I think it's very good.

Apple, you 're right. With Tom available as a character and with Duvall in the cast, many holes in the plot wouldn't exist and GFIII would have the potential to be a really good film. Too bad that Duvall's (reasonable) financial demands weren't accepted and we had to put up with George Hamilton .

I like all your scenarios and dialog, dt. There's no question that, if Duvall had signed on, the plot would have been greatly enhanced--radically different and for the better, almost certainly--because of Duvall's stature and his history with the other two films. Instead, we got the Melanoma Poster Boy.

Thanks you "heavyweights" for the kind words. They really sould have forked over the money to pay Duvall.

Nice dialogue. Maybe a risky thing to say, but I liked these more than the ones Plawrence made.

I like the dialogues too, but I doubt the film would be THAT different... I imagine it'd be longer, though...