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Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36685
01/30/06 01:17 PM
01/30/06 01:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 533
Luciano Fanucci
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 533
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Ive been wondering this for A while now. Its A pretty cool theory to think that some fo the mobsters from "The Godfather" are based on real life mobsters. Its clear that Hyman Roth is based on Meyer Lanksy, as they both tried to seek refugee in A number of foreign countrys, but I cant thyink of any others that might be based on real mobsters.
Omerta.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36686
01/30/06 01:50 PM
01/30/06 01:50 PM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,512
AZ
Turnbull
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,512
AZ
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Luciano, this topic has come up many times. You can do a search and find many opinions. Here are mine:
Close Fit:
Johnny Fontane = Frank Sinatra: Washed-up, teen-idol crooner with fealty to the Mob; role in war movie puts him back on top; sluttish, movie-star ex-wife.
Hyman Roth = Meyer Lansky: Jewish adviser to Mafia; “always makes money for his partners”; tight with president of Cuba; started out as a truck mechanic and got connected during Prohibition; fled to Israel and South America to escape Justice Dept.
Moe Green = Bugsy Siegel: Pal of Jewish adviser to Mob; “headstrong, talking loud, saying stupid things”; “city he invented was Las Vegas”; “someone put a bullet in his eye.”
Johnny Ola = Vincent (Jimmy Blue Eyes) Alo: “Sicilian messenger boy” to Lansky [N.B.: Name is an anagram.]
Joey Zasa = Joe Columbo/John Gotti: Meucci Society = Italian-American Civil Rights League; “Best-Dressed Mobster”; publicity hound; shot at Italian-American event.
Rosato Brothers = Gallo Brothers: Renegade faction in Mob family declares war on Don (Joe Profaci); Joey Gallo recruits blacks and Hispanics while in jail; “leave the gambling for last.” [N.B.: Eldest brother Larry was garroted in the back of Brooklyn’s Sahara Lounge after-hours in 1960 and was saved by a NYC cop who happened by—the basis of the Frank Pentangeli-Rosato Brothers scene, but with roles reversed.]
Stretch Fit:
Vito Corleone = Frank Costello: Most powerful of Five Families; “had all the judges in New York in his pocket”; primary business was gambling and unions; retired after being shot by rival mobster. [N.B.: Some fans believe Lucky Luciano was the model because he arranged for the death of Joe “The Boss” Masseria at a restaurant (in the book, Vito Corleone arranged for the death of “Maranzalla” at a restaurant). But Luciano dealt in prostitution and drugs, was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in jail, and was deported. Vito Corleone deplored prostitution and drugs, and never went to jail.]
Emilio Barzini = Vito Genovese: Tried to kill rival to become Capo di Tutti Capi; attempted to make move on drugs at gangster convention (Apalachin). But: Genovese died in jail; Barzini was killed.
Frankie Pentangeli = Joe Magliocco: Weak successor to strong Don (Profaci); beleaguered by rival faction (see Rosato Brothers/Gallo Brothers); attempt to move against stronger Don backfires. But: Magliocco died of a heart attack, Pentangeli turned state’s evidence and killed himself.
Peter Clemenza = Frank Labruzzo (Bonanno Family): Top capo to Don (Bonanno) stayed loyal to son of Don (Bill Bonanno) during gang war; philosophical bent. But: Labruzzo died of cancer before being permitted to form own family. [N.B.: Richard Castellano played Labruzzo in the TV movie, “Honor Thy Father.”]
Sal Tessio = Gaspar Di Gregorio (Bonanno Family): Top capo to Don (Bonanno) betrayed Don and son by siding with rival Don (Stefano Maggaddino) in return for being named head of his own family. But: Di Gregorio died of heart attack; Tessio was taken for a ride by Willie Cicci.
Fredo Corleone = Thomas Gambino: Weak son of Capo di Tutti Capi is passed over, given “legit” businesses to run. But: Garment Center trucking is not a “Mickey Mouse nightclub”; Fredo was killed after betrying his brother; Tommy is still alive.
Luca Brasi = Willie Moretti: Legendary strong-armer; “can do a job of murder all by himself”; “most valued friend” of Joe Bonanno and other Mob bosses; killed by the Mob (probably Vito Genovese). But: Moretti was killed by agreement among several Dons because his tertiary syphilis was causing him to become loose-lipped.
No Fit:
Michael Corleone. No son ever successfully succeeded his father as Don, much less surpassed his father--and endured over the long term. But: Salvatore (Bill) Bonanno was being groomed as his father’s successor until the “Banana Wars” caused his father’s retirement and Bill’s imprisonment on credit card fraud charges. Also: John Gotti designated his son as Don, but Junior wasn’t even able to run a phone-card scam successfully, was not accepted by many factions in the Family, and went to prison.
Tom Hagen. No non-Italian has ever served, officially, as a Family’s consigliere. But: Meyer Lansky was unofficial consigliere to all the Five Families and several out-of-town mobs; Jake Guzik served as Al Capone’s mentor and business manager.
Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36688
01/30/06 02:59 PM
01/30/06 02:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 533
Luciano Fanucci
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 533
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Corleone - Genovese Barzini - Gambino Tataglia - Bonnano Cuneo - Columbo Strachi - Luchesse L.Fanucci 
Omerta.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36692
01/31/06 06:58 AM
01/31/06 06:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,733
JustMe
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,733
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Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone: Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] It might be a little out of place in the movie section, but remind me, Turnbull, who is that actress-whore Johnny married, Margot Ashton, based on? Was she that famous around the world as Puzo states?
keep your mouth shut, and your eyes open.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36693
01/31/06 08:41 AM
01/31/06 08:41 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,950
DonMichaelCorleone
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,950
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Originally posted by JustMe: Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone: [b] Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] It might be a little out of place in the movie section, but remind me, Turnbull, who is that actress-whore Johnny married, Margot Ashton, based on? Actress and Whore I am going to say Virginia Hill. [/b] I don't know JM  Turnbull or Don Cardi would be able to help you more, I was just looking at it as if the person was based off of a "mafia person" then Virginia Hill who was an actress and a lady who has been around the block a few times is the only one that popped into my mind. To add to that, Virginia Hill was a former Prostitute. Turnbull?
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36697
01/31/06 01:33 PM
01/31/06 01:33 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 839
Elmwood Park, Illinois
YoTonyB
Neighborhood Guy
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Neighborhood Guy
Underboss
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 839
Elmwood Park, Illinois
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Turnbull, on the subject of non-Italians in the role of consigliere or key adviser, add Murray "The Camel" Humphreys, whose role in the Chicago mob is often overshadowed by the Outfit bosses in Chicago during his lifetime. It's entirely possible his influence was downplayed or undervalued becaused of his heritage. None-the-less, it's easy to draw a parallel between "German-Irish" Tom Hagan and Welshman Murray Humphreys, both of whom wielded influence among their associates during the 1940's thru 1960's...though I would argue that Hump might have been more valuable in real life than Hagan was in fiction!
Also, there was a Welsh rock band that went by the name of "Murry the Hump" having chosen their name as a tribute to their fellow Welshman!
"Prince of Crime" is a good read about Humphries, as is Russo's "The Outfit."
tony b.
"Kid, these are my f**kin' work clothes."
"You look good in them golf shoes. You should buy 'em"
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36698
01/31/06 01:58 PM
01/31/06 01:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 533
Luciano Fanucci
OP
Underboss
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OP
Underboss
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 533
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Originally posted by Peter_Clemenza: Originally posted by Luciano Fanucci: [b] Corleone - Genovese Barzini - Gambino Tataglia - Bonnano Cuneo - Columbo Strachi - Luchesse L.Fanucci You got A good point there. The Gambino family was the strongest and richest family during the 40`s, and thats when the corleone`s where about, and teh corleone`s where the strongest and richest out of the five families. But I compared them with Genovese because they are currently the strongest and richest.
Omerta.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36699
01/31/06 02:56 PM
01/31/06 02:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,512
AZ
Turnbull
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,512
AZ
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Originally posted by YoTonyB:
Turnbull, on the subject of non-Italians in the role of consigliere or key adviser, add Murray "The Camel" Humphreys, whose role in the Chicago mob is often overshadowed by the Outfit bosses in Chicago during his lifetime. It's entirely possible his influence was downplayed or undervalued becaused of his heritage. None-the-less, it's easy to draw a parallel between "German-Irish" Tom Hagan and Welshman Murray Humphreys, both of whom wielded influence among their associates during the 1940's thru 1960's...though I would argue that Hump might have been more valuable in real life than Hagan was in fiction!
tony b. Tony, that's an excellent point.  The Camel, born in Wales, was one of Capone's close guys (John Kobler, author of the best Capone bio, calls him "Robbery Expert"). He later ran the labor rackets for The Outfit. I would not have counted him as a consigliere because he ran operations on his own, and in any event, Big Tuna himself continued to be the consigliere (and more) even after he "retired." But there's no question that The Camel was highly influential to generations of Outfit leaders. Who can say where the "official" consigliere leaves off, and "kitchen cabinet" advisers take over? Carmine Persico had several consiglieri, but the guy closest to him was his nominal bodyguard, Hugh (Apples) McIntosh.
Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
#36703
02/05/06 07:14 AM
02/05/06 07:14 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 607
Peter_Clemenza
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 607
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Originally posted by Turnbull: Originally posted by Peter_Clemenza:
[b] The idea for Sonny Corleone was based on Sonny Capone, Al Capone's son.
Maybe my sources are incorrect, but I read somewhere that the idea for Sonny Corleone was based no Sonny Capone. I did not say that Sonny's characteristics, etc. are based on Sonny Capone's.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
[Re: Turnbull]
#358344
01/22/07 05:09 PM
01/22/07 05:09 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,019
Texas
olivant
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,019
Texas
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Luciano, this topic has come up many times. You can do a search and find many opinions. Here are mine:
Close Fit:
Johnny Fontane = Frank Sinatra: Washed-up, teen-idol crooner with fealty to the Mob; role in war movie puts him back on top; sluttish, movie-star ex-wife.
Hyman Roth = Meyer Lansky: Jewish adviser to Mafia; “always makes money for his partners”; tight with president of Cuba; started out as a truck mechanic and got connected during Prohibition; fled to Israel and South America to escape Justice Dept.
Moe Green = Bugsy Siegel: Pal of Jewish adviser to Mob; “headstrong, talking loud, saying stupid things”; “city he invented was Las Vegas”; “someone put a bullet in his eye.”
Johnny Ola = Vincent (Jimmy Blue Eyes) Alo: “Sicilian messenger boy” to Lansky [N.B.: Name is an anagram.]
Joey Zasa = Joe Columbo/John Gotti: Meucci Society = Italian-American Civil Rights League; “Best-Dressed Mobster”; publicity hound; shot at Italian-American event.
Rosato Brothers = Gallo Brothers: Renegade faction in Mob family declares war on Don (Joe Profaci); Joey Gallo recruits blacks and Hispanics while in jail; “leave the gambling for last.” [N.B.: Eldest brother Larry was garroted in the back of Brooklyn’s Sahara Lounge after-hours in 1960 and was saved by a NYC cop who happened by—the basis of the Frank Pentangeli-Rosato Brothers scene, but with roles reversed.]
Stretch Fit:
Vito Corleone = Frank Costello: Most powerful of Five Families; “had all the judges in New York in his pocket”; primary business was gambling and unions; retired after being shot by rival mobster. [N.B.: Some fans believe Lucky Luciano was the model because he arranged for the death of Joe “The Boss” Masseria at a restaurant (in the book, Vito Corleone arranged for the death of “Maranzalla” at a restaurant). But Luciano dealt in prostitution and drugs, was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in jail, and was deported. Vito Corleone deplored prostitution and drugs, and never went to jail.]
Emilio Barzini = Vito Genovese: Tried to kill rival to become Capo di Tutti Capi; attempted to make move on drugs at gangster convention (Apalachin). But: Genovese died in jail; Barzini was killed.
Frankie Pentangeli = Joe Magliocco: Weak successor to strong Don (Profaci); beleaguered by rival faction (see Rosato Brothers/Gallo Brothers); attempt to move against stronger Don backfires. But: Magliocco died of a heart attack, Pentangeli turned state’s evidence and killed himself.
Peter Clemenza = Frank Labruzzo (Bonanno Family): Top capo to Don (Bonanno) stayed loyal to son of Don (Bill Bonanno) during gang war; philosophical bent. But: Labruzzo died of cancer before being permitted to form own family. [N.B.: Richard Castellano played Labruzzo in the TV movie, “Honor Thy Father.”]
Sal Tessio = Gaspar Di Gregorio (Bonanno Family): Top capo to Don (Bonanno) betrayed Don and son by siding with rival Don (Stefano Maggaddino) in return for being named head of his own family. But: Di Gregorio died of heart attack; Tessio was taken for a ride by Willie Cicci.
Fredo Corleone = Thomas Gambino: Weak son of Capo di Tutti Capi is passed over, given “legit” businesses to run. But: Garment Center trucking is not a “Mickey Mouse nightclub”; Fredo was killed after betrying his brother; Tommy is still alive.
Luca Brasi = Willie Moretti: Legendary strong-armer; “can do a job of murder all by himself”; “most valued friend” of Joe Bonanno and other Mob bosses; killed by the Mob (probably Vito Genovese). But: Moretti was killed by agreement among several Dons because his tertiary syphilis was causing him to become loose-lipped.
No Fit:
Michael Corleone. No son ever successfully succeeded his father as Don, much less surpassed his father--and endured over the long term. But: Salvatore (Bill) Bonanno was being groomed as his father’s successor until the “Banana Wars” caused his father’s retirement and Bill’s imprisonment on credit card fraud charges. Also: John Gotti designated his son as Don, but Junior wasn’t even able to run a phone-card scam successfully, was not accepted by many factions in the Family, and went to prison.
Tom Hagen. No non-Italian has ever served, officially, as a Family’s consigliere. But: Meyer Lansky was unofficial consigliere to all the Five Families and several out-of-town mobs; Jake Guzik served as Al Capone’s mentor and business manager. I agree with it all except Vito and Clemenza. Vito is Joe Bonanno - based on both real and film characters' emphasis on blood family. Clemenza is Joe Profaci although in the film we don't get to see Clemenza with his own family.
"Generosity. That was my first mistake."
"Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us."
"Instagram is Twitter for people who can't read."
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
[Re: olivant]
#358360
01/22/07 06:33 PM
01/22/07 06:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 18,238
The Ravenite Social Club
Don Cardi
Caporegime
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Caporegime
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 18,238
The Ravenite Social Club
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I agree with it all except Vito and Clemenza.
Vito is Joe Bonanno - based on both real and film characters' emphasis on blood family.
Clemenza is Joe Profaci although in the film we don't get to see Clemenza with his own family.
Olivant, Can you please share with us why you feel that Clemenza is based on Joe Profaci? As for Vito, I feel that he is a combination of Frank Costello (for the reasons that TB provided), Joe Profaci, who was the olive oil king, Joe Bonanno ( for the reasons that both you and TB provided) and Vito Genovese because he was once the most feared of mafia bosses but yet was smooth and cunning enough to wipe out his enemies. Don Cardi 
Don Cardi Five - ten years from now, they're gonna wish there was American Cosa Nostra. Five - ten years from now, they're gonna miss John Gotti.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
[Re: olivant]
#358411
01/22/07 11:02 PM
01/22/07 11:02 PM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,512
AZ
Turnbull
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,512
AZ
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Your analogy doesn't hold up all the way, Olivant:
Yes, Profaci was one of the five original Dons made by Salvatore Maranzano after his victory in the Castellemmarese War of 1930-31. And he was Bonanno's strongest ally. But he was never subordinate to Bonanno. He had his own family at the same time that Bonanno had his--whereas Clemenza had been subordinate to both Vito and Michael. Also, Profaci was dead by the time Bonanno plotted to whack Lucchese and Gambino. Bonanno's partner in that plot was Joe Magliocco, Profaci's successor and brother in law. And, as was revealed after he died, Bonanno's big business was drugs, the antithesis of what Vito stood for.
Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.
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Re: Godfather mobsters based on real mobtsers?
[Re: Luciano Fanucci]
#358647
01/24/07 12:54 AM
01/24/07 12:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,019
Texas
olivant
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,019
Texas
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Originally posted by Peter_Clemenza: Originally posted by Luciano Fanucci: Corleone - Genovese
Barzini - Gambino
Tataglia - Bonnano
Cuneo - Columbo
Strachi - Luchesse
L.Fanucci You got A good point there. The Gambino family was the strongest and richest family during the 40`s, and thats when the corleone`s where about, and teh corleone`s where the strongest and richest out of the five families. But I compared them with Genovese because they are currently the strongest and richest. Where'd you get your info? Carlo Gambino didn't take over the family until 1957 after the murder of Anastasia.
"Generosity. That was my first mistake."
"Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us."
"Instagram is Twitter for people who can't read."
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