When Sonny storms out of Connie's wedding to rough up the guy taking pictures of license plates, he has Paulie Gatto in tow, well behind him. After he spits on the FBI guy's credentials and says, "Goddam FBI don't respect nothin'," he and Paulie turn away. When Paulie is well distanced from the FBI guy, he makes a "cornudo"--the two fingered "horns" that are the classical Italian sign of the cuckold--but does it so surreptitiously that you barely notice it. A perfect sign of what a weasel he was, and a hint of treason to come.

On the other hand, Clemenza never leaves the vicinity of the gate.

The scene were Clemenza, Pauli and Rocco are driving and they stop way out in the middle of no where and FFC made sure the Statue of Liberty was in scene, ironic.

Another choice one: when Bonasera finally says to Vito: "Be my friend?" Vito kind of shrugs, as if to say, "maybe, maybe not." Then Bonasera says, "...godfather," and kisses Vito's hand. Vito then says, "Good," and puts his arm over Bonasera. Perfect end to a perfect scene.

Yes, when Sonny dips some bread in the SAUCE has been posted before. But, it is a nice touch. how many times did I do that when my mother was making the SAUCE!

In the novel and in a deleted scene, he does the same with his mother's peppers.

In the scene where Michael is hosting Geary and others in the Havana nightclub, Fredo asks if the guests want more drinks. Geary says, leeringly, "I'll try one of those red-headed Yolandas" [the showgirl we saw earlier]. If you run that scene very slowly, the camera pans onto Michael's face, and he's rolling his eyes as if to say, "Geez, doesn't this guy ever keep his dick in his pants?"

Having taken another close look at the meeting scene with Senator Geary in Michael's office, in Godfather II, there are actually several subtle, nuanced gestures and expressions there that deserve special mention (most of which I don't think have come up yet):

* As the meeting is getting started, Michael and Senator Geary stand up as a gesture of courtesy while Tom enters the room. Michael remains standing until Geary begins to sit back down, at one point hesitating while he waits for Geary to take his seat. Michael may be a gangster, but he's a cultured gangster.

* As Geary begins his spiel, i.e. "Now my sources tell me that you plan to make a move against the Tropigala...", there's a very telling exchange of glances between Michael and Tom. Michael seems to be silently asking Tom, 'How does he know about this?', while Tom's sheepish look responds, 'Beats me. I'm as surprised as you are.'

* There are a couple of instances in which Tom watches Geary with suspicion as Geary speaks: the first while Geary is dictating the terms of his intended extortion; the second as Geary utters his ethnic slur about "oily hair and silk suits".

* The cold, stony "game face" that Michael presents to Geary as he's being shaken down and insulted; never betraying a bit about what he might be feeling at the moment.

* As Geary stands up, uttering: "OK, some people have to play little games. You play yours", he takes the little cast iron replica of a cannon that's sitting on Michael's desk, and points it straight at Michael. Michael notices, but does not show any reaction.

* While Geary becomes more belligerent and mean-spirited as he delivers his ultimatum, Michael's demeanor begins to shift. He begins to rock slightly in his chair, almost as if he's bobbing his head. By the time he replies, "Senator, you can have my answer now if you like. My offer is this: Nothing...", the chair is practically vibrating with Michael's cocky, arrogant energy. There is an expression of cold, controlled rage on his face as he dictates his own terms to the senator, his piercing black eyes unblinking. This is a cobra preparing to strike its prey.

* As Geary walks out the door, there is one more telling exchange of glances between Michael and Tom. Michael's expression is one of disgust; Tom's is one of contrition and embarrassment.

Not only are these some of my favorite scenes of Godfather II, the entire scene is one of my favorite scenes.

~ Q

The look on Capt. McCluskey face the moment Sollozzo is shot, McCluskey knows what is coming next..