Originally Posted by JCrusher
Originally Posted by Turnbull
Fredo taking sides against the family would have affirmed Vito in his decision to pass him over in favor of Michael

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. Personally I never saw it as Fredo taking sides Against the Family. I think it was more of Fredo just being stupid. Even in GF 2 I genuinely believe that Fredo believed that he was helping the Corleone Family while also doing it “on his own”. Obviously we know it was stupid but I think in Fredo’s mind he thought he was doing something good


I tend to agree. Reading the novel is essential because in the novel Vito expresses what approaches contempt for Fredo's shortcomings that he demonstrates in Vegas. On the other hand, Vito seems quite pleased with Fredo because of Fredo's genius for running a hotel. Fredo's taking sides was no more a violation of family loyalty than Tom telling Sonny to negotiate with the five families rather than attack them.


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