Willie Moretti is said to have hated the rumors and denied any coercion on his part. I wasn't aware of the large money pay out. Seems like another mob myth that took a life of it's own.
Actually, Moretti was quoted as saying something like "Tommy Dorsey had his own friends," or something to that effect. The implication being that Tommy had a rabbi, too. But you're right, it was just a silly rumor that really spun out of control after "The Godfather" was published.
Same with Sinatra getting the role in "From Here to Eternity." Horse's head, my ass. Ava Gardner BEGGED Harry Cohn to give Frank that job. She probably blew him for it
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