On screen it sounds like Sonny laughs first, and that's what makes the most sense, but it sounds like Clemenza laughs first. Which is it?

which scene are you talking about?

DMC, what kind of Godfather fanatic are you? It's obvious FrankieFiveAngels is talking about the scene in GF1 where Michael proposes to kill both McCluskey and Sollozzo.

Frankie, I have to watch that scene again because I never thought to pay attention to the sound of who laughed first. I can't quite recall the order that the faces were shown on camera either. But I have a hunch that the two capos, Clemenza and Tessio, wouldn't dare start laughing until they saw Sonny laugh first. Once the boss laughs, then they know it's OK to let loose with their giggles .

It's a laugh in itself just watching Clemenza. You can tell he wants to let loose with a loud "ha ha ha," but he's trying to hold it in and keep it to a polite chuckle. His chins and his cheeks (and I think his belly too, but I can't recall exactly) start jiggling with the effort .

P.S. to DonMichaelCorleone: I was just joking with you DMC . I have no doubt that you know the Godfather films as well as anyone, and I could very well be mistaken about the scene FrankieFiveAngels is referring to. I know you just wanted to clarify before you replied... but I couldn't help myself. I'm feeling like a little devil today .

No, Clemenza laughs first off screen.

Following Sonny makes sense, but it changes the dynamic if Clemenza is laughing first, which is what it sounds like. I guess Clemenza is high up enough to reproach Mikey by himself, and it is everyone against Michael.