I am watching the GF Marathon, & just finished watching the scene with Frankie Pentangeli with the senate committee.
I have seen this scene over 100X & never tire of Michael V. Gazzo's- performance in that extraordinary scene!

My TV is solid GF This Week-end

Nor I, and in any scene that Gazzo was in. IMO, he makes GFII--"Everyman as Don."

I second that!

I often think of you Turnbull, when watching the Frank Pentangelli scenes...of your statement of him being your favorite character, as well as (if memory serves) Gazzo's portrayal being nearly perfect.

There are times I wonder if Frankie truly had to die once the Senate hearings were overwith and Michael won. Unlike Fredo, who betrayed Michael out of envy and jealousy...Frankie turned only because he was duped into believing that Michael betrayed him first. After being picked up by the police he almost had no choice. But I suppose there was no other way for him, no more future with the Corleone Family and no government protection once he held out at the hearings.

Of course, poor Frankie was used by both sides and paid the ultimate price.



Apple

True, Apple, he really didn't have to die. But his death served three purposes: 1) denouement of a life gone off the track (as you said); 2) more proof of Michael's obsession with control and with never giving an enemy a pass (even though Frankie wasn't really an enemy at that point); and 3) dramatic device to set up that wonderful visit-with-Tom scene.

Best reason of all !!

In fact, it was when I really, really paid attention to the dialogue in this scene that I began to truly appreciate GFII on its own, apart from 'The Godfather'.

Apple

So well posted Turnbull!
Frankie will always have a special place in my heart.

The bottom line is that he willingly and knowingly broke the sacred omerta, and he was wlling to turn rat.

Had Michael given him a pass because Franlie "almost had no choice," what kind of a message would that have sent to the other soldiers and capos under Michael? Had Micahel given Frankie a pass, it would have been a recipe for disaster.

Under the prinicipals of gangsterdom, he betrayed Michael's trust, regardless of if he had a choice or not, and therefore he had to go.

The "pass" that he was given was that he, Frankie, could save the family honor by taking himself out, and allow his family to continue to be provided for.

Michael did the right thing.


Don Cardi

Of course you are right, Don Cardi. As with Fredo , Michael did do the 'right thing' with regard to Pentangelli. Only in this case...he really didn't have to do anything except send Tom to visit and confirm the inevitable.

Still though, because of the circumstances that led to his situation, Frankie's demise is the saddest of all those who betrayed Michael.

Apple

Pentangeli was definitely one of my favourite characters in the trilogy , he's up there with Vito lol, it was sad for him to die but it proved his character was willing to be loyal to michael again and he loved his family bless him lol

He was a stand-up character in that life. He did exactly what he should have -- based on what he knew at the time. Frankie's only flaw is that he didn't know the entire story -- and that is through no fault of his own. He's a excellent example of a tragic character.

Well Said-
I agree Apple, Frankie's demise is definitely the saddest of all who betrayed Michael.

Oh don't get me wrong ladies, I loved the Frankie character and was saddened that he had to go.

But I don't agree that he "did what he had to do" when he turned rat. In that life, you get caught, you pay the price, and you don't try to take anyone else down with you. It's the way it's "supposed" to be and everyone knows that going in.

Unfortunately Frankie had to pay the price for what he did, there could be no forgiveness or passes given.

Frankie was absoutely one of the best and most interesting characters in the Godfather Trilogy.


Don Cardi

True, except the reason Frankie 'turned rat' was that he was led to believe Michael had double-crossed him by handing him to the Rosatto Bros. on a silver platter.
This after putting up much resistance about trusting neither the Rosatto's nor Hyman Roth.

In the end, Frankie's instincts were absolutely right.

The good news is Frankie understood exactly what he had done and knew there was no other way. Incredibly, he did choose his fate over a protected life in the Army Barracks after seeing his brother. It proved that the life he'd chosen was the only one for him...and he could not have survived any other way.

Man, I'm beginning to appreciate Frank Pentangelli more & more with every viewing!!!

Apple

Yes, you are correct. But that does NOT give him the right, within the parameters of a mobster's life of course, to turn rat. If your boss decides that you must go, and you find out, you either run away and hide or try to take him out. But you don't turn rat. This is the code that they are supposed to live by. And Frankie realized it after seeing his brother, when it was too late for him of course, and as you said decided that he would not rat but instead live a life of solitary with the authorities. But the boss could never let him get away with even attempting to turn rat, even if he changed his mind at those hearings. It would have shown weakness on the part of the Corleones had they let Frankie live.


Don Cardi

I agree that every Pantengelli scene makes compelling viewing, but only as comic relief; I don't see the "everyman" description as compelling.

GF II was only half a movie without him. But his impact was like the serious, strict teacher at school cracking a joke. Everyone laughed at its rarity and spectacle, but his appeal is only present in the context of the trilogy.

Comic relief, yes. "Everyman"? No.

Frankie was more than comic relief. He was tragic as well. Look how he ended up. He is one of my favorite characters in all three movies.

True, which is the reason I first wondered if he really HAD to die and then surmized that after what he did, even considering the circumstances, yes, he did. There was no other way and he knew it.

An indication of how hopeless Frankie knew the situation was, even before laying eyes on his brother at the hearings...was when he stated his life wouldn't be 'worth a nickel' after testifying. He also lamented that Michael did not plead the Fifth Amendment even though he had been assured that that would happen.

Frankie knew. He knew.

Apple

I'm jonesing on some Frankie Pentangeli right about now too. Loved that guy. Also love how he wasn't to uppity to drink from a garden hose. Nice touch.