I've always loved this scene when Signor Roberto comes groveling back to after asking around the neighborhood at Vito's suggestion.

One thing that mildly perplexed me was why Vito silently holds out until he not only lets the Signora Columbo stay (which was her only original plea)...but also gradually decreases the rent by $5 and then $10 AFTER returning the cash advance Vito had laid out. This would probably have been an enormous amount for Roberto to forfeit, especially after having gotten a $5 increase from what would've been the new tenant.

Call me slow...but it hit me just recently that it must simply be a power play on the part of Vito. By his silence he is stating in effect: " I tried to reason with you, you gave me a hard time, now you know who I am and what I can do, and it is YOU who will show respect, and furthermore, there better not be any trouble from you again...capiche, paisan???"

Vito's eventual 'Grazie' was an acceptance of Signor's terms and an agreement that the two had reached an understanding.

It is almost a replay of the earlier scene where Fanucci confronts Vito on the truck; only this time, Vito's role is substantially reversed and we see the vast contrast in the motives of the 'old' and 'new' Dons.

Cool stuff.

Apple

That scene was always my father's favorite, Apple. It is so full of humor and subtlety!! The actor who plays Signor Roberto is so very perfect in this relatively small role. At first, he is so very superior to Vito, although impressed by his wad of cash. After obviously checking Vito out, he is terrified to make the slight up to him. And you're right - Vito makes him pay in more ways than just the money!

The scene is hilarious. I always wondered if the fumbling of the lock was ad-libbed in that scene. Anyone know??

SB I believe that was a joke that Brando played on the actor by locking the door. I could be wrong though.

Except I would see no reason for Brando to even be on the premises...since this was a filming of a scene from a movie in which he did not even appear.

I would guess the lock fumbling was purposely staged and not ad-libbed, since the Genco character casually walks over to assist & has no problem opening the door. The whole thing aids in having Signor Roberto look even more foolish as he hopelessly tries to exit Vito's office with some small degree of dignity.

One joke Brando did play during The Godfather was to add weights to his stretcher for the scene where Vito is being brought up the stairs upon returning home from the hospital.

Apple

oh yeah Brando wouldn't have been there

Yes, that scene is marvelous from every angle. Another harbinger of things to come: Young Vito maintains Deadly Silence until Sr. Roberto comes down to his desired give-back, then he warmly shakes his hand, as if to say, "Gee, you're a warm-hearted guy." The stick, then the carrot. Never kick a man when he's down, as long as he did what you wanted.
DMC: It must have been a big joke on Brando's part. Since he wasn't in II, and refused to reappear for the flashback scene at the end, we can only conclude that he must have gotten back at FFC and Paramount by sneaking on the set when and locking the door when nobody was looking.

A kick in the teeth for anyone who suggests than Brando was a bad director!

Brando directed one film, "One-Eyed Jacks," and it was very good.

But IT WOULD'VE been HILARIOUS if Brando did wander onto the set just to play this practical joke.

This is vintage Vito Corleone. As we know he never asks for a favor twice, and once he is refused the only way to get off his "bad" list is to pay dearly. The tactic Vito used on that landlord, and Fanucci (as someone pointed out) is the same tactic he used on the bandleader and also on Woltz. Namely if they did not do what they asked at the price he offered, then they would later do it at a much higher price. Michael did the same thing to Sen Geary.

"Utmost reasonableness backed by murder..."

According to the audio commentary on the DVD, it is a joke, but it was FFC that played it on the actor.

Right!
Vito offered the bandleader $10,000 first time... bandleader refused... Vito went back next day with certified check for $1,000

Michael was willing to pay the $20,000 license fee with Geary... then he wasnt willing to pay anything

Yes, this is my assessment as well. I used to watch the movies with the commentary on all the time, but I cant figure out how to turn it on with my new DVD player :-| DOH!