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