Is it when he kills Don Fannucci or Ciccio. Your thoughts

Fannucci. He clearly earns the respect of Clemenza and Tessio, and takes his place as The Don.

Thats just two people and they wouldnt do anything to Fannucci. Plus, he got more respect from other Dons in Sicily for killing Ciccio.

The title, "Don," is one of respect and could be conferred on him by anyone at any time. The first time in Vito's life that we see him called "Don" is in the scene where Sr. Roberto comes calling, humbly, at the Genco Olive Oil Co. to tell him that Sra. Columbo can stay in her apartment. That's after he kills Fanucci but before he goes to Sicily to kill Ciccio.

Hi!

Right, and there's a short extra scene on the DVD bonus disk where Sr. Roberto asks Vito's men where he could find "Don Corleone". This scene would come immediately before the one with the door that wouldn't open. The introduction text to this scene asserts that chronologically this would be the earliest occasion of this expression being used.

However, it's not clear whether Sr. Roberto decided to address Don Vito so respectfully by himself or was advised to do so by his neighbors and relations whom he asked, following Vito's own suggestion, about reputation of this young persuasive fellow.

Now, when he became the "Don" in the sense of a head of an evolved criminal organization is open to question, too. I'd suggest that it was a process that started with the killing of Fanucci, continued by burning trucks and spilling supplies of the competitors, and was about to be complete when the Genco Olive Oil trucks started to run molasses from Canada - notably, on other people's proposition.

Best regards.

Alexander

Fear was certainly a factor in Sr. Roberto's demeanor. You wonder how he maintained sphincter control during that scene.
But young Vito provides a marvelous little irony for this thread: Sr. Roberto comes humbly before him and says, "Don Vito..." Smirking Vito replies, "Don Roberto..." It's as if to say, "Oh, you finally figured out that I'm a Man of Respect, eh? Well, here's a little sarcasm for you, you cheap slumlord."
There was a parallel of sorts in real life. Charlie Luciano, after he formed the Commission, invited his boyhood chum and valued adviser, Meyer Lansky, to counsel the Commission. Vito Genovese, who was then subordinate to Luciano, objected that Lansky wasn't even Italian. Luciano replied to the effect, "Don't think you're such a bigshot, Don Vitone" [emphasis in original].

Hi!

True enough. At the same time, note how Vito, while he visibly enjoys the effect, does not really insult his guest - instead, by exquisitely polite words and dignified manner, he makes this scared man yet another admirer of his strength.

Magnanimity is a true sign of greatness.

Best regards.

Alexander

He becomes 'Don' after killing Fanucci. You can see it even before Senor Roberto's groveling scene.

When Vito attempts to pay for oranges at the fruit stand, the vendor refuses to accept & he says..if there's something I can do for you, come see me.

When the widow comes to see him in the first place, asking him to talk w/ Senor Roberto about her eviction. He would have been in no position to help her prior to Fanucci's death.


When Vito suggests to the skeptical Roberto to ask around the neighborhood about him.

It's all there plain to see. Though Roberto may be the first to actually refer to Vito as 'Don', he is elevated to that position and earns the appropriate respect the moment he has killed Fanucci.

I don't think he would have had the ability to sail to Italy to take care of Ciccio before any of this happened.

Apple

Yes, and it's brilliant touches like that one--thousands of them in the Trilogy--that make the Trilogy worth watching thousands of times.

That's a good point, Apple! He not only had to consolidate his physical/political situation before settling with Ciccio, he really also had to develop enough character (restraint, realism, ruthlessness) before putting that chapter of his life finally and completely behind him.

this is the one i would agree with.all good points.Turnbulls is good points too.

Loving the inpute on this. Keep it coming. Personally I believe he becomes the "Don" after Ciccio for a three reasons. He has already helped the widow(like a senator or president watching out for other people), earning respect from his peers killing Fannucci), and avenging, not 1, not 2, but 3 personal insults to him(the killing of his family and then killing Ciccio).

mafioso: to make oneself respected; to be strong enough to avenge yourself for any insult to your person, or any extension of it, and to offer any such insult to your enemies
--Pino Arlacchi

Had Vito not already taken care of Fanucci, something no one before him had the guts/brains to do...the widow would have had no reason to come to him for help with her situation. Before Fanucci's death, Vito was just another guy selling stolen dresses on the streets.

Also...note Vito's dress and demeanor when the woman comes to see him - AND when he approaches Signor Roberto. Vast difference from earlier scenes.

Apple

I go along with Apple here. Funnucci's murder was the beginning of Vito's reign as Don. Good point too with his demeanor change! At the time of Signor Roberto's visit, Vito had a new sense of confidence it seemed.


TIS

Just switch the first thing with the second.