The Godfather and The Godfather II: Fredo’s Compromise and Betrayal.

I’m going to go back and forth a bit, to break down a few things in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic “The Godfather” trilogy. However, the focus will remain on the first two films. We will see Michael’s unanticipated rise to power, and the demise of both his older brother’s Sonny and Fredo.

Moe Green… that guy was a character. No matter how loud he got, Moe knew he was in deep. Michael Corleone and associates, walk into his casino/hotel, and tell him about his business. Moe’s ranting, was nothing more than being bent up, about Michael’s pep talk, and instructions on what to do next.

A lot had happened, within a short amount of time. Michael made his bones. There were changes being made, within the family, along with their interests. Moe Green didn’t seem to be aware of that, until now. Things started sinking in, quickly… the moment Moe Green stormed out of the room.

Fredo wasn’t a punk, like many were lead to believe. We know that he wasn’t the sharpest. Fredo couldn’t stand being the older brother, who was passed up for the throne. Fredo was nothing like Sonny, and certainly not like Michael.

Don Corleone wanted things to occur in that manner. But, not because he wanted this for his family’s American dream. Don Corleone didn’t want this type of life, for his family. After Don Corleone found out his son Michael had begun participating in the family war games, he was clearly disappointed.

The Don was in bed, recovering from being shot. Michael had what it took, to run the family. He was calm, collected, and quiet. He had military experience, and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

Fredo’s psyche took a nose dive with all of that. Remember when Don Corlene got shot up? Fredo is seen fumbling for his pistol… Fredo knew he messed up. But, still… he was the big brother, now. Deep down, he knew that alone wouldn’t qualify him to run the family. Fredo is always shown to be on edge. He consumed a great amount of liquor, and smoked many cigarettes. Fredo’s nerves were wrecked.

One of my favorite scenes, is when Fredo’s girlfriend starts acting out. He gave the green light to have the henchman collect his girlfriend, and carry her off. Fredo couldn’t control his belligerent girlfriend, in front of his own family.

The other players in the underworld, they seen how Fredo was.

Going back to the first film, the oppositions played Sonny, due to his hot temper and erratic behavior. He was also chastised by Don Corleone (his father) about telling people outside the family, what he’s thinking. Sonny slipped up in the meeting, regarding the possibility of Don Corleone’s family engaging in narcotics distribution with Sollozzo.

This ultimately led to the assassination attempt on Don Corleone.

The players in the underworld, also played Fredo. They pressed him. This is why they fandangled Fredo with possible career advancement opportunities in the future. In the scene where Michael confronts Fredo about his involvement with Hymen Roth…

he yell’s at Michael that “they” said that there would be something in it for him (something Fredo could claim as his own, without having to be under someone).

That was Fredo’s rationale for siding against the family, and seeking out his own way. Michael had warned Fredo about the Moe Green thing, once. I don’t think Fredo truly thought about what his actions would cause, for his family. He was a liability for his family’s existence. Fredo had to go, but was allowed to remain alive for the meantime.

Once the matriarch of the family passed away (Mama), it was time for Fredo to go. That scene on the boat, was crazy.