The Godfather Quotes

The Godfather Overview

Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, a chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. When organized crime family patriarch, Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael steps in to take care of the would

  • A man sends well wishes to his host on his daughter’s wedding day, hoping for a male grandchild.

A man sends well wishes to his host on his daughter's wedding day, hoping for a male grandchild.

  • A character named Sal asks for help to be released from a difficult situation due to past business dealings. However, Michael Corleone confronts Sal for his betrayal, accuses him of working with enemies, and ultimately banishes him from the family, sending him away on a plane to Las Vegas.

A character named Sal asks for help to be released from a difficult situation due to past business dealings. However, Michael Corleone confronts Sal for his betrayal, accuses him of working with enemies, and ultimately banishes him from the family, sending him away on a plane to Las Vegas.

  • A man permits questioning about his affairs but denies the truth. They decide to have a drink together, recognizing the need for one.

A man permits questioning about his affairs but denies the truth. They decide to have a drink together, recognizing the need for one.

  • A man seeks financial and political support from Don Corleone, offering a business partnership involving drugs. Don declines, citing the risks and his loyalty to his family. Despite initial tension, they part ways amicably. Don warns against sharing thoughts outside the family, referring to a message from his son.

A man seeks financial and political support from Don Corleone, offering a business partnership involving drugs. Don declines, citing the risks and his loyalty to his family. Despite initial tension, they part ways amicably. Don warns against sharing thoughts outside the family, referring to a message from his son.

  • A heated exchange occurs between two men over a casino and hotel business deal. The Corleone family is involved in negotiations, leading to tensions and accusations. Ultimately, the discussion turns personal with references to past actions and family loyalty. It culminates in a request for a godfather role for a new family member.

A heated exchange occurs between two men over a casino and hotel business deal. The Corleone family is involved in negotiations, leading to tensions and accusations. Ultimately, the discussion turns personal with references to past actions and family loyalty. It culminates in a request for a godfather role for a new family member.

  • Barzini’s encroachment worries the characters, but plans to protect themselves are discussed. Permission to form a new family is granted after a move to Nevada in six months. Loyalty is stressed, and a change in roles within the family is mentioned. Some characters are excluded from future actions for specific reasons.

Barzini's encroachment worries the characters, but plans to protect themselves are discussed. Permission to form a new family is granted after a move to Nevada in six months. Loyalty is stressed, and a change in roles within the family is mentioned. Some characters are excluded from future actions for specific reasons.

  • Don Corleone expresses gratitude for the invite to the wedding, wishes for a grandson, pledges loyalty, and thanks his valued friend Luca for the bride’s purse.

Don Corleone expresses gratitude for the invite to the wedding, wishes for a grandson, pledges loyalty, and thanks his valued friend Luca for the bride's purse.

  • Two characters share a brief, heartfelt exchange. One expresses love and the fear of losing the other, and the other offers advice on expressing feelings. The moment reflects a deep bond and the importance of seizing opportunities to connect with loved ones.

Two characters share a brief, heartfelt exchange. One expresses love and the fear of losing the other, and the other offers advice on expressing feelings. The moment reflects a deep bond and the importance of seizing opportunities to connect with loved ones.

  • A man demands two skilled individuals to ensure a successful assassination. He emphasizes the importance of the job being done competently to avoid any mishaps. The urgency to act swiftly is highlighted as plans are made to carry out the task.

A man demands two skilled individuals to ensure a successful assassination. He emphasizes the importance of the job being done competently to avoid any mishaps. The urgency to act swiftly is highlighted as plans are made to carry out the task.

  • A woman questions her partner’s beliefs in power and responsibility, highlighting the naivete in believing powerful men don’t resort to violence. The partner asserts that their father, a powerful figure, acknowledges his outdated methods and the shift in power dynamics.

A woman questions her partner's beliefs in power and responsibility, highlighting the naivete in believing powerful men don't resort to violence. The partner asserts that their father, a powerful figure, acknowledges his outdated methods and the shift in power dynamics.

  • A man asks for a movie role for his friend, promising to solve Woltz’s problems. Woltz refuses and threatens him. The man calmly asserts his power and leaves, showing his admiration for Woltz’s possessions before exiting.

A man asks for a movie role for his friend, promising to solve Woltz's problems. Woltz refuses and threatens him. The man calmly asserts his power and leaves, showing his admiration for Woltz's possessions before exiting.

  • A man expresses his regret for seeking justice from the law. He narrates how the criminals were released, prompting him to approach Don Corleone for help. Don questions why he didn’t seek his aid earlier, showing willingness to assist after years of acquaintance but feeling slighted by the delayed request.

A man expresses his regret for seeking justice from the law. He narrates how the criminals were released, prompting him to approach Don Corleone for help. Don questions why he didn't seek his aid earlier, showing willingness to assist after years of acquaintance but feeling slighted by the delayed request.

  • A discussion about a cop involved in drugs, a plan for retaliation, and ensuring no fingerprints are left. Talks of media involvement and the importance of separating personal feelings from business decisions. Testing a gun with a special trigger and addressing concerns about noise.

A discussion about a cop involved in drugs, a plan for retaliation, and ensuring no fingerprints are left. Talks of media involvement and the importance of separating personal feelings from business decisions. Testing a gun with a special trigger and addressing concerns about noise.

  • A discussion about a powerful figure known as The Turk, involved in narcotics business in Turkey and Sicily, seeking cash and police protection in exchange for a share of profits. The group debates the lucrative potential of narcotics compared to other illicit activities and the risks it poses for their own operations.

A discussion about a powerful figure known as The Turk, involved in narcotics business in Turkey and Sicily, seeking cash and police protection in exchange for a share of profits. The group debates the lucrative potential of narcotics compared to other illicit activities and the risks it poses for their own operations.

  • One person questions the meaning of a fish in their bed, a reference to someone’s death. The conversation shifts to plans for the evening’s return home.

One person questions the meaning of a fish in their bed, a reference to someone's death. The conversation shifts to plans for the evening's return home.

  • A character expresses disbelief in another’s claim of innocence as it insults their intelligence and evokes anger. They demand to know who made the initial contact.

A character expresses disbelief in another's claim of innocence as it insults their intelligence and evokes anger. They demand to know who made the initial contact.

  • Belief in past power shifts to present reality. Friendliness requires compliance. Access to influential figures must be shared. Payment is expected for favors. Clarification that the speaker is not a Communist.

Belief in past power shifts to present reality. Friendliness requires compliance. Access to influential figures must be shared. Payment is expected for favors. Clarification that the speaker is not a Communist.

  • During a meeting with the Tattaglia group, the topic of drug middlemen’s backgrounds arises. It’s suggested to mention but not insist on clean records. Barzini is deemed astute enough to understand without explicit instruction. It is revealed that Barzini was behind everything all along.

During a meeting with the Tattaglia group, the topic of drug middlemen's backgrounds arises. It's suggested to mention but not insist on clean records. Barzini is deemed astute enough to understand without explicit instruction. It is revealed that Barzini was behind everything all along.

  • One character questions the value of seeking vengeance, suggesting it won’t bring back their loved ones. The other character expresses willingness to forego seeking vengeance for the loss of their son.

One character questions the value of seeking vengeance, suggesting it won't bring back their loved ones. The other character expresses willingness to forego seeking vengeance for the loss of their son.

  • A man seeks his boss’s favor for a film role, lamenting a missed opportunity. The protagonist panics, seeking advice from his godfather, who chastises his weakness and promises to make an irresistible offer. The godfather urges him to prioritize family and entrusts him to handle the situation.

A man seeks his boss's favor for a film role, lamenting a missed opportunity. The protagonist panics, seeking advice from his godfather, who chastises his weakness and promises to make an irresistible offer. The godfather urges him to prioritize family and entrusts him to handle the situation.

  • A man refuses a favor to Johnny Fontane due to a personal grudge. He believes the singer ruined a valuable protégé’s career and plans to sabotage Fontane’s opportunities in the entertainment industry as revenge. The refusal creates tension and signifies a deeper conflict.

A man refuses a favor to Johnny Fontane due to a personal grudge. He believes the singer ruined a valuable protégé's career and plans to sabotage Fontane's opportunities in the entertainment industry as revenge. The refusal creates tension and signifies a deeper conflict.

  • Someone values important information highly, but the speaker warns that revealing it could endanger the daughter’s safety. Despite the risk, the speaker expresses a desire to meet the daughter.

Someone values important information highly, but the speaker warns that revealing it could endanger the daughter's safety. Despite the risk, the speaker expresses a desire to meet the daughter.

  • A character plans to plant a weapon for revenge and is advised against killing a police captain. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of getting close to the target. Another person reminds that it’s business and not personal. The morality of killing a cop is questioned.

A character plans to plant a weapon for revenge and is advised against killing a police captain. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of getting close to the target. Another person reminds that it's business and not personal. The morality of killing a cop is questioned.

  • A character expresses dislike for violence and emphasizes being a businessman, implying that bloodshed is costly. Another character marvels at a person surviving being shot five times, highlighting a strong resilience.

A character expresses dislike for violence and emphasizes being a businessman, implying that bloodshed is costly. Another character marvels at a person surviving being shot five times, highlighting a strong resilience.

  • Carlo is warned not to touch the speaker’s sister or face consequences. The speaker, surprised to see Kay, advises her to make a call.

Carlo is warned not to touch the speaker's sister or face consequences. The speaker, surprised to see Kay, advises her to make a call.

  • Two fathers discuss the consequences of seeking vengeance for their lost sons. One father decides to forego vengeance for his son’s return, opting for a safer resolution to clear his youngest son of false charges so he can return to the country.

Two fathers discuss the consequences of seeking vengeance for their lost sons. One father decides to forego vengeance for his son's return, opting for a safer resolution to clear his youngest son of false charges so he can return to the country.

  • A man is informed to leave the gun and take the cannoli. Another person greets him by saying, “Hey Mike” and then affectionately adds, “Hey Mikey”.

A man is informed to leave the gun and take the cannoli. Another person greets him by saying, "Hey Mike" and then affectionately adds, "Hey Mikey".

  • A man refuses to engage in illegal drug trade, preferring a legitimate business approach to protect his city and its values. He emphasizes the need to maintain respectability, avoid selling to children, and keep the activities away from schools, specifically targeting certain groups for distribution.

A man refuses to engage in illegal drug trade, preferring a legitimate business approach to protect his city and its values. He emphasizes the need to maintain respectability, avoid selling to children, and keep the activities away from schools, specifically targeting certain groups for distribution.

  • A man survives being shot five times, causing concern for the speaker’s luck. Failure to reach a deal will be unfortunate for both parties involved.

A man survives being shot five times, causing concern for the speaker's luck. Failure to reach a deal will be unfortunate for both parties involved.

  • A discussion revolves around a plan to eliminate someone. Details about orchestrating the act are shared, emphasizing the need to act swiftly and remain calm. Anticipation of repercussions and the importance of strategic decisions are highlighted, concluding with the mention of a negotiator’s role in the situation.

A discussion revolves around a plan to eliminate someone. Details about orchestrating the act are shared, emphasizing the need to act swiftly and remain calm. Anticipation of repercussions and the importance of strategic decisions are highlighted, concluding with the mention of a negotiator's role in the situation.

  • A man asks about an eye issue, but denies any problem. Another insists on going somewhere to pick up his sister. A conflict arises, with apologies and pleas to avoid further trouble. The scene concludes with talk of betting on the Yankees and warning to stop taking action.

A man asks about an eye issue, but denies any problem. Another insists on going somewhere to pick up his sister. A conflict arises, with apologies and pleas to avoid further trouble. The scene concludes with talk of betting on the Yankees and warning to stop taking action.

  • A man named Tom is reluctant to leave work but attends a wedding, showing respect for Sicilian tradition. He is grateful for the honor of being invited to Don Corleone’s home.

A man named Tom is reluctant to leave work but attends a wedding, showing respect for Sicilian tradition. He is grateful for the honor of being invited to Don Corleone's home.

  • The war must end now. Bonasera is needed urgently. Tom Hagen contacts Vito Corleone for a favor. The Don expects repayment at the funeral parlor in an hour. A distressed man vows to avenge his son and requests help in hiding the truth. Fabrizio is called upon for a task.

The war must end now. Bonasera is needed urgently. Tom Hagen contacts Vito Corleone for a favor. The Don expects repayment at the funeral parlor in an hour. A distressed man vows to avenge his son and requests help in hiding the truth. Fabrizio is called upon for a task.

  • A character advises to return home and wait for a call, mentioning the importance of the message. Plans to travel to Brooklyn are discussed with concern about arrangements. A character seeks forgiveness for an undisclosed issue. Another character misunderstands a situation involving a person named Mike.

A character advises to return home and wait for a call, mentioning the importance of the message. Plans to travel to Brooklyn are discussed with concern about arrangements. A character seeks forgiveness for an undisclosed issue. Another character misunderstands a situation involving a person named Mike.

  • A man expresses concerns about judges sending gifts and is excited to see someone attending the wedding. The visitor is seen as a good godson despite being in trouble before, and the guests request a song from him.

A man expresses concerns about judges sending gifts and is excited to see someone attending the wedding. The visitor is seen as a good godson despite being in trouble before, and the guests request a song from him.

  • A man assures another to rest while he takes charge and stays by his side. Urging to stay alert, he signals to act as if armed.

A man assures another to rest while he takes charge and stays by his side. Urging to stay alert, he signals to act as if armed.

  • Two long-time acquaintances have a tense conversation about respect and loyalty. The speaker reminds the other of their lack of genuine friendship and expresses disappointment at being asked for a favor without proper respect. The speaker hints at potential future requests for assistance.

Two long-time acquaintances have a tense conversation about respect and loyalty. The speaker reminds the other of their lack of genuine friendship and expresses disappointment at being asked for a favor without proper respect. The speaker hints at potential future requests for assistance.

  • A group of men talk about policy banks in Harlem making profits. The father advises not to discuss business in front of the children. One man expresses a desire to contribute more to the family. Another man interrupts and tells his son not to interfere. The dialogue ends with someone calling for a ride.

A group of men talk about policy banks in Harlem making profits. The father advises not to discuss business in front of the children. One man expresses a desire to contribute more to the family. Another man interrupts and tells his son not to interfere. The dialogue ends with someone calling for a ride.

  • A man discusses the Barzini business with another person, emphasizing the importance of not being careless. He acknowledges that women and children can be careless, but men should not. The conversation then shifts to a boy who resembles one of the men more each day.

A man discusses the Barzini business with another person, emphasizing the importance of not being careless. He acknowledges that women and children can be careless, but men should not. The conversation then shifts to a boy who resembles one of the men more each day.

  • A father discusses his concerns with his son about ensuring the safety of their family. The son reassures him that he can handle the situation, but the father expresses regret about the path his son is taking. Despite his efforts, the father hopes his son will eventually take charge.

A father discusses his concerns with his son about ensuring the safety of their family. The son reassures him that he can handle the situation, but the father expresses regret about the path his son is taking. Despite his efforts, the father hopes his son will eventually take charge.

  • A warning is given about a traitor who may come with information about a meeting with Barzini. The instruction is to remember this warning and place it discreetly by the tree. It concludes with a casual question about watering plants.

A warning is given about a traitor who may come with information about a meeting with Barzini. The instruction is to remember this warning and place it discreetly by the tree. It concludes with a casual question about watering plants.

  • A character contemplates a threat from Barzini to set up a meeting under false pretenses, leading to assassination. The character reflects on increased wine consumption.

A character contemplates a threat from Barzini to set up a meeting under false pretenses, leading to assassination. The character reflects on increased wine consumption.

  • A heated discussion occurs where characters express their loyalty to the Corleone family amidst threats and strategic planning. Sonny insists on direct action against their enemies, while others caution on the consequences. Michael prepares to take drastic measures, leading to tension and ethical dilemmas within the family.

A heated discussion occurs where characters express their loyalty to the Corleone family amidst threats and strategic planning. Sonny insists on direct action against their enemies, while others caution on the consequences. Michael prepares to take drastic measures, leading to tension and ethical dilemmas within the family.