Johnny Fontane Quotes in The Godfather (1972)

Johnny Fontane: [discussing his problems] I don't know what to do, Godfather. My voice is weak, it's weak. Anyway, if I had this part in the picture, it puts me right back on top, you know. But this... this man out there. He won't give it to me, the head of the studio.

Don Corleone: What's his name?

Don Corleone: Woltz. He said there's no chance, no chance...

[Meanwhile, Hagen finds Sonny and summons him]

Johnny Fontane: A month ago he bought the rights to this book, a best seller. The main character is a guy just like me. I wouldn't even have to act, just be myself. Oh, Godfather, I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do...

[All of a sudden, Don Corleone rises from his chair and gives Fontane a savage shake]

Don Corleone: YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN!

[gives a quick slap to Fontane]

Don Corleone: What's the matter with you? Is this what you've become, a Hollywood finocchio who cries like a woman? "Oh, what do I do? What do I do?" What is that nonsense? Ridiculous!

[the Don's unexpected mimicry makes Hagen and even Fontane laugh; around this time Sonny comes in]

Don Corleone: Tell me, do you spend time with your family?

Johnny Fontane: Sure I do.

Don Corleone: Good. Because a man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man.

[gives a quick look at Sonny and affectionately embraces Fontane]

Don Corleone: You look terrible. I want you to eat, I want you to rest well. And a month from now this Hollywood big shot's gonna give you what you want.

Johnny Fontane: Too late. They start shooting in a week.

Don Corleone: I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. Okay? I want you to leave it all to me. Go on, go back to the party.

[a gratified Fontane leaves]

Michael: Fredo, who are the girls?

Fredo: That's for you to find out.

Michael: Get rid of them, Fredo.

Fredo: Hey, Mike, uh...

Michael: I'm here on business I leave tomorrow now get rid of them. Come on, I'm tired. Get rid of the band, too.

[Fredo chases everyone out of the room]

Michael: What happened to Moe Greene?

Fredo: He had business. He said give him a call. Once the party started.

Michael: Well, give him a call. Hello, Johnny.

Johnny Fontane: Mike, it's nice to see you again.

Michael: We're all proud of you. Sit down, Johnny, I want to talk to you. The Don's proud of you, too.

Johnny Fontane: Well, I owe it all to him.

Michael: He knows how grateful you are. That's why he'd like to ask a favor.

Johnny Fontane: Mike, what can I do?

Michael: The Corleone family is thinking of giving up all of its interest in the olive oil business, settling out here. Now Moe Greene will sell us his share of the hotel and the casino so that it can be completely owned by the family. Tom.

[Hagen hands Michael some papers]

Fredo: Hey, Mike, are you sure about that? I mean, Moe, loves the business. He never said anything to me about sellin'.

Michael: I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. You see, Johnny, we feel that entertainment is going to be a big factor in drawing gamblers into the casinos. We're hoping that you'll sign a contract agreeing to appear 5 times a year. Perhaps convince some of your friends in the movies to do the same. We're counting on you, Johnny.

Johnny Fontane: Sure, Mike, I'll do anything for my Godfather. You know that.

Michael: Good.

Moe Greene: Hey, Mike! Everybody's here. There's Tom. Freddie. Good to see you, Mike.

Michael: How are you, Moe?

Moe Greene: You got everything you need? The chef cooked for you special, the dancers will kick your tongue out and your credit is good. Draw chips for everyone in the room so they can play on the house.