Apart from singing, Martino played the role of Johnny Fontane in the 1972 film The Godfather, as well as singing the film's theme, "Speak Softly Love". Martino had been told about the character by a friend who had read the eponymous novel and felt Martino represented the character of Johnny Fontane.

Who turned down the role of Johnny Fontane?

Damone eventually declined the role because of a salary dispute and also because he did not want to provoke the mob or anger Frank Sinatra, whom Damone profoundly respected. Ultimately, the part of Johnny Fontane was given to Martino.

What did Frank Sinatra think of Johnny Fontane?

Frank Sinatra had a grudge against The Godfather due to the character Johnny Fontane, whom he felt was a commentary on his own career.

Who was the singer supposed to be in The Godfather?

Johnny Fontane is based on Frank Sinatra, who is believed to have used his mob connections to gain a part in From Here To Eternity. Incidentally, the actor he replaced was Eli Wallach, who later played Don Altobello, a role written for Sinatra.

Who is Johnny Fontane modeled after in The Godfather?

The novel also includes many allusions to real-life mobsters and their associates. For example, Johnny Fontane is based on Frank Sinatra, and Moe Greene on Bugsy Siegel. In addition, the character of Vito Corleone was a composite of real-life organized crime bosses Frank Costello and Carlo Gambino.

The Godfather - Johnny Fontane

Was Johnny Fontaine really based on Frank Sinatra?

In real life, Sinatra reportedly believed that the book's drunken, philandering lounge singer Johnny Fontaine was based on him. Puzo long denied that Fontaine was anything but a fictional character, but the portrayal rubbed Ol' Blue Eyes the wrong way.

Who turned down Godfather?

Warren Beatty was offered the chance to direct, produce and star as Michael but turned it down. {Can you imagine Warren Beatty directing the Godfather?) Dustin Hoffman and Jack Nicholson both turned down the role of Michael. There were many actors considered for role of Michael.

Who was supposed to play Sonny Corleone?

Anthony Perkins not only auditioned for Sonny, but also for Tom Hagen. Originally Caan was to be cast as the main character Michael Corleone (Sonny's youngest brother), while Carmine Caridi was signed as Sonny. However Coppola demanded that the role of Michael be played by Al Pacino instead.

Who was meant to play Mary Corleone?

Sofia Coppola, the daughter of director Francis Ford Coppola, was cast in the role of Mary Corleone after several choices dropped out: Winona Ryder discontinued her involvement with the film due to nervous exhaustion, Julia Roberts due to scheduling conflicts, and Madonna was deemed too old for the part by some.

Who was supposed to be cast as Michael Corleone?

Numerous actors, many of whom were bankable stars, were considered to play Michael. From Jack Nicholson to Warren Beatty and Robert Redford, some of Hollywood's biggest stars were either offered the role or turned it down. Coppola held out for Pacino, but Paramount made a move to cast James Caan as Michael.

Who was originally cast as Johnny Fontane?

The popular singer was originally cast as the Sinatra-esque Johnny Fontane. He dropped out, attributing his pride in being Italian, though he would later state that it was all about the money. The Fontane role is much, much bigger in Mario Puzo's source material.

Did Frank Sinatra really try to stop The Godfather from being made?

Regardless of Frank Sinatra's protests and attempts to block its production, as dramatized in The Offer, there was nothing he could really do to prevent The Godfather movies from being made.

Who killed Sonny Corleone?

Sonny being shot by Barzini hitmen.

Who was the first choice to play Vito Corleone?

Despite Francis Ford Coppola's obsession with the famed actor, Marlon Brando was far from studio's first choice to play Vito Corleone. Rather, they wanted nearly anyone else, considering other well-regarded actors such as George C. Scott, Anthony Quinn and Ernest Borgnine.

What role did Jack Nicholson turn down in The Godfather?

Nicholson Felt He Was the Wrong Choice to Play Michael Corleone.

How old was Al Pacino when he starred in The Godfather?

Al Pacino was 31 when he played Michael Corleone in The Godfather, but the character was only 25. In The Godfather Part III, Pacino was 49 while the character, Michael Corleone, was 59 years old.

Who is Connie Corleone based on?

Constanzia "Connie" Corleone is a fictional character from ''The Godfather'' by Mario Puzo. In the Godfather films, Connie is portrayed by Talia Shire, the sister of director Francis Ford Coppola. [close] Constanzia "Connie" Corleone is a fictional character from ''The Godfather'' by Mario Puzo.

Who killed Mary Corleone?

At the opera house during Anthony's performance, three of Vincent's men search for Mosca, but he overcomes them. After the show, on the opera house steps as they leave, Mosca shoots at Michael, wounding him; a second bullet hits Mary, killing her. Vincent shoots and kills Mosca.

Who is Connie Corleone in real life?

Talia Rose Shire (née Coppola; born April 25, 1946) is an American actress, best known for her roles as Connie Corleone in The Godfather trilogy and Adrianna Pennino Balboa in the Rocky series.

Did Michael regret killing Fredo?

He is also mentioned many times throughout the film; the dialogue makes it clear that Michael is tormented with guilt over ordering his brother's death, and that it has alienated him from his ex-wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), and his son, Anthony (Franc D'Ambrosio), both of whom know the truth about Fredo's death.

Did Michael Corleone love Apollonia?

Even when they walk together and she briefly stumbles, Michael catching her can be seen as a metaphor for exercising control. Later, in The Godfather Part III, Michael has a flashback about Apollonia. While he states that he loved her, it isn't clear if that is actually an honest admission.

Why did Fredo betray Michael?

Fredo's decision is most likely a result of resentment toward Michael, by whom he felt he had been passed over. Michael was Fredo's "kid brother," and the fact that their father chose for Michael to take over the "family business" came as a great insult to Fredo, who was neither as intelligent nor as strong.

Who is the real villain in The Godfather?

Emilio "The Wolf" Barzini is a fictional character and the main antagonist in Mario Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather and in its 1972 film adaptation, in which he is portrayed by Richard Conte. The Barzini crime family was inspired by the Genovese crime family.

Who was Jack Nicholson going to play in The Godfather?

He believed Chinatown and The Last Detail had stronger scripts than The Godfather and The Sting. Although initially interested in playing Michael Corleone, Nicholson felt he was the wrong choice for the role.

Who was originally cast as Luca Brasi?

Lenny Montana(1926-1992)

Tall and solidly built, this Italian-American professional wrestler turned actor was born Lenny Passaforo in Brooklyn, New York, and is best remembered for his first on-screen role as the not too bright but ever loyal bodyguard Luca Brasi in.