The Godfather Trilogy 1901-1980 -

At the Teatro Massimo, Anthony performs in Cavalleria Rusticana . Michael watches from a balcony. He has planned to finish the Vatican deal, then retire. But assassins come: a poisoned cannoli for Don Altobello; a machine pistol for the new Don, Michael’s nephew Vincent. Vincent survives. Mary, stepping into the gunfire, does not.

The cardinal: “Then you are not beyond hope. But you will suffer.” the godfather trilogy 1901-1980

He falls among dry leaves. Dust.

Vito builds an olive oil empire, a legal front for gambling and protection. He returns to Sicily, finds Don Ciccio old and blind, and slits his belly open on the anniversary of his mother’s death. He adopts the orphaned Tom Hagen. His youngest son, Michael, watches all this but says nothing. Michael goes to college, enlists in the Marines, and returns a war hero in 1945. At the Teatro Massimo, Anthony performs in Cavalleria

Behind him: a stray dog. Above him: a string of withered tomatoes. But assassins come: a poisoned cannoli for Don

Kay miscarries. She leaves him, taking the children. 1960s–70s. Michael tries to legitimize the Corleone empire. He buys into a Vatican-controlled real estate conglomerate, Immobiliare. He donates $100 million to the Church. The Pope, a frail reformer, is persuaded—but the Archbishop Gilday is corrupt, and a banker named Keinszig is a thief. Michael’s old enemy, Don Altobello, smiles and plots.

In the bathroom, Michael retrieves a planted revolver. He returns, sits, listens to Sollozzo’s peace terms—then shoots both men in the head. He drops the gun. His hand does not tremble.