THE GODFATHER - Michael Corleone vs Moe Greene

Moe Greene is a fictional character appearing in Mario Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather and the first installment of the The Godfather trilogy of films, in which he was portrayed by actor Alex Rocco. Greene's character is heavily based on real-life gangster Bugsy Siegel. Formerly one of Murder, Inc.'s top killers, Greene is credited with helping turn Las Vegas into an international gambling and entertainment destination, bringing the interests of the world's most powerful organized crime organizations to the town. Among these is Don Vito Corleone, who bankrolled the creation of Greene's first hotel-casino. In return, Greene takes the Don's son Fredo under his wing during the war between the Five Families in New York. Although Fredo is greatly influenced by the city and Greene, family heir Michael Corleone disapproves of the effect on his brother, whom Greene abuses in public. At a meeting with Greene, Michael expresses his disapproval and makes a stern offer to buy out Greene's entire interest in the casino as part of the Corleone's relocation to Nevada. Offended, Greene angrily refuses, claiming that the Corleones have neither the favor nor the muscle required to drive him out of the business. In the film, Greene belittles Michael's credentials as a crime boss, saying, "I'm Moe Greene. I made my bones when you were going out with cheerleaders!" In return, Michael has him murdered, although the method differs between the book and the film.

View Count: 0 Date: January 21, 2012