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Why would the hitman say "Michael Corleone says hello", if Frank Pentangeli was supposed to die?

posted 3 years ago by TMC-4 (19416)
2 replies | jump to latest

As we all know, it's a botched attempt, because the cop walks in the bar, and everything goes to hell and a hand basket. This results in FP surviving, but hearing those last words, he thought Michael ordered the hit on him. This leads to FP deciding to testify against Michael, feeling betrayed.

It seemed to have made the story fit, as since the hit is botched, they've now turned FP on Michael. Was this planned? It seemed too convenient that the statement and the botched hit worked out so well.

[–] onemanarmy82 (1764) 3 years ago

Personally, I don’t think the intention was to kill Frank. Killing Frank would start a war. The Rosatos work for Roth who own Senator Questadt of the Senate committee that is looking to lock up Michael. They want Frank to think Michael wants him dead so he’ll be convinced to testify against Michael. That would also benefit Roth.

IRL, the bar scene is modeled after Larry Gallo....Crazy Joe’s brother in August, 1961. The Gallos were at war with the Profacis and Carmine Persico played both sides until he decided the Profacis would benefit him more. So, Persico set up a meeting in a Brooklyn bar and attempted to strangle Larry but, a cop happened to walk in and stop the strangling.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5960) 3 years ago

Yes, planned to get Michael in trouble.