The Godfather: Fredo Corleone’s 10 Best Quotes

In The Godfather trilogy, Fredo Corleone ranks low in popularity rankings because he is the black sheep of the family. He lacks the astuteness of his brothers and enjoys making merry rather than engaging in street warfare or setting up illegal enterprises like the rest of the mobsters. He makes himself even more detestable by betraying his brother Michael.

Even though Fredo cannot talk tough or talk numbers, he still has plenty of interesting things to say. His remarks mostly tend to be influenced by his numerous weaknesses. He either speaks out of frustration, fear, or a general lack of intelligence. Still, whatever he says leaves fans pondering it.

When Fredo Complains To Michael That He Should Have Been Boss

“I’m Smart, And I Want Respect!”

During a heart-to-heart chat with Michael, Fredo laments that he was stepped over for the position of Don. Michael counters by accurately reminding him that it’s what their father wanted, but Fredo goes on a rant, claiming everyone thinks he is dumb, hence they don’t respect him.

Fredo is right about being stepped over since he is older than Michael. After Sonny was brutally gunned down by Barzini’s hitmen at the Jones Beach Causeway, one of the best locations in The Godfather, Fredo was next in line to be boss. As such, Vito’s decision to groom Michael as his heir never sat well with the second-born Corleone. What he forgets is that respect is earned and intelligence (or a lack of it) can be seen by everyone. One doesn’t have to announce it.

When Michael Argues With Moe Greene

“Mike, You Don’t Come To Las Vegas And Talk To A Man Like Moe Greene Like That!”

Seeking to expand the family’s operations, Michael approaches the fictional Las Vegas founder Moe Greene with the offer to buy him out of all his casinos. Greene objects but Michael assures him he will be forced to sell. This shocks Fredo who is good friends with Greene and is aware of just how much influence the man has.

Moe Greene is indeed untouchable in Vegas but Michael has never been the type of Don to fear anyone. When he sets his eyes on something, he always ends up getting it. That Moe Greene ends up becoming one of the Corleone crime family’s biggest enemies is Michael’s fault since it’s he that tried to bully his way into another man’s territory.

When The Corleone Family Discusses Pearl Harbor

“They Didn’t Know It Was Pop’s Birthday.”

In a flashback scene at the end of the second installment of the trilogy, the Corleone siblings remember Vito’s birthday on December 7, 1941, which happened to be the same day that Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor. The attack angered Sonny who claimed that the Japanese had the nerve to attack America on their father’s birthday. Well, Fredo goes on to defend the Japanese.

The comment is as amusing as it is true. Even if they somehow knew it was Vito’s birthday, the Japanese forces weren’t going to hold off their attack just because of that. Nevertheless, the moment shows just how loyal Sonny is to the family and how Fredo isn’t. The latter later confirms this by betraying Michael.

When Fredo Bonds With Michael At A Havana Cafe

“How Do You Say ‘Banana Daiquiri’?”

Michael and Fredo head over to Cuba to meet Hyman Roth and strike a deal with Fulgencio Batista’s government so that the Corleone crime family can conduct operations there without interference. As the two sit in a cafe and talk about their family, Fredo marvels at one of the Cuban cocktails.

The quote is memorable because it’s a reminder of the only friendly moment between the brothers. In the rest of their scenes, they are ever arguing or antagonizing each other. Fredo’s words also emphasize the fact that he is more about play and work. To him, how a cocktail is pronounced is more important than whether a deal will be made.

When Fredo Defends Moe Greene

“He Flies Off The Handle Once In A While, But Me And Him, We’re Good Friends. Right, Moe?”

During Michael’s chat with Moe Greene, he demands to know why the Las Vegas boss slapped Fredo around in public. Greene had done this because Fredo was sleeping with all the cocktail waitresses.

Since Greene took him in when he’d become an outcast after failing to protect Vito during the assassination attempt, Fredo makes a habit of constantly sucking up to him.  He is keen on not doing anything to anger him and that’s why he is quick to deny that Greene did him any wrong by slapping him around.

When Fredo Laments Being Used As An Errand Boy

“Send Fredo Off To Do This, Send Fredo Off To Do That!”

Fredo doesn’t agree with Michael when he claims he has always taken good care of him. On the contrary, he believes his younger brother has gotten so used to using him as an errand boy.

From Fredo’s complaints, it’s apparent that he’d like to have a much bigger role in the family. However, nothing he has done has made him earn that. He was with his father when he was shot yet he couldn’t protect him. He has also embarrassed the family time and time again by impregnating dozens of women. If he was to be Don, he obviously wouldn’t be respected.

When Fredo Remembers Fishing As A Kid

“Every Time I Said A Hail Mary, I Caught A Fish.”

After learning that Fredo conspired with his enemies, Michael waits until his mother dies to order a hit on his brother. Al Neri, one of the best enforcers in The Godfather, thus takes Fredo fishing in order to whack him away from everyone’s eyes. Before he is shot, Fredo reminisces how he used to say the hail mary before fishing because it brought him lack.

Fredo’s recollection of his early fishing days boldens the trilogy’s religious themes. Just like crime, the church is heavily infused into the proceedings. Even though the mobsters commit plenty of sins, they still yearn to be closer to God. Al Neri is even kind enough o allow Fredo to say another hail mary before he shoots him.

When Michael Discovers Fredo Betrayed Him

“I Swear To God I Didn’t Know It Was Going To Be A Hit.”

Nick Geraci and Don Vincent “The Jew” Forlenza rope in Fredo on their plan to take down Michael. An attempt is then made on Michael’s life and he finds out that Fredo was involved.

Fredo is honest by claiming that he had no idea how far Michael’s enemies would go. Out of desperation, he was simply partnering with people he thought could increase his net worth. After all, Michael had sidelined him. Nonetheless, this also shows his naivety since in the mob, “taking someone down” means killing them.

When Fredo Gets Escorts For Michael

“That’s For You To Find Out.”

Michael is surprised when Fredo welcomes him to Las Vegas by offering him escorts He asks who the women are and Fredo tells him that it’s up to him to ask their names. Michael isn’t impressed since he is only focused on business so he orders Fredo to dismiss them.

It’s yet another moment that illustrates why their such a huge canyon between the two brothers. One is only focused on achieving greatness while the other prioritizes partying and attending to his hedonistic pangs of hunger. The difference in priorities makes it impossible for them to ever agree.

When Fredo Regrets His Life Choices

“Sometimes I Think I Should Have Married A Woman Like You Did.”

In yet another private chat with Michael, Fredo shows his admiration for Michael’s life. He declares that being a playboy his entire life hasn’t brought him any fulfillment.

It’s interesting that Fredo admires Michal’s marriage since Michael is totally unhappy. Being with Kay is the only thing that has brought him sadness. Still, it’s evident that Fredo made the wrong choice since family is highly valued in the Cosa Nostra and he has none of his own.

About The Author

Philip Etemesi
(1211 Articles Published)

Philip Etemesi is an author, journalist, screenwriter and film critic based in Nairobi. Kenya. As a child, he preferred watching movies like The Goodfellas instead of Home Alone. His girlfriend constantly has to pull him from the front of the TV but he just keeps returning. Stubborn dude! An animal lover, Philip also has a pet giraffe called Refu.

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