Why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother?

Why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother? - Happy adorable black children speaking while reading books

In The Godfather 2 Frankie Pentangeli is before a committee ready give evidence against Michael Corleone. His brother enters the room and Frankie to immediately changes his story.

Was it just out of guilt or was there another less obvious reason?



Best Answer

There's another less obvious reason that was left out of the final cut of the film.

From Wikipedia:

The finished film leaves unclear exactly what about his brother's presence motivated Frank to change his story. The final film only states that Vincenzo is himself a Mafia chieftain in Sicily. An early draft of the film explains that Vincenzo, shocked that Frankie is about to break his blood oath and betray the Corleones to government authorities, attends the hearing to remind Frankie that he must not break the Mafia's code of silence, Omertà. His brother's presence, as well as the stare they exchanged, serves as a threat that if Frankie follows through with his planned testimony, retribution will be taken against his children, who are living in Sicily under Vincenzo's guardianship.




Pictures about "Why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother?"

Why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother? - Ethnic mother and little kids reading book in bed
Why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother? - Focused black boy and girl watching interesting book
Why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother? - Focused black children reading fairytale on sofa



Why did Pentangeli brothers appear?

Michael instead had Vincenzo flown in from Sicily. Vincenzo's presence at the hearing was to warn his brother against testifying and thus breaking the code of omert\xe0. The two brothers exchanged a glance before the hearing was called to order.

Why does Frank Pentangeli not testify?

Because Pentangeli's protective custody was so secure, Michael could not have him killed before the hearing. Instead, he flew Vincenzo in from Sicily. Upon seeing his brother in the committee room, Frank denied his written testimony and feigned ignorance of the Corleone family's criminal activities.

Was Pentangeli supposed to be Clemenza?

Pentangeli's character was created in The Godfather Part II by Coppola and Puzo due to actor Richard Castellano not reprising his role as Clemenza in the sequel.

What is a Pentangeli moment?

Specifically, I am referring to the infamous scene in which Frankie Pentangeli, who is set to testify as to what he knew about Michael Corleone's crimes, all of a sudden clams up. That's because Corleone has arranged for Frankie Five Fingers' brother to come in from Sicily.



Why Did Frank Pentangeli Change His Mind? | The Godfather Explained




More answers regarding why does Frankie Pentangeli immediately change his story when he sees his brother?

Answer 2

I would assertively say that the capture of Pentangeli's brother by Michael may very well serve as a sign that Hyman Roth is on the dead list. That is to say, Hyman has lost all his power but Pentangeli, whose brother has been deprived of Hyman's protection (or surveillance) and exposed to the killing muscle of Michael. Your brother is on your enemy's hand and so are all your other odds. The only way out is to get what your enemy wants.

Answer 3

This is correct. At one point in his testimony, Frank Pentangeli says "I have a family of my own" (or something very close to that), meaning, they'd be in danger if he testified against the Corleones.

Answer 4

I have a family of my own, Senator.

I took this statement as a way of letting the committee know that if he testifies his entire family will all die quite gruesomely. The look from his brother also meant that Frankie’s entire life would stand for nothing.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Marta Wave, Alex Green, Marta Wave, Marta Wave