The Godfather: Why Sollozzo's Men Did Not Shoot Michael and Enzo At the Hospital

In , the scene at the hospital where Michael Corleone and Enzo the Baker are confronted by Solloz's men is one of the most tense and pivotal moments in the entire film. The reason Solloz's men do not shoot Michael and Enzo immediately, despite having the opportunity, can be attributed to a combination of strategic considerations, uncertainty, and fear of retaliation.

Uncertainty and Risk

Hospitals are typically bustling with activity, and a public shooting could attract unwanted attention. Solloz's men, who are experienced in their craft, are likely aware of this. A shooting in such a high-traffic area could lead to immediate police intervention, making their escape more complicated and increasing the risk of being apprehended. The chaotic environment of the hospital could also create confusion, making it harder for the attackers to achieve their goal without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.

Strategic Timing

Solloz's plan was focused on eliminating Vito Corleone, and Michael, at this moment, was not the primary target. They might have believed that they could wait to kill Michael later, especially since he was not yet fully involved in the family's business and was seen as less of a threat than his father. This strategic approach allowed them to focus on removing the immediate threat to Vito's life without risking a broader confrontation.

Enzo's Presence

Enzo, standing with Michael at the main entrance, was visibly distressed and trying to look tough. His demeanor created a scene that might deter the attackers. While Enzo was not a trained guard, his presence could suggest that he was connected to the Corleone family. This potential alliance or familial connection could make the assailants think twice about acting in such a public setting, especially with the knowledge that there might be heavily armed bodyguards inside the hospital.

Fear of Retaliation

The Corleone family's reputation for violence and retribution is well-known. The attackers may have been cautious about provoking a larger conflict by killing Michael, who is seen as the future of the family. Tampering with the power structure could lead to unforeseen consequences, and the attackers might have feared the repercussions of such an action.

The Complicated Plan of McCluskey

The NYPD captain, McCluskey, was supposed to remove all the Corleone men from the hospital before Solloz's team arrived to finish off Vito. However, when the assassins rolled up and saw Michael and Enzo at the entrance, they immediately assumed that the plan had failed. They recognized that the hospital interior was likely still swarming with heavily armed Corleone bodyguards. The attackers, seeing two men standing guard, presumed that the interior was equally protected, making any attempt to eliminate Vito inside the hospital a risky proposition. Instead, they decided to wait for a more opportune moment or location to execute their plan.

This moment in the film highlights the tension between the characters and sets the stage for Michael's transformation throughout the film. It also illustrates the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and strategic considerations that define the Sicilian mob in .

Overall, the decision to hold off on the attack reflects a combination of cautious strategic planning and the chaotic nature of the situation at hand. Solomon's men's hesitation during this critical scene adds depth to the plot and provides a valuable insight into their mindset and motivations.