The Real Life Godfather in The Godfather: Don Corleone's Inspiration

When one thinks of mafia leadership, the character of Don Vito Corleone from The Godfather film series comes to mind. But many are unaware that this iconic character is not a fictional creation, but a combination of real-life mobsters who graced the world of organized crime. In particular, Mario Puzo's writings suggested that Don Corleone is based on several key figures in the mafia, including figures like Frank Costello, Carlo Gambino, and Salvatore Bonanno. However, Mario Puzo's personal revelations shed an interesting light on the creation of Don Corleone.

The Creation of Don Corleone

Mario Puzo, the author of the Incredible book and screenplay for The Godfather, recounted an amusing anecdote regarding the creation of Don Corleone. The story revolves around a conversation he had with his mother and sister, which provides a unique insight into the genesis of one of cinema's most beloved characters. When Puzo was informed of the substantial book advance for The Godfather II, his sister congratulated him on achieving a considerable sum, specifically mentioning a $50,000 advance. Intrigued, Puzo called his mother to ask her about it, only to reveal the actual figure was a staggering $500,000.

Amused by her reticence, Puzo's mother replied with a piece of advice: "Baby, you always have to play things a little closer to your vest." This comment not only speaks to the modesty and prudence of the real-life mobsters from which Puzo drew inspiration but also provides a glimpse into the careful way in which Don Corleone's character was crafted. It is this blend of personal insight and fictional narrative that makes The Godfather so compelling and enduring.

Key Figures Behind Don Corleone

Several real-life figures were instrumental in shaping the character of Don Corleone, with Frank Costello, Carlo Gambino, and Salvatore Bonanno standing out. Frank Costello, also known as the 'Tommy A' of the racketeers, was a notorious figure in the New York mafia. His sharp business acumen and meticulous approach to leadership are reminiscent of Don Corleone's traits. Similarly, Carlo Gambino, the 'Beef' of Brooklyn, was known for his strategic alliances and business deals, instantly bringing to mind the diplomatic and shrewd nature of Don Corleone.

Salvatore Bonanno, one of the founding members of the Bonanno crime family, was praised for his organizational skills and personal integrity. These qualities, combined with the business-like approach of figures like Joe Profaci and Vito Genovese, provided a rich tapestry of traits and behaviors that were woven into the character of Don Corleone. The complexity of these figures, with their multifaceted personalities and strategic approaches, allowed Puzo to create a more nuanced and layered character.

The Influence of Mario Puzo's Mother

The anecdote about Mario Puzo's mother, while humorous, reveals a profound truth about the humble roots from which many mafia leaders come. It is not uncommon for these leaders to operate on a careful, almost secretive, basis, hugging close their intentions and strategies - a trait encapsulated in Puzo's mother's advice. This duality of being both a powerful and cautious figure is exactly what Don Corleone embodies.

The combination of these real-life mobsters and Puzo's personal conversation with his mother underscores the careful balance of power, secrecy, and strategic thinking that defines the real-life Godfather. It is this balance that has allowed characters like Don Corleone to endure in the public consciousness, standing as a testament to the real-life men who shaped the organized crime world.

Whether Frank Costello, Carlo Gambino, or Salvatore Bonanno, these real-life figures provided inspiration for Mario Puzo to create a character that remains a timeless icon. The lessons learned from their lives, filtered through the lens of a writer's imagination, have resulted in a character that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, the character of Don Corleone in The Godfather is not merely a fictional creation but a blend of real-life mobsters and the personal insight of the author. This blend of reality and fiction has allowed the character to become a lasting symbol of organized crime leadership, embodying the very traits that Puzo's mother advised to be played "closer to the vest."