Basic Information

MOVIE TITLE: The Godfather: Part II

DIRECTOR: Francis Ford Coppola

YEAR OF RELEASE: 1974

CHAPTER WHICH CONTAINS CLIP: (2 disc set: disc 2, ch 3)

CLIP START TIME:  (2 disc set: 14:00)

CLIP END TIME: (2 disc set: 19:20)

CLIP TOTAL RUN TIME: 5:20

Note: Times can vary depending on which player you're using to show clips. It's always a good idea to verify start and end times before class.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SCENE:

Michael Corleone is questioned by Senators about the activities of the Corleone Family; the senators claim it is a crime syndicate but Corleone claims it is a legitimate business. Corleone asks & is given permission to read a prepared statement. Clip ends with the Senator saying they'll have a witness to contradict Corleone's testimony & Corleone may be charged with perjury.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Corleone Family was part of the NY mafia, but moved to Las Vegas part of Michael Corleone's efforts to stop the illegal parts of the business & focus on legitimate investments. He has so far been unable to completely stop the underground business, and the still has ties to former associates (still in NY) that continue to act as mafioso. (Anyone who has seen the first movie knows he's lying through his teeth.)

LEGAL CONCEPT OR RESEARCH TECHNIQUE CLIP ILLUSTRATES: 

Example of what might be included in a Senate hearing; effect of interested witnesses. Discuss the effect of this kind of witness on the historical record/legislative history

Additional Information 

OTHER WAYS THIS CLIP COULD BE USED: discussion of perjury

OTHER CLIPS WITH WHICH SCENE COULD BE PAIRED: Clips from the original Godfather movie showing each of the acts he's accused of during the hearing so everyone knows he's lying (may be necessary if students are unfamiliar; follow up scene where Pentangeli is intimidated testifying before the senate.