MovieChat Forums > The Godfather (1972) Discussion > The horse's head scene

The horse's head scene

posted 3 years ago by Misty (267)
6 replies | jump to latest

The scene where studio boss Jack Woltz realises that he is outmatched by the Godfather, despite àll his power in Hollywood. His refusal to cast Johnny Fontane in his war movie results in an amazing act of intimidation.

When Tom Hagen is being shown around by Woltz on his estate, Tom would have noted how much Woltz loved his race horse Khartoum. It was a prized possession. The idea to take away Woltz's pride and joy must have started there. Tom would have reported that back to Vito Corleone who would have then given the order.

[–] Drooch (5333) 3 years ago

Don Vito seems like such a nice grandfatherly figure, his grandkids run around his office and he strokes his cat.

Weird to imagine him giving the order - ‘Yeah, let’s go with your horse idea Tom. Saw its fucking head off then sneak it into the guy’s bed while he’s a asleep, like some kind of fucked up Santa. Thanks again Tom, try and get back before dinner cos Mama Corleone is making lasagne’ etc. etc.

[–] Misty (267) 3 years ago

Don Corleone was the head of a criminal empire based on violence and intimidation. He may have been a " nice grandfatherly figure" but he was not a saint. The scene right at the beginning of the film lays out who he was. Mr Bonasera comes to him seeking vengeance for the assault on his daughter. Michael tells Kay about the Johnny Fontane-band leader story which involves Luca Brasi threatening the band leader to release Johnny from his contract. The details of how Tom would convince Woltz to change his mind, would not have been discussed. It would have been so clear and dramatic, that Woltz could not say no.

[–] Drooch (5333) 3 years ago

Yeah I know, it’s just that we never see Vito doing evil deeds.

I actually find it weird that people get on their moral high horses over Michael but give Vito a free pass.

[–] elcamino (15540) 3 years ago

Well the movie was going to shoot in a week from being said at the wedding.Don knew from that he didn't have time to discuss further on. The producer was only given one chance to decide.

[–] daveyh (640) 2 years ago

there's a deleted scene which would take place between Tom Hagen leaving Woltz's and the horse's head scene, showing Tom already back at the Corleone residence talking with Sonny and Vito (it also shows Connie and Carlo having a heated argument and Sonny wanting to intervene then) - Tom basically reports back and Vito says something to the effect of "we'll give it to Luca", and THEN they cut back to Woltz's to show the horse's head scene, before going back to the discussion between Tom, Vito and Sonny, in which the topic changes to Sollozzo.
So i guess it's Luca who comes up with the horse's head stunt - must be to express his gratitude at being invited to the house on the day of his daughter's wedding.
I think it plays a lot better without the scene, the way the screams are still being heard as Vito's image slowly appears on screen, the first time we've seen him since the wedding.

[–] kwestmo (4385) 2 years ago

In the novel, the horse head event is done by LA people. Union or Mafia.