Don Fanucci

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Don Massimo Fanucci is a fictional character appearing in The Godfather Part II. He is portrayed by Gastone Moschin.

Don Fanucci was the don of the neighborhood in which the young Vito Corleone lived at the turn of the century. Fanucci demanded "protection" money from neighborhood businesses, and did not confine his demands to non-Sicilians, which is considered a sign of disrespect in the Mafia. Corleone witnessed Fanucci threaten to disfigure a young girl when her father refuses to pay him. He also indirectly lost his own job when Fanucci demanded that his friend Genco Abbandando's father provide employment for Fanucci's nephew.

Corleone watched Fanucci wander the streets without obvious protection, but took no immediate action. However, when Fanucci demanded a substantial cut of the illegal business Corleone conducted with Pete Clemenza and Sal Tessio, he saw an opportunity to take the don's place.

When Vito met with Fanucci, he offered only a fraction of the amount demanded - $100 of the $600 Fanucci expected. Fanucci was impressed with Vito's courage, and offered him work.

Corleone followed Fanucci to his apartment down the street, and prepared to execute him. When Fanucci arrived, Corleone shot him three times in the face. (Unbeknownst to Corleone, his young son Santino was watching the whole time.) Corleone and his friends then took over the neighborhhood, treating it with a great deal more respect than Fanucci did, and so earning his neighbors' loyalty.