Don Altobello
Appearances
The Godfather Part III
He is an aging gangster and longstanding ally of the Corleone crime family. He was the consigliere of Rico Tattaglia from 1955 to 1961, and becomes the don of the Tattaglia crime family in 1962. By the time of Godfather III, he has become a close friend and ally of Michael Corleone. Altobello even donates one million dollars so he could be a part of the Vito Corleone Foundation. Aside from being an associate of Michael's, Altobello is also Connie Corleone's godfather.
The film plot implies that Altobello wants in on Michael investments as he tries to complete his family's move from crime-based profits to legitimate business. Altobello skillfully hides his nefarious intentions for the most part. However, Michael becomes suspicious of his motives after Joey Zasa, a Corleone Family rival, orchestrates an assassination attempt on Michael and other family heads assembled for a Commission meeting in Atlantic City. Altobello leaves the conference room before the attack. Michael escapes without injury, but many of the others in the room are killed. Michael then instructs his nephew Vincent Mancini-Corleone to go to Altobello and pledge his allegiance to him, without promising to betray Michael.
While in Sicily, Altobello enlists the services of an assassin, Mosca, who conspires to kill Michael at the Teatro Massimo opera house when his son Anthony is set to debut in Cavalleria Rusticana. Before the performance, Connie presents him with a box of cannoli as a birthday gift. He suspects the cannoli may be poisoned and offers Connie the first bite. Connie takes a small bite of the cannoli, reassuring him. He finishes eating the poisoned cannoli & dies in his seat as Connie watches through her opera glasses.
Sequel novels
Altobello is a supporting character in the novels The Godfather Returns and The Godfather's Revenge, set before the events of The Godfather Part III.
