Moe Greene
| Moe Greene | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | The Godfather |
| Last appearance | The Godfather |
| Created by | Mario Puzo |
| Portrayed by | Alex Rocco |
| Information | |
| Gender | Male |
Morris "Moe" Greene is a fictional character appearing in Mario Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather and movie. The character's name is a composite of real Las Vegas mobsters Moe Dalitz, or possibly Moe Sedway, and Gus Greenbaum. However Greene's personality is based on Bugsy Siegel. Greene is portrayed in the movie by Alex Rocco.
The Godfather
Moe Greene is introduced in The Godfather as a renowned Jewish mobster and former executioner for Murder Incorporated. He is credited with the development of gambling and entertainment in Las Vegas and bringing the interests of the most powerful organized crime organizations in America to the town. Greene is in business with Don Vito Corleone, who bankrolls the creation of Greene's first hotel-casino. In return, Greene takes the Don's son Fredo under his wing during the war between the Five Families in New York, due to the intervention of West Coast Don Anthony Molinari. Although Fredo is greatly influenced by both Greene and the city, family heir Michael Corleone disapproves of the effect it has on his brother, whom Greene reportedly chastised and slapped around in public.
At a meeting with Greene, Michael expresses his disapproval and makes an offer to buy out Greene's entire interest in the casino as part of the Corleones' relocation to Nevada. Offended, Greene angrily refuses, claiming that the Corleones have neither the favor nor the power required to drive him out of the business. He also belittles Michael's credentials as a Don, saying, "I made my bones when you were going out with cheerleaders!"
In the climax of the novel and film, Michael has Greene killed as part of his plan to eliminate the Corleone family's enemies. Michael's personal assassin Al Neri surprises Greene while he is getting a massage and shoots him through the eye. Greene's casinos then become property of the Corleone family.
The Godfather: Part II
Greene's death also plays a part in the second film in the series. Greene was a childhood friend to Michael's business partner and rival Hyman Roth, and it is implied that Roth's anger over Greene's murder is one motivation for his plan to destroy Michael.
