He attempted to maintain good relations with all those he dealt with and became irritable with those who clearly disliked him, such as Tom Hagen. By this time, relations between the two men had clearly recovered considerably.Īn impulsive man, Johnny loved his family deeply but allowed himself to become separated from them due to his wandering eye. Johnny continued to appear in films, but was not too much of a star to sing Michael Corleone's favourite song "To Each His Own" in 1979 at a party celebrating Michael's receiving of the Order of Saint Sebastian. At this time, his tumultuous love life subsided, and Johnny finally settled down with Francesca Corleone, daughter of his old friend Sonny Corleone, whom he married. He also received the role of Christopher Columbus in a blockbuster picture starring Deanna Dunn and Oliver Smith-Christmas. However, he was still highly sought after, and was given the prestigious honour of being Grand Marshall of the Columbus Day Parade in New York City. Johnny's career began to drift at this time, and he earned the nickname 'One Take Johnny' from directors. "I'm just going into the kitchen to listen to some Tony Bennett records." ―Johnny Fontane and Michael Corleone The two had hostile relations at this time, and Michael dismissed Fontane harshly, claiming what he did with his money was none of Michael's concern.įamily life " Hey Mike, where you going, it's your favourite song!" Due to difficulties with the Gaming Commission, he wished to sell his share of the Castle in the Clouds, but asked for Michael's permission first. At about this time, Johnny had his third marriage to Annie McGowan, the host of a famous puppet show, but this marriage was short lived. Around this time, Johnny's divorce from Ashton came through, and he began to rebuild his relationship with Ginny.ĭon Corleone also helped Fontane by helping him win the Academy Award, in return, Johnny made a star out of his old friend Nino (also a godson of Vito's) who later died from his heavy drinking habits shortly after appearing in a widely successful film. Realizing that he would likely be next if he didn't give in, Woltz granted Johnny the part. When Woltz still refused to budge, he woke up the next morning to find the severed head of his prize stud horse, Khartoum, in his bed. After they paid a deathbed visit to Genco Abbandando, the Don sent Tom Hagen on that night's redeye flight to Los Angeles in order to negotiate with Woltz. Johnny arrived at Connie's wedding, where he entertained the guests before asking the Don if he could help him secure the part. There was only one problem: Jack Woltz, the head of the studio, hated Fontane for having made off with one of his mistresses and spitefully refused Johnny the part, especially because he knew it would put Johnny's career back on track.
THE GODFATHER FONT SIMILAR MOVIE
Just such a movie was in production, a war film which featured a main character that seemed to be written for Johnny-as Johnny put it, he wouldn't even have to really act in order to play it. With his singing career looking grim, Johnny sought to make it in big movies, not the singing buddy pictures he had done but Oscar-winning blockbusters. His condition worsened until he could barely sing for ten minutes without suffering a hoarse throat for three days after. It wasn't long after his second marriage fell apart that Johnny started developing a sore throat. Johnny Fontane sings "I Have But One Heart". While Luca held a gun to Halley's head, Don Vito pushed a release check for $1,000 in front of him and told him that either his brains or his signature would be on it.
Later, Don Vito visited Halley with his enforcer Luca Brasi and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Don Vito visited the bandleader and offered to buy out Johnny's contract for $10,000.
This action estranged him from his godfather, who thought the act was highly disrespectful to Johnny's children and their mother.Įarly in his career, Johnny was once assigned to Les Halley, a bandleader he wanted to break off from, so Johnny called upon his Godfather for help. After finishing college, he married his childhood sweetheart Ginny, and had three children ( Lisa, Angie and Trina), but later left her for Hollywood actress Margot Ashton, who turned out to be a floozy. From an early age, Johnny had a talent for singing which was encouraged by his music teacher Sister Immaculata, and with the subtle help of his godfather, Vito Corleone, was able to break into show business, often playing at clubs such as The Breslin. Johnny was a childhood friend to the children of Don Vito Corleone as well, especially Sonny Corleone. Born in Little Italy, Johnny Fontane grew up with Nino Valenti, who remained a close friend.