Did Don Vito Corleone Ever Go After Bruno Tattaglia?

The question of whether Don Vito Corleone ever directly went after Bruno Tattaglia is a common point of discussion among fans of the The Godfather trilogy. However, in the movies and the original novels by Mario Puzo, his actions towards Bruno are mostly strategic and influenced by the dynamics within the crime world.

Earlier in the film, Bruno Tattaglia is portrayed as the weakest of the five families. He was not seen as a direct threat to Don Vito until the incident involving the drug deal orchestrated by Virgil Sollozzo. Sollozzo claimed that Tattaglia was behind his drug business, which increased tensions and shifted Don Vito's focus.

The Sollozzo Meeting and Strategy

Following Virgil Sollozzo's allegation, Don Vito Corleone decided to take a more aggressive stance against not just Bruno Tattaglia but the other four families as well. In order to eliminate any potential threats and consolidate power, a plan was put together to assassinate the heads of the five families simultaneously.

However, the actual execution of this plan involved indirect actions. For instance, after the failed assassination attempt on Don Vito at the hospital, Sonny Corleone carried out the hit on Bruno Tattaglia. This is evident from the dialogue when Michael mentions to Virgil Sollozzo, “after the hospital thing, Sonny got mad. We hit Bruno Tattaglia at 4am.”

It's important to note that while Don Vito likely organized and sanctioned the hit (as part of his broader strategy), the direct execution was left to Sonny. This approach reflects both the hierarchical structure of the Corleone family and Don Vito's strategic thinking in managing complex crime syndicate operations.

Strategic Decisions and Power Consolidation

Don Vito Corleone's strategies in dealing with Bruno Tattaglia were rooted in the larger agenda of power and control within the crime families. He recognized that any threat to the Sollozzo operation would have broader implications for the entire criminal enterprise.

By focusing on Tattaglia and other rival families, Don Vito aimed to create a clear chain of command and ensure that any challenge to his authority was effectively neutralized. This broad range of actions demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Don Vito's leadership in the criminal underworld.

Conclusion: Don Vito's Strategic Approach

In sum, while Don Vito Corleone did not personally go after Bruno Tattaglia, he certainly orchestrated the hits and maintained a strategic focus on neutralizing the threat. His actions reflect the intricate balance of power and the necessity of strategic planning in the criminal world as depicted in the The Godfather.

Whether in the movies or the novels, the methodical and strategic approach of Don Vito Corleone is a key element of his character and the overarching narrative of the The Godfather series.