Why All Men Should Be like Vito Corleone

If all men behaved as the character of Vito Corleone as depicted by Marlon Brando and Robert DeNiro in "The Godfather," and "The Godfather, Part II," women would have no problem with them.

While some might shudder at the thought of taking up with a mafia kingpin, the character of Vito Corleone is much to be admired. Here was a man who came from Sicily, after having a "hit" put on him by the local mob boss, as a nine year old child and managed to make a fortune.

Of course, Corleone did this by selling liquor, running illegal gambling and prostitution rings and unions, but he had some good qualities as follows:

He was willing to work hard to make an honest dollar. In "The Godfather Part II," Corleone is a young man working at a grocery store as a clerk. He has a wife whom he supports and lives in a tiny apartment. Although there is crime and corruption all around them, Corleone is an honest worker. Unfortunately, the "black hand" mobster in the neighborhood steals his only income by forcing the store owner to give Vito's job to his nephew.

He does not want charity. After Corleone is forced to leave his job at the grocery store, the owner tries to give him food. He does not accept and holds no ill feelings towards the store owner whatsoever. But he won't take charity.

He does not bring his work home. After getting fired, instead of going home and ranting and raving about it to his wife, he doesn't even tell her. Instead, he brings home a pear to her as a present.

He does not cheat on his wife and is devoted to his children. This is apparent throughout both films and especially in the original film when the older Vito, played by Marlon Brando, tells his godson that "a man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man."

He is kind to old people. In The Godfather II, Corleone helps a widow whom his wife befriends. He doesn't ask for anything in return.

He spares his wife harm. Not only doesn't he get her mixed up in his business (leading her into danger), but despite his grief over seeing his son's body riddled with bullet holes, tells the undertaker to fix him up because he doesn't want his wife seeing her son this way.