Why Michael Did Not Discuss the Corleone Family’s Plan with Freddo Before the Meeting in Vegas

One of the most pivotal and intriguing scenes in The Godfather is when Michael Corleone, the patriarch of the Corleone family, decides to orchestrate the buyout of Moe Greene during a meeting at The Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas. Why, then, did Michael not discuss this crucial plan with his brother, Fredo, beforehand? This question has captivated many viewers over the years, prompting a deeper exploration of the underlying dynamics and motivations in the scene.

Reasons Behind Michael's Decision

While the decision was ultimately made during a crucial moment, several factors contributed to Michael's choice to not discuss the plan with Fredo:

Timeline and Time Constraints

Michael likely had already made the decision by the time he saw Fredo, who had only just arrived in Las Vegas. Michael's meeting with Moe Greene was imminent, and he had little time to discuss the plan with Fredo. This timeline suggests that the decision was likely made after their last confrontation, and by the time Fredo arrived, it was too late to modify the plan.

Mfredo's Inability to Handle Family Business

Fredo was not seen as a competent member of the family by Michael. Michael believed that Fredo was not capable of managing family business and thus saw no need to involve him in such a critical plan. This sentiment is rooted in Fredo's unreliable and sometimes reckless behavior throughout the series.

Fredo's Fear and Potential Backstabbing

Michael was also concerned that Fredo might inform Moe Greene out of fear. Moe Greene was a significant and dangerous player in the business, and Michael feared that Fredo might inadvertently backstab him. By keeping the plan a secret, Michael aimed to prevent any possible betrayal or manipulation by Moe Greene.

Key Dialogues and Actions

Interestingly, there is a critical conversation where Michael does engage in a brief exchange with Fredo about his plans. After the girls and band were dismissed from the room, Michael made it clear that he was there to buy out Moe Greene's share of the casino business. Fredo, however, seemed uninformed, as he mentioned that Moe had never communicated with him about selling his share. Michael responded with the famous line, 'He would soon, and he knew it well. I’ll make him an offer he can't refuse,' indicating that he would handle the matter as he saw fit and that Fredo would have no say in it.

Another noteworthy point is that during the scene, Michael discussed something else with Fredo: Banana Daquiris. Any conversation between Michael and Fredo at this point was aimed at setting him up or tearing him down. Michael never worked with Fredo in this capacity; he used Fredo merely as a tool, given Fredo's limited influence and impact on the family's operations.

Moe Greene's Knowledge

It is worth noting that Moe Greene was already aware of the offer from Michael. This knowledge was effectively woven into the fabric of the narrative, highlighting the strategic nature of Michael's actions and the careful orchestration of the scene. Michael knew that Moe was involved in theft, and hence, any preliminary announcement or warning from Moe about the impending meeting could serve as a valuable asset to the Corleone family’s negotiation strategies.

In conclusion, Michael's decision to keep the plan secret from Fredo was rooted in multiple practical and strategic considerations. These factors, combined with the timeline and dynamics of the scene, underscore the complexity and careful planning evident in the Corleone family's operations. Viewing the scene through a lens of Michael's motivations adds a new layer of understanding to this iconic moment in cinematic history.