Moe Greene

This article is aboutThe Godfathercharacter. For the unrelated character inSCTV,seeHarold Ramis.

Moe Greene
Alex Roccoas Moe Greene
First appearance	The Godfather
Last appearance	The Godfather
Created by	Mario Puzo
Portrayed by	Alex Rocco
In-universe information
Title	Enforcer
Occupation	Casinos' proprietor,mobster,hitman(formerly)
Family	Roth Syndicate Barzini crime family(ties) Murder, Inc.(formerly)

Morris"Moe"Greeneis a fictional character appearing inMario Puzo's 1969 novelThe Godfatherandthe 1972 film of the same title.Both Greene's character and personality are based onBugsy Siegel:his affiliation with themob in Los Angeles,his involvement in the development of Las Vegas, and his flamboyant tendencies.Greene is portrayed in the movie byAlex Rocco.

The Godfather

Greene is introduced inThe Godfatheras a renowned Jewish mobster and former executioner forMurder, Inc.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 Nevada. Greene is in business with DonVito Corleone,who bankrolls the creation of Greene's first hotel-casino. In return, Greene takes the Don's second son,Fredo Corleone,under his wing during the war among theFive Familiesin New York, with the Molinari Family guaranteeing Fredo's safety. Although Fredo is greatly influenced by both Greene and the city, family heirMichael Corleonedisapproves of the effect it has on his brother, whom Greene reportedly chastised and slapped around in public.

At a discreet 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 and are only moving to Las Vegas because the other families are chasing them out of New York. In the film, he also belittles Michael's credentials as a Don, saying, "I made my bones when you were going out with cheerleaders!"

In the novel, Greene is murdered shortly afterward byAl Neri.At the end of the film, Michael has Greene killed as part of his slaughter of the Corleone family's enemies. Neri surprises Greene while he is getting a massage and shoots him through the eye. This allows Greene's casinos to 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 rivalHyman Roth,and it is implied that Roth's anger over Greene's murder is one motivation for his plan to destroy Michael Corleone.

Legacy

Alex Rocco's portrayal of Greene "cemented Rocco's place in Hollywood mob cinema". Greene's character and death scene have been described as "iconic".Greene's death is loosely based on the murder of mobsterBugsy Siegel.

The phrase "Moe Greene special" was coined in reference to his execution by being shot through the eye.Moe Greene special has subsequently been referenced in other gangster shows includingThe Sopranos,in the episode "Meadowlands".

In 1998, he inspired the title of anOff-Broadwaydrama,Moe Greene Gets It in the Eye.