“Pezzonovante” in Sicilian,
literally means $
1.90. This term usually is applied to persons of importance. The implication in
Al Pacino’s reply is that he doesn’t want or need to be famous or important.
Don Corleone: I knew Santino was going to have to go through all this and
Fredo... well,
Fredo was... But I, I never wanted this for you. I work my whole life, I
don'
t apologize, to take care of my family. And I refused to be a fool dancing on the strings held by all of those big shots. That's my life, I
don't apologize for that. But I always thought that when it was your time, that you would be the
one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.
Michael: Another pezzonovante.
Don Corleone: Well, there wasn't enough time, Michael. There just wasn't enough time.
Michael: We'll get there, Pop. We'll get there.