40 Memorable Movie Lines Most People Don’t Know Were Improvised

In a pivotal scene from The Godfather (1972), Paulie Gatto’s betrayal of Vito Corleone leads to his execution by Peter Clemenza and another mobster. Amidst the tension, Clemenza’s iconic order, “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli,” emerges as a memorable aspect of the film. Actor Richard Castellano improvised this line, infusing it with a blend of pragmatism and dark humor that resonated with audiences.

Director Francis Ford Coppola recognized its brilliance and immortalized it in the final cut, cementing its status as one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history, encapsulating the essence of the film’s themes and characters.