I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom, but I taught her never to dishonor her family. She found a boyfriend; not an Italian. She went to the movies with him; she stayed out late. I didn't protest. Two months ago, he took her for a drive, with another boyfriend. They made her…
The Undertaker's Plea — The Godfather
An undertaker recounts the brutal assault on his daughter and the failure of the American legal system to deliver justice, leading him to seek help from Don Corleone.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Thriller · Source: The Godfather · Author: Mario Puzo · Characters: BONASERA
About This Scene
This monologue, "The Undertaker's Plea," is a powerful and emotionally charged piece extracted from the iconic film The Godfather. It features the character Bonasera, an undertaker, as he recounts the brutal assault on his daughter and his subsequent disillusionment with the American legal system. Driven by desperation, he turns to Don Corleone, seeking a form of justice that the courts failed to provide. The scene masterfully conveys themes of family honor, betrayal, and the profound grief of a father.
Character Analysis
Bonasera is a man of traditional values, deeply committed to his family and the honor of his daughter. He initially embraces American ideals, believing in its system of law and order, which makes his eventual despair even more profound. His journey from an upstanding citizen to a man begging for retribution highlights his desperation and the depth of his pain. He is articulate, despite his emotional state, and his narrative reveals a man who has lost faith in institutions and is driven by a primal need for his daughter's assailants to face consequences.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is exceptional for auditions because it offers an actor a vast emotional landscape to explore, from initial hopeful faith to crushing despair, rage, and a desperate plea. The clear narrative arc allows for a strong build in stakes and intensity, demonstrating an actor's ability to sustain focus and convey complex feelings. Its specific, vivid imagery and clear objective (to gain Don Corleone's intervention) provide excellent motivation for performance.
Best Suited For
This monologue is best suited for male actors in their 50s to 60s who can authentically portray profound grief, simmering rage, and a sense of desperate pleading. It strongly favors actors with a capacity for intense emotional vulnerability coupled with a dignified, albeit distraught, presence. This piece is particularly effective for dramatic roles in thrillers, crime dramas, or any project requiring a character to convey a deep sense of injustice and desperation.
Performance Tips
When performing this monologue, focus on the contrast between Bonasera's initial belief in the American system and his crushing disillusionment. Allow the raw emotion of his daughter's assault and the subsequent legal injustice to fuel your delivery. Pay close attention to the shifts in his emotional state, from recounting the events with a heavy heart to his outburst of rage at the "suspended sentence." Remember that despite his despair, Bonasera is still trying to present his case logically to the Don, so maintain an underlying sense of purpose and a desire for resolution throughout.