The Summary
Apollonia, a young Sicilian woman, meets Michael Corleone shortly after he arrives in Sicily. A humorous scene ensues when Michael and his bodyguards inquire of Signore Vitelli, a local tavern keeper, if he can identify the beautiful woman Michael is in love with. Vitelli is at first humorous and supportive of this, saying that Michael has his eye on the ladies. However, when they describe her as a woman of Greek features and wearing a purple dress and pink bow, Vitelli angrily says he does not know her, then leaves their table. When Michael's bodyguards realize that the girl is Signore Vitelli's own daughter, both beg Michael to flee, but Michael, speaking through his bodyguard and interpreter Fabrizio, soon gains Signore Vitelli's respect by introducing himself, not fearing to reveal his identity. He apologises for any offence he may have delivered. Michael asks and receives Signore Vitelli's permission to court Apollonia under the chaperonage of her family. After a brief courtship, they are married and enjoy their lovemaking.
Sadly and shockingly, Apollonia is killed by a car bomb intended for Michael. The attack was set up by Fabrizio, who had betrayed Michael to Corleone family enemies back in Michael's native New York City. In an unfortunate twist of fate, she unknowingly put herself in danger when she wished to impress Michael by telling him she taught herself how to drive, which was uncommon for Sicilian women. Fabrizio was alarmed that Apollonia was in danger when she got in the car, but was unable to warn her, instead making a fast exit to get away from the forthcoming bombing. In the book, she is pregnant at the time of her death, but this detail is not specified in the film. The explosion is powerful enough to throw Michael off his feet and knock him unconscious. Don Tommasino, a Sicilian Don who is a long and trusted friend of Michael's father, moves Michael to a hospital. Michael regains consciousness a few days later, whereupon Don Tommasino informs Michael of his wife's death.
Only when Tom Hagan is sure that it is safe for Michael to return to the United States, is he summoned. More than a year later, he contacts his previous girlfriend, Kay Adams. She is unaware that he had been married while he was living in Sicily. They marry and have two children.
She mentions Michael's first marriage in The Godfather III when she and Michael travel around Sicily together. Michael also tells his daughter Mary that she bears a resemblance to Apollonia.
Read more about this topic: Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone
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