Fontane is the godson of Don Vito Corleone, and his career was helped by the intervention of the mafia boss at least twice. The first time was when Don Corleone bought out a contract that Fontane was locked into, after some violent persuasion. The second, the infamous horse-head scene, is an act of intimidation, carried out at the Godfather's behest, to ensure Fontane receives a part in a major studio movie.
Fontane is a minor character in the movie adaptation, but in the original novel, the character is far more central, with large portions of the book dedicated to his adventures and misadventures in Los Angeles and Las Vegas; his precarious friendship with childhood friend and former partner Nino Valenti; and his struggles with losing the singing voice that made him famous.
Fontane appears to be based, at least in part, on the famous American actor and singer Frank Sinatra. Fontane was portrayed by Al Martino.
The character of Johnny Fontane is expanded upon in the novel The Godfather Returns by Mark Winegardner where the parallels with Sinatra continue. In the 2004 novel, Fontane campaigns for the presidential election of his friend, a young and privileged governor from New Jersey (as Sinatra did for then-Senator John F. Kennedy from Massachusetts). The other members of the Rat Pack are also represented (albeit with different names).
LAYOUT BY ANTONIO MONTANA
