The film’s many modifications changed the original intent of all three producers, changing the way the American Italian gangsters are and were portrayed. It is understood that the Hay’s office did not want to condone violence and criminals in a time when violence seemed to be the only option. Gangsters made money and had fun, while everyday American’s waited in soup lines.
The alternative endings had changed the view of who Tony was. The original ending painted him as a hero, a man on top of the world. This sent a red flag to the Hay’s office, thus forcing the alternative ending. In the alternative ending, Tony is basically clawing away, trying to avoid the inevitable fate. The alternative ending painted Tony to be a coward, and taught the audience that ‘violence doesn’t pay’.
This alters the original intent of the producers, the movie no longer portrays the life of a gangster, but rather what the Hay’s office deems morally safe.
