Compared are the Italian Version and the German Version (both available on the German DVD by filmArt).


70 differences, consisting of
- 22 removed scenes (incl. numerous recuts)
- 11 additional scenes (incl. numerous recuts)
- 30 extended scenes
- 2 extended scenes in the Italian Version
- 4 scenes with alternate footage
- 1 missing logo
- Length difference: 435.88 sec resp. 7 min 15,88 sec


Battle of the Godfathers is a German/Italian co-production from 1973 and it excists in 3 different versions: The German Version ("Zinksärge für die Goldjungen"), the Italian Version ("Il re della mala") and the US Version ("Battle of the Godfathers"). Since I do not have the US Version, I can't determine how this one differs from the German and Italian Version.
However, there are huge differences between the German and Italian Version because a seperate cut based on the footage that was shot was edited for each country. Not only do the names of the characters differ (e.g. Otto Westermann is called Hans Werner in the Italian Version) but there are also huge differences in its content. The perfect example would be that Otto resp. Hans attempts to get rid of Luca from the very beginning in the Italian Version. For that reason, Otto does not back off from arson, robbery or murder. In the German Version, the very same footage shows how Otto retaliates after Luca kills his son Carl. In other words, Otto is a mean SOB in the Italian Version while he simply wants revenge in the German Version. The dialogs differ as well but listing all the differences would be way too complicated because basically, I would have to list them all. But I think it is safe to say that due to the different dialogs and adding/removing some dialog here and there, the characteristics have changed. In the German Version, it appears that a series of unfortunate events is the reason why the situation between Otto and Luca escalates at some point, they seem to be more cold-hearted in the Italian Version. Like they never gave a damn from the very beginning. Nevertheless, both versions fit the viewing pattern back in the day because at that time, numerous similar crime flick were released in Italy - some of them starring Henry Silva. Both versions are worth watching and because of all the differences, one actually should watch both of them if that is possible.


Time index refers to
Iatlian Version – German Version

Logo
00:00 / 00:00

Only the German Version begins with a Constantin Film logo. In the Italian Version, the feature film immediately starts.

19.2 sec


Alternate Footage / Recut
00:00 / 00:19

The versions start differently resp. the beginning is much longer in the Italian Version.
The Italian Version contains several shots of Hamburg while the German Version only shows the Queen Elizabeth coming into port. Also in the Italian Version but later. To be more specific, it is used when the Queen Elizabeth comes into port and Luca comes off the ship in the subsequent shot. Also, the scenes of Otto are used later in both versions (at least some of the shots are).

Italian Version 60.48 sec resp. 1 min 0.48 sec longer

Italian Version	German Version

Removed Scene
01:23 / 00:42

The Italian Version only contains the beginning of Otto's speech. While the Italian Version then continues with the next shot of Otto's speech, the scene is not over in the German Version. Two of Otto's guys are arriving with a carriage - two men are being used as horses. Otto's guys think it is funny but Otto disagrees. He makes it pretty clear he does not like it at all. He then pays the two guys used as horses, then he continues his speech (from the off).

52.76 sec

Italian Version	German Version

Removed Scene / Recut
01:29 / 01:41

Otto's speech continues and again, the Italian Version only contains the beginning of it. Then a small scene showing one of Otto's guys beating up a hooker and take her cash from the purse. At least, this part is also in the Italian Version - later.

14.8 sec

Italian Version	German Version

Extended Scene
01:40 / 02:07

The shot of the horse race is insignificantly longer in the German Version.

0.36 sec


Extended Scene
01:49 / 02:15

When the jockey gets beaten up because he disobeyed Otto's orders to lose the race, the shots are a bit longer in the German Version.

3 sec


Additional Scene
01:57 / 02:27

Additional exterior shot in the Italian Version.

Italian Version 5.12 sec longer



Additional Scene / Recut
02:03 / 02:27

Now, the hooker gets beaten up in the Italian Version as well (no screenshots).

Italian Version 11.8 sec longer


Additional Scene
02:14 / 02:27

Further additional exterior shot in the Italian Version.

Italian Version 2.88 sec longer



Extended Scene
02:17 / 02:27

The roulette table slightly earlier in the German Version.

0.08 sec


Extended Scene
02:22 / 02:32

Longer shot in the German Version.

2.24 sec



Additional Scene / Recut
02:33 / 02:45

Following Otto's order, his men are torching some joint. Later in the German Version as well.

Italian Version 58.52 sec longer



Additional Scene
03:49 / 03:03

Additional shot in the Italian Version.

Italian Version 3.32 sec longer



Alternate Footage / Recut
03:52 / 03:03

Alternate footage of the Queen Elizabeth coming into port. The Italian Version here contains the shot used at the beginning of the German Version.

12 sec

Italian Version	German Version

Alternate Footage / Opening
05:11 / 04:33

The opening is entirely different. The German Version contains a simple freeze frame while the credits are rolling. The Italian Version is technically a spoiler because it contains footage from the actual movie. Also, the credits are in Italian while the German Version contains German credits.
Fun fact: The order of the listed actors is different. For instance, Henry Silva's name pops up first in the Italian Version while his name follows the name of Herbert Fleischmann in the German Version.

Italian Version 41.36 sec longer

Italian Version	German Version

Removed Scene / Partially Recut
07:16 / 05:57

When the weapons are being delivered and unloaded, the beginning of the shot is missing in the Italian Version. Subsequently afterwards, the end of this shot (carrying boxes) is also in thee Italian Version.

22.24 sec



Extended Scene
07:16 / 06:19

The weapons on the table briefly longer in the German Version.

0.16 sec


Additional Scene / Partially Recut
07:19 / 06:23

Now the end of the shot when the weapons are being unloaded (please see last screenshot at 07:16 / 05:57).

Italian Version 4.56 sec longer


Additinal Scene
07:24 / 06:23

Additional shot of the weapons on the table in the Italian Version. Contrary to the first (identical) shot of the weapons (please see 07:16 / 06:19), the camera here zooms in on the weapons.

Italian Version 4.88 sec longer


Removed Scene / Recut
09:14 / 08:08

Now, a longer scene is missing in the Italian Version. At first, Sylvia serves her dad some beverage. A small dialog follows, then Luca's guys at work. Both is in the Italian Version as well but not in a row.

71.04 sec



Extended Scene
09:14 / 09:19

The shot of Luca and Kate starts earlier in the German Version. Only here, the camera zooms in on them. When they kiss, the versions are back in sync.

12.96 sec



Additional Scene / Partially Recut
09:47 / 10:05

The Italian Version now shows Luca's men at work as well (no screenshots).

Italian Version 18.76 sec longer


Removed Scene / Recut
10:37 / 10:36

The Italian Version lacks a sequence with a length of almost 3 minutes resp. it comes up later.
At first, we see Luca at family dinner which is anything but peaceful because Luca is fighting with both his mom and Kate.

Then Otto and his girlfriend. First, Carl shows up and then Erik.

Now, more footage at the horse track. Luca's men are not happy about Otto's horse being 1st. For that reason, they kill the jockey.

173.2 sec resp. 2 min 53,2 sec


Additional Scene / Recut
12:16 / 15:08

Now the previously mentioned sequence in the Italian Version but the order of the scenes is different. In both versions, it starts with Luca at family dinner. But the Italian Version then shows the jockey getting smoked. Not until then, we see Otto with his girlfriend, Carl and Erik.
All in all, this sequence is 27.64 sec shorter in the Italian Version (no screenshots).

Italian Version 145.56 sec longer


Removed Scene
14:54 / 15:21

3 missing shots of Tiger's training in the Italian Version.

9.68 sec



Extended Scene
14:54 / 15:30

Luca slightly longer in the German Version.

0.04 sec


Extended Scene Italian Version
15:48 / 16:25

Otto and his men slightly longer in the Italian Version.

Italian Version 0.12 sec longer


Extended Scene
17:06 / 17:43

Otto and Luca longer.

2 sec



Removed Scene
18:08 / 18:47

Only the German Version shows Otto at the bowling alley. He screws up and Luca makes a snarky remark about it. Otto passes a bowling ball to Luca who also blows it which is grist for Otto's mill. Luca then goes back to is men.

44.2 sec



Extended Scene
18:08 / 19:31

Luca earlier in the German Version.

1.2 sec


Extended Scene
26:25 / 27:49

The Italian Version only contains the end of the shot of Sylvia.

6.92 sec



Extended Scene
27:29 / 29:00

The Italian Version lacks a part of the scene and Erik and Sylvia after they had sex. Only in the German Version, they have a little chat before Erik gets up.

12.28 sec



Additional Scene / Recut
28:41 / 30:25

Now Sylvia serving her dad something to drink (please see 09:14 / 08:08). (no screenshots)

Italian Version 51.96 sec longer


Additional Scene / Recut
29:33 / 30:25

Now a 3-minute-sequence missing in the German Version here.
For starters, Otto briefs his people how to proceed resp. he explains his plan.

Several shots of Otto's people in action follow.

Then Otto and his girlfriend. Otto is getting a call.

Now Luca at his house. He also has a plan how take down Otto for good.

Italian Version 191.64 sec longer


Removed Scene / Recut
33:19 / 30:59

While being busy with his girlfriend, Otto now gets a call in the German Version as well (no screenshots).

23.84 sec


Extended Scene
33:50 / 31:54

Luca and his mom, who obviously has some health issues, longer in the German Version.

7.16 sec



Extended Scene
35:03 / 33:15

Longer shot of Luca's men chasing Carl in order to kill him.

2.72 sec



Extended Scene
36:31 / 34:45

Carl longer when he runs away to take cover because he is out of ammo.

1.08 sec



Extended Scene
38:00 / 36:16

Longer shot in the German Version.

3.96 sec



Removed Scene
39:11 / 37:31

The Italian Version lacks the entire scene with Otto and Luca when the doctor informs them about Luca's mom's condition. When the doctor leaves the house, the versions are back in sync.

49.88 sec



Additional Scene
39:38 / 38:48

After the two Asian guys get the order to kick Carl's butt, Carl gets kicked once and goes down in the German Version. That is it. In the Italian Version, he gets back up and then gets punched and kicked several times.

Italian Version 14.48 sec longer



Extended Scene Italian Version
39:55 / 38:50

For a change, a close-up starts slightly longer in the Italian Version.

Italian Version 0.8 sec longer